Explora Journeys Offering The Ultimate Luxury Ocean Travel Experiences In Hawaii, Us Pacific Coast, And The Mediterranean

Geneva, Switzerland, 29 January 2024 - Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, invites travellers to discover some of the most unique itineraries for the upcoming 2024 season. Guests have the chance to explore the vibrant landscapes of Hawaii and the US Pacific Coast from March to May 2024 onboard EXPLORA I, or the captivating ports of the Mediterranean from June to November 2024 onboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II from August 2024.

Koray Savas, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Explora Journeys said: “Explora Journeys takes pride in curating itineraries that feature off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as marquee ports, providing a unique blend of relaxation and exploration, while allowing ease of access. Our European art of hospitality is seamlessly integrated into each journey, allowing those travelling with us to experience the warmth and authentic charm of these diverse destinations in effortless luxury and comfort. With a host-to-guest-ratio of 1:1.25, we offer a truly personalised experience for every guest onboard.”

The combinable itineraries are carefully designed to allow a more leisurely travel experience, enabling travellers to extend their time in each destination with overnight stays in port, fostering a deeper immersion in the local culture and environment. At each stop, Explora Journeys ensures guests have the chance to explore genuine cultural, historical, and culinary treasures from an extraordinary vantage point.

The brand has extended its inaugural “Total Luxury Offer”, until 25 March 2024, so that guests can benefit from up to 40 % savings on their journey.

Hawaii & US Pacific Coast:

From the city of Vancouver to the stunning volcanic islands of Hawaii, sailing across the Pacific Ocean lets guests enjoy a journey where time loses its pull and allows to connect with the rhythm of the waves to reach an “Ocean State of Mind”.

With five generous days at sea, travellers can embrace the laid-back atmosphere onboard EXPLORA I, where there are no deadlines, but only time measured by yoga at sunrise, a pool-side cabana at noon, cocktails at sunset, gourmet dining and thrilling entertainment at night.

Once ashore, guests can take part in cardio-hikes in Volcano National Park or helicopter tours over active volcanos, with each journey seamlessly blending down time and exhilarating excursions. Experiences include a private tour of Pearl Harbour and the Punchbowl Crater that cradles the National Memorial Cemetery. EXPLORA I will remain longer in port, so guests can attend a traditional Hawaiian Luau or venture to the legendary surf spot of North Shore.

Highlight itineraries include:

·       Hawaiian Journey - Hawaii Volcanos & the Magic of Kai 

o   Nine nights, 18 to 27 April 2024, Vancouver (Canada) to Honolulu Oahu (USA)

·       Hawaiian Journey - “No Ka ‘Oi” of Hawaii

o   Nine nights, 27 April to 6 May 2024, Honolulu Oahu (USA) to Vancouver (Canada)

Mediterranean Sea:

In summer 2024 Explora Journeys invites travellers to uncover the hidden secrets of both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean Sea, where guests can immerse themselves in the tastes and scents of the sea breeze, fragrant herbs, and citrus tones, while discovering a rich blend of cultural, historical, and culinary wonders.

The combinable itineraries of 7, 14 and 21 nights include iconic ports like Mykonos (Greece), Ibiza (Spain), Venice (Italy), Istanbul (Turkey) and Athens (Greece), along with unique off-the-beaten-path destinations and smaller ports such as Rovinj (Croatia), St. Tropez (France), Porto Cervo (Italy), Portofino (Italy), Syros (Greece), Calvi – Corsica (France), and Marmaris (Turkey). Guests can embrace the effortless style of Mediterranean living as they explore a rich medley of cultural, historical, and culinary delights.

Koray Savas further added: “EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, which will join our fleet in August 2024 with her inaugural sailing from 11 August, offer the discerning traveller the ultimate way to experience the Mediterranean this summer. From sunrise to sunset, guests can indulge in truly European luxury both onboard and in our carefully curated destinations. We stay longer in ports, offer overnight stays, and choose unconventional arrival and departure times to ensure a truly unique experience – far away from the crowds.”

Explora Journeys goes beyond the ordinary with distinctive experiences ranging from marvelling at the breath-taking monasteries of Meteora (Greece) to a night visit to Sultan Ahmet's mosques in Istanbul (Turkey). Other highlights include a truffle hunt experience in Rovinj (Croatia).

Highlight itineraries in the Western Mediterranean on EXPLORA II include:

·       A Journey from Barcelona to Rome

o   Nine nights, 11 to 19 August 2024, Barcelona (Spain) to Civitavecchia Rome (Italy) 

o   Visiting Ibiza (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa (Italy), Portofino (Italy), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Porto Santo Stefano Argentario (Italy)

·       A Journey from Rome to Tarragona

o   Seven nights, 16 to 23 September 2024, Civitavecchia Rome (Italy)  to Tarragona (Spain)

o   Visiting Sorrento (Italy), Lipari Aeolian Islands (Italy), Trapani Sicily (Italy), Siracusa Sicily (Italy), La Valletta (Malta)

Highlight itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean on EXPLORA I include:

·       A Journey to Heroes and Warriors of the Ionian Sea

o   Seven nights, 9 to 16 August 2024, Fusina Venice (Italy) to Piraeus Athens (Greece)

o   Visiting Hvar (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro), Brindisi (Italy), Nydri Lefkada (Greece)  

·       A Journey to the Jewels of the Aegean Sea

o   Seven nights, 23 to 30 August 2024, Istanbul (Turkey) to Piraeus Athens (Greece)

o   Visiting Bozcaada (Turkey), Bodrum (Turkey), Rhodes (Greece), Katapola Amorgos (Greece), Paros (Greece), Piraeus Athens (Greece)

·       A Journey to Boho-chic Beaches and Lands of Legends

o   Seven nights, 30 August to 6 September 2024, Piraeus Athens (Greece) to Marghera Venice (Italy)

o   Visiting Patmos (Greece), Corfu (Greece), Otranto (Italy), Zadar (Croatia)

The most luxurious guest experience at sea:

Explora Journeys’ ships offer refined yet effortless luxury and thanks to their spacious design, they offer an incredible richness of experiences, all whilst maintaining a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity. With six diverse restaurants serving a variety of culinary delights from Mediterranean to Pan-Asian inspired cuisine, and 11 bars and lounges, guests will be transported on a culinary journey around the world. The four swimming pools - three outdoors and one indoor with a retractable glass roof - and the ocean-inspired wellness facilities offer travellers a place of tranquillity and relaxation, all whilst enjoying spacious suites created to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’.

Among the generous inclusions on each journey are:

·       In-suite welcome bottle of champagne upon arrival

·       Authentic, cultured and intuitive service from our team of hospitality experts

·       Nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining

·       Unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime, including in-suite mini-bar

·       Access to the spa thermal area

·       Wellbeing and fitness programmes on board and at the destinations

·       All on-board gratuities

·       Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship via Starlink connectivity

·       Shuttle services from port to city centre (where applicable/available)

A seamless and efficient booking process is available for guests either by their preferred travel advisor, via the digital booking suite www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors or through the Explora Journeys website www.explorajourneys.com with a team of multilingual Explora Experience Ambassadors available to personally assist. Dedicated concierge services including flight, hotel and transfer bookings are available.