New luxury cruise line to offer Iceland, South America and Hawaii itineraries
The latest luxury expedition line to join the cruise industry will offer sailings to several destinations -- including Iceland, South America, Hawaii and more -- in 2023 and early 2024.
Explora Journeys has scheduled voyages to those regions, as well as the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the U.K., Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast and the Caribbean, for when its first ship, Explora I, debuts in May of next year. The new cruise line is part of MSC Group, which also operates MSC Cruises.
The vessel's itineraries range in length from six to 44 nights and include a mix of 132 ports across 40 countries. Included on that list are two ports -- Kastellorizo, Greece, and Saint Pierre, Martinique -- that are brand-new to cruise-ship calls.
"We have created a collection of journeys that offer the perfect blend of celebrated destinations and lesser-traveled ports, both seen from a new and original point of view to inspire and excite our curious, discerning guests and the next generation of luxury travelers," Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer said in a statement.
Here's a brief rundown of the 2023 and early 2024 schedule for Explora I, which is under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
- May - June 2023: Mediterranean, including calls on ports in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Portugal and France
- July - August 2023: Northern Europe, including calls on ports in England, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium
- August 2023: United Kingdom, including calls on ports in England and Scotland
- September 2023: Iceland and Greenland, including calls on ports in those countries and the U.S. and Canada
- September - October 2023: U.S. East Coast and Canada, including calls on New York City, Newport, Boston, Saint John, Quebec City, La Baie, Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Charlottetown and Halifax
- November 2023 - March 2024: Caribbean, including ports in Florida and the Keys, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Antigua, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Colombia, Panama and Aruba, as well as a Panama Canal crossing
- January - February 2024: South America, Pacific Coast and Hawaii, including calls on ports in French Guiana, Barbados, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and ports in California, Canada and Hawaii
But what actually sets Explora Journeys apart from other luxury or expedition brands?
"Explora I and our subsequent three ships will allow guests to enjoy a more immersive, authentic experience and a slower pace of travel," Ungerer said. "They are designed to offer refined yet effortless luxury with the opportunity for exploration and transformation, offering our guests the chance to ... escape to the ocean, relax, create memories and reconnect with what matters most."
The all-inclusive line plans to roll Wi-Fi, gratuities and unlimited drinks into its fares, and its ships will be outfitted with the latest in environmentally friendly marine technology.
Although the itineraries are currently available to browse on the line's new website, I was unable to find a way to actually book a sailing or to search for different cabin types. Bookings should be available via a travel agent or directly through the cruise line.
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