The first ship from luxury cruise line Explora Journeys will feature Ocean Terrace suites described as ‘Homes at Sea’ – and no single-use plastic – when it debuts in 2023. Jenny Southan reports

A sub-brand of MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys has unveiled the design of its Ocean Terrace Suites on its first cruise ship, Explora I, ahead of her maiden voyage in May 2023.

Apparently, Explora Journeys was born from a “long-held vision” of the founders, the Aponte Vagos, the family who own MSC Cruises.EXPLORA IA statement says the family’s 300 years of nautical heritage, coupled with their “innate understanding of luxury”, has allowed them to “carefully curate” the design of the suites, penthouses and residences on board.

Each of the ship’s 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences will come with its own private terrace (7-11 sqm), which creates an extension to the living space complete with daybeds and an al fresco dining area.EXPLORA I EXPLORA I EXPLORA IThe design of each suite has been developed in collaboration with De Jorio Luxury and Yachts projects, and London-based architectural and interior design studio NenMar.

Suites will measure from 35 sqm (in the Ocean Terrace category) to 280 sqm for the Owner’s Residence, and will all come with floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum natural light.

Other features include a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer; heated floors in the bathrooms; binoculars; wireless bed-side charging; a personal minibar replenished according to the guests’ preferences; espresso machines with bio-degradable pods; a kettle and a teapot; a refillable water bottle; and 24-hour guest services.

Globetrender is also pleased to report that bathroom amenities will be refillable and there will be no single-use plastic on board.EXPLORA I EXPLORA IMichael Ungerer, chief executive officer of Explora Journeys, says: “The Homes at Sea have been a long-held vision of the Aponte Vago family. It is a truly exciting and profound moment for us to be able to welcome future guests to the carefully curated suites, penthouses and residences.

“We aspire to elevate the ocean experience and luxury travel to new heights, whilst being respectful to the ocean, environment, and the destinations and cultures we discover, to ensure we leave a positive legacy for generations to come.” EXPLORA I EXPLORA IFrom next spring, Explora 1 will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations – Kastellorizo in Greece and Saint Pierre in Martinique – that have rarely been visited by cruise ships before.

The itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US East Coast, Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in an epic 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.