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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.