Explora Journeys presents Ocean Journeys designed specially for multi-generational families

Geneva, Switzerland, 11 May 2023: Explora Journeys extends a very special welcome to families with a dedicated programme that caters for multi-generations travelling together.

With suites that interconnect, a Nautilus Club for young and teenagers, and special destination experiences created to maximise enjoyment for all generations, families embarking on the trip of a lifetime on board EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II can expect an inspiring journey and wonderful memories.

Interconnecting suites: a luxurious home at sea

Guests can choose from 82 interconnecting suites in three luxurious categories: Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. These spacious onboard apartments allow families the freedom to create their own ‘home at sea’ with all the privacy they require. Of course, groups don’t come in standard sizes, so families can choose a permutation that will give them the space they need. All accommodation reflects Explora Journeys’ rigorous standards of modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design.

It is the level of detail that gives Explora Journeys’ suites an edge, with every little comfort to help families feel at home. Thoughtful touches abound, such as dedicated bathrobes, slippers and hangers to make younger guests feel special; even tiny travellers will feel cosy with amenities such as baby cribs and bedlinens, blankets and baby pillows.

Journey Together Gathering: an industry first programme

For guests booking a minimum of three/maximum of four suites, with one suite required to be an Ocean Penthouse or Ocean Residence groups can enjoy this space together as a social hub, to gather, relax and enjoy each other’s company in a private setting. This is perfect for a gathering of friends or an extended multi-generational family. In addition, travellers with children will benefit from one under-18 in each suite sailing for free as well as complimentary transfers to the ship for all guests booked on the Journey Together Gathering programme.

Me-time for grownups

Even the most dedicated parents value a little downtime – a tranquil drink, a leisurely swim, or just sitting quietly and enjoying a panoramic view of a perfect sunset. All this and more they will find at the Helios Pool & Bar, reserved solely for adults. In the other public spaces – restaurants, lounges, pools and bars – children are more than welcome. At any time of the day, the culinary team will be delighted to offer a variety of choices to accommodate the wishes of our little guests.

Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, of Explora Journeys, said, “Designing our Journey Together Gatherings programme has been a highly collaborative process with the travel advisor community.  We are proud to launch this unique programme, providing a valuable opportunity to target gatherings of friends and multi-generational families.”

Destination experiences specially for families

A family adventure is all about sharing, caring, learning and exploring – and building a wealth of unforgettable memories. Guests can look forward to all this and more. Children, for instance, will have fun while they discover more about the planet: ‘edutainment’ activities might include a visit to a space centre where they will be hosted by an astronaut. Budding oceanographers might find themselves on a whale-watching adventure brought to life by riveting stories from a marine biologist.

Engaging younger guests
* Infants aged 6–24 months will have age-appropriate toys available in-suite, but no organised activities or facilities at Nautilus Club.

Nautilus Club: The attractions of Nautilus Club guarantee that it will quickly become a hub for young and teenagers aged 6–17. Open from 09:00 to 00:00, the huge choice of games, sports, adventures and activities will provide a release for young energies. This includes dedicated time at the Sports Court and one of the heated swimming pools, as well as additional locations around the ship. Throughout, they will be vigilantly led by Nautilus Club hosts certified in safeguarding children and following CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) policies and standards on youth activities. Parents can be assured that hosts are responsible as well as relaxed and creative in their approach to making sure young guests enjoy their time on board.

Even little guests aged 3 to 5 (accompanied by a parent or guardian) are welcome at Nautilus Club. They will find time slots exclusively dedicated to their age group, packed with exciting activities created specifically for them. And although the very youngest travellers aged 6 to 24 months are too tiny to join the fun at the Club, they haven’t been forgotten: there are age-appropriate toys to entertain them in their suites. 

For tech-savvy youngsters, Nautilus Club offers next-generation consoles such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro to sharpen their skills. And if they feel like testing themselves against their peers, they can do so in organised technology tournaments.

Competitive youngsters will find an outlet in a foosball and multi-game table, plus an ultra-contemporary pool table, made by luxury Italian design company MBM Biliardi. When they feel like chilling out with new friends, there’s a jukebox tablet connected to streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple, a wide selection of board games, and a multilingual digital library with books offering a variety of genres.

Young creative talents will love the paint art and craft play sessions, while everyone will enjoy the fun and games in locations throughout the ship. And when it’s time to take a break, a chill-out space offers quiet relaxation. All in all, Nautilus Club’s excitement and opportunities are bound to give young travellers plenty to share with their friends on social media.

Matteo Mancini, Explora Journeys Youth Entertainment Senior Manager, said: “The team here at Explora Journeys has ensured that all children and young people who journey with us will be as entertained, enriched and invigorated as our more experienced, discerning travellers. With Nautilus Club on board our ships, we can offer our young guests an extraordinary experience. For them, luxury is being listened to and having their needs satisfied, and we’ve achieved this by putting young and teenagers at the centre of every choice we make. On board, they’ll find everything they love – a secret place just for them where they can have fun and be themselves. And being part of Nautilus Club will give them the chance to share their unique journey with their friends and on social media. The MSC group combines the expertise gained on board contemporary ships – including winning six ‘Best Cruise Line for Families’ international awards – with its experience in hosting more than 350,000 youngsters every year. It has enabled us to come up with a completely new vision for engaging Generation Z that is packed with innovative details and original ideas.”

Nautilus Club and MSC Foundation: In partnership with the MSC Foundation, Nautilus Club gives young ambassadors for the environment an incredible activity programme focused on caring for planet Earth and its oceans. Expertly designed to engage, fascinate and inform lively young minds, these include immersive workshops and discussions on marine conservation, environmental footprint, the sustainable practices employed on board Explora Journeys’ ships, the impact of tourism, and community support.

The advantages for families sailing together

Young explorers and their families can take advantage of exceptional savings when they journey together:

• Infants aged 6–23 months** sail free of charge.
• Children aged 2–17 years** can enjoy up to 50% off the journey fare.

To benefit from this offer, infants and children need to be registered as the third or fourth guests in the same suite. (The first and second guests are not eligible, regardless of their age at time of sailing.)

* Very young babies (under 6 months old) are unfortunately too tiny to participate in the thrill of an ocean adventure, but we look forward to welcoming them once they reach the age of 6 months.

**Age at the time of sailing.

Savings relate to selected categories of suites. Terms and conditions apply.