There’s something deliciously luxurious about choosing where you’ll sleep on a ship that’s more like a floating private club than a conventional liner. For travellers booking with Explora Journeys — the new luxury lifestyle brand from the MSC Group that launched its first ship in 2023 — the choice between a suite and a residence is less about square footage and more about tempo: do you want a lived-in home at sea, or a serviced stage for being waited on? This guide decodes the difference so you can pick the right space for your journey — whether you’re plotting a Mediterranean sojourn from Barcelona to Venice, an Asia-circling dream that might touch Tokyo, or a sunlit Gulf itinerary calling Dubai.
Two philosophies of luxury: the suite and the residence
At its core, the difference is philosophical. A suite on Explora is designed around the hotel model: immediate service, elegant zone planning and a fuss-free stay that keeps you in the flow of the ship — restaurants, bars, spa and terraces are a short elevator ride away. Explora’s suites range from Ocean Penthouses to Grand Penthouses, offering smartly zoned living and large terraces.
A residence, by contrast, reads like a home at sea. Explora’s Ocean Residences and the singular Owner’s Residence stretch living spaces, bring private terraces (some with whirlpools) and offer a Residence Manager or butler-style service that feels bespoke and domestic rather than choreographed. These spaces invite longer, slower stays — think evenings cooking in (or having a private chef), lingering breakfasts and a sense of being anchored to a single private address while the world slides by.
The Explora breakdown — what you actually get
Explora’s ships were designed with a high ratio of space and service. Explora I and II each present hundreds of ocean-front suites and a selection of residences, plus a single Owner’s Residence that occupies the ship’s full aft for breathtaking panoramas and expansive private terraces. Explora I, for example, touts 461 ocean-front suites across its decks.
Ocean Residences (67–80 sqm / ~721–861 sq ft) deliver roomy indoor living zones, expansive terraces and private outdoor whirlpools in many categories. They’re finished in luxury materials—Calacatta marble bathrooms, Molteni&C and Manutti furnishings—and come with elevated in-suite amenities, while still granting access to the ship’s restaurants, spa and programs. Owner’s Residence is on another scale: roughly 280 sqm (3,014 sq ft) of total space including a forward or aft terrace that can include an infinity whirlpool and alfresco dining. Guests enjoy a dedicated Residence Manager, private dining options, priority reservations and exclusive touches.
Explora also bundles inclusions that soften the decision: culinary experiences, unlimited fine beverages, spa access, high-speed Wi-Fi and gratuities are part of the onboard philosophy for many premium categories — a reassurance for travelers who expect transparency in luxury pricing.
When to book a suite (and why it still feels special)
Choose a suite if you:
- Want immediate, hotel-style service with zero logistics.
- Are staying a short cruise (a few nights to a week) and plan to be out exploring ports like Barcelona and Venice more than you’ll be in your room.
- Prefer an efficient, beautifully designed living space that still keeps you in the social current of the ship.
A penthouse or grand penthouse is particularly smart for couples or small families who like having a single polished living area and a large sun terrace. It’s the classic “arrive, be pampered, depart” luxury that still makes for great Instagram moments.
When to book a residence (and why it’s worth the splurge)
Choose a residence if you:
- Are taking a longer voyage or want the comfort of separate living, dining and sleeping areas.
- Travel with family, need space to entertain, or simply dislike living out of a suitcase.
- Want elevated privacy — residences tend to be located in prime positions with larger terraces and private outdoor amenities.
Residences are perfect for the traveler who wants to wake up in one place — make coffee, take a dip in a private whirlpool, host a cocktail hour — but still enjoy the ship’s restaurants, spa and concierge. The Owner’s Residence is essentially a floating pied-à-terre for the ultra-few who want every imaginable service handcrafted to order.
Practical tips to choose between them
- Length of stay: Suites are brilliant for short to medium voyages. Residences win for week-plus adventures.
- Privacy vs sociability: Choose a residence for privacy; a suite if you enjoy more ship-life proximity.
- Family size: Residences or adjoining suites make life simpler for families — look for connecting options if you want separate rooms. Explora II, for example, highlights connecting suites designed for multi-generational travel.
- Budget math: Residences might appear pricier per night, but when you factor in space, private outdoor areas and included extras, the per-person cost can work out favourably for longer stays.
- Service expectations: If having a single point person — a Residence Manager or dedicated concierge — matters, check the property brief for that exact promise. Explora specifies Residence Manager services for the Owner’s Residence.
Ready to choose the perfect space for your next voyage with Explora Journeys?
Call us now at 888-717-5074 to personalize your booking — whether it’s an Owner’s Residence with a private whirlpool or a Grand Penthouse for a city-hopping escape.
Book Your Explora Journeys Cruise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Explora “Residences” permanently owned like real estate?
A: Explora offers residential-styled categories (Ocean Residences and the Owner’s Residence) as part of its suite roster; some luxury brands sell branded residences ashore, but on Explora these are ship-managed suite categories with Residence-level service.
Q: Do residence guests get the same restaurant access and spa privileges?
A: Yes — residence guests have full access to onboard restaurants, bars and the spa, plus additional priority benefits or extras depending on the category. Explora’s inclusions list covers many of these elevated perks.
Q: Can I get butler or private-chef service in a suite?
A: Many of the higher suite and residence categories include butler-style service or the option to arrange private dining. The line’s Owner’s Residence explicitly lists a Residence Manager and bespoke services.
Q: Which is better for a honeymoon or special celebration?
A: Both. Book a suite for theatrical romance and immediate pampering; book a residence for private celebrations, entertaining friends or multi-night events with a home-like flow.
