There was a time when luxury cruising and family travel rarely found themselves in the same sentence. You either booked a premium sailing to enjoy fine wines and adult-only spas, or you buckled up for character breakfasts and crowded pools on the family-friendly mega-ships. But what if you didn’t have to choose? What if you could combine the elegance of a boutique European hotel with the magic of shared family moments—without compromising on style, serenity, or a glass of Sancerre?
Welcome aboard Explora Journeys, the new gold standard in ocean travel that’s rewriting the rules for how families cruise. Brought to you by MSC Group’s luxury division, Explora Journeys blends curated adventure with intuitive design, immersive cultural experiences, and yes—genuine family warmth. This is not just about keeping the kids entertained. It’s about inviting every generation to explore the world together in a way that feels intimate, meaningful, and utterly refined.
Luxury, Reimagined for the Modern Family
Not Your Average Family Cruise
Let’s start with the basics. The inaugural ship, EXPLORA I, made waves in 2023 with its sleek lines, 461 oceanfront suites (all with private terraces), and a staggering guest-to-crew ratio of 1.25 to 1. But behind the sophisticated veneer lies a travel philosophy that’s inherently family-friendly—though not in the way you might expect.
Forget clowns and mascots. At Explora, enrichment is the theme. Younger guests aren’t just kept busy; they’re invited to connect with the destinations through curated programs like marine biology workshops, cooking classes with local chefs, or immersive art activities that tie into the culture of each port. It’s about inspiring curiosity while leaving space for freedom, whether you’re 6 or 60.
The onboard Nautilus Club caters to children aged 6–17, and it’s unlike any “kids club” you’ve seen before. Think: sleek Scandinavian design, interactive digital learning, music zones, and curated hands-on experiences. It’s cool enough that even hard-to-impress teens won’t roll their eyes.
Where Luxury Meets Ease
Families crave convenience, and Explora delivers without compromising aesthetics. Picture this: mornings spent savoring breakfast on your terrace as the Mediterranean unfurls before you, followed by a slow-paced day that allows for both independent adventures and reconnection.
Suites are spacious (starting at 377 square feet) and designed with flexibility in mind. Many can connect to create configurations ideal for families, while thoughtful design touches—from generous storage to oversized bathrooms—make multi-generational cruising seamless.
Dining is a true high point. Forget buffets. Onboard options include nine culinary experiences, ranging from the globally inspired Anthology to Emporium Marketplace, where flavors rotate regionally with each destination. Kids are welcome—and celebrated. Menus are diverse enough for picky eaters while still delighting gourmand parents.
Shore Experiences That Everyone Loves
Let’s talk ports. One of the most refreshing aspects of Explora Journeys is its emphasis on slow travel. You’re not being herded off the ship for six hours of frantic sightseeing. Instead, itineraries are designed for immersion and intention. You’ll often find yourself anchored in tucked-away locales like Saint-Tropez instead of Marseille, or Portofino rather than the busier Genoa—offering a more intimate lens into France and Italy, respectively.
Family excursions are anything but ordinary. One day might include a private truffle hunt in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany, the next a glass-bottom kayak adventure along the crystalline coastline of Croatia. In Belgium, little travelers can get hands-on with a chocolate-making workshop in medieval Bruges, while in Greece, they might explore ancient myths through playful storytelling tours in Santorini.
Each experience is completely customizable through the Journey Concierge—your family’s personal travel advisor onboard. And for those moments when grown-ups need their own space, Explora offers “Destination Experiences” curated just for kids, giving you time to linger in a vineyard, roam a museum, or enjoy an unhurried, Michelin-starred lunch—while the little ones are off on adventures of their own.
Wellness for All Generations
You don’t need to sacrifice serenity just because you’re cruising with kids. Explora has woven wellness into the fabric of the ship. Adults can retreat to the spa for sea-salt rituals, hot stone massages, or simply an hour of hydrotherapy bliss, while kids engage in yoga or guided mindfulness classes designed for their age group.
The ship’s outdoor and indoor pools are family-accessible (with one adult-only sanctuary for when you crave true silence), and the fitness center includes family-friendly movement classes like dance or Pilates.
It’s not about separating families—it’s about giving everyone space to recharge in the way that suits them best.
Multigenerational Cruising Made Elegant
One of the most powerful travel trends of the last decade has been multigenerational travel. Grandparents, parents, kids—it’s a way of celebrating legacy, creating shared memories, and spending real time together, away from screens and schedules. Explora gets this.
Their suite configurations make it easy to stay close, and their service philosophy—gracious, anticipatory, and warm—makes it feel like your family is being personally hosted. There’s always a smiling crew member ready with a story, a tip, or a favorite gelato flavor.
Families traveling with grandparents especially appreciate the slow pace and low-pressure itinerary design. You can join the day’s excursion or simply enjoy an afternoon playing cards in the Observatory Lounge, watching the sea roll by.
Sustainability with a Soul
It matters more than ever to raise kids with an awareness of the planet. Explora Journeys doesn’t just talk the talk. Their ships use hybrid-ready energy solutions, shore power connections, and no single-use plastics. Onboard programming subtly encourages environmental awareness—without ever sounding preachy.
There’s even a Young Explorers program that introduces kids to topics like ocean conservation, climate action, and sustainable tourism in age-appropriate ways. For many families, it becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the trip.
Why Explora Journeys Makes Sense for Families Today
Because you’re done compromising. Because your family deserves more than cartoon mascots and crowded buffets. Because these are the years you won’t get back—and you want to spend them sailing from one sunset to the next, with people who matter most.
Explora Journeys has taken the elegance of high-end cruising and infused it with soul, purpose, and a welcoming spirit that celebrates families rather than tolerates them. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, grandparents or godchildren, it’s a journey worth taking.
And once you’ve watched the sunrise over the Amalfi Coast with a croissant in hand and your child snuggled beside you on the terrace—you’ll understand.
It’s not just a cruise. It’s an Explora Journey.
Ready to Redefine the Way Your Family Travels?
Let Cruise Unique help you plan an unforgettable Explora Journey—where luxury meets lasting memories for every generation.
Call us now on 888 717 5074 to speak with one of our luxury cruise specialists and start customizing your perfect family escape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Explora Journeys cruises suitable for young children?
A: Yes. While the brand leans toward refined experiences, children are warmly welcomed. The Nautilus Club offers activities for ages 6–17, and younger children can enjoy curated family shore excursions and onboard learning experiences.
Q: Are there babysitting or childcare services on board?
A: Currently, Explora does not offer in-suite babysitting, but children are cared for in supervised group settings during Nautilus Club hours. Parents can enjoy time alone knowing their kids are engaged and safe.
Q: Are the suites large enough for families?
A: Yes. Suites start at 377 square feet and many can interconnect. They’re thoughtfully designed with families in mind, including spacious layouts, extra storage, and large terraces for shared moments.
Q: What kind of shore excursions are best for families?
A: Options include culinary workshops, wildlife tours, beach adventures, and cultural immersions tailored for all ages. The Journey Concierge can customize excursions based on your family’s interests and mobility.
Q: Is Explora Journeys good for multigenerational travel?
A: Absolutely. With its relaxed pacing, thoughtful amenities, and balance of enrichment and ease, Explora Journeys is ideal for groups of all ages traveling together.
