MSC Cruises' upcoming, luxury small ship brand Explora Journeys has revealed the design of their Ocean Terrace Suites on its first ship, EXPLORA I, ahead of her inaugural voyage in May 2023.
The founding, Aponte Vago family has collaborated with superyacht, cruise and luxury hospitality designers and architects on the design of the suites, penthouses and residences to create a luxurious 'Homes at Sea' concept. The design reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating an Ocean State of Mind, thanks to light, colour, space, privacy, and connection with the sea.
The cruise line says the suites will combine "elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, to create luxurious, serene, and spacious ‘Homes at Sea.’"
Suites range from 377 square feet on the Ocean Terrace category up to 3,014 square feet for the Owners Residence. The lead in category Ocean Terrace Suites and the 420 square foot Ocean Grand Terrace Suites are "some of the largest in the industry," says Explora Journeys, and feature their own private terrace, between 75 to 118 square feet, creating an extension to the living space complete with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, bringing guests closer to the ocean.
Each ‘Home at Sea’ comprises a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and features a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bedside charging, a personal mini bar replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine with biodegradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest. All guests will benefit from 24-hour guest services to ensure every desire or request is provided.
“The interiors of EXPLORA I have been designed with their enduring dedication and incredible eye for detail, along with their vision for the future, weaving a thread of their passion throughout each touchpoint," said Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys.
"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.”
Suites will be furnished with some of the best of Italian and European design furniture, such as Molteni&C, part of the Molteni Group, the leading independent industrial group in the high-end furniture sector with 100 per cent Italian production. Conscious luxury is reflected in the choice of materials and Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in their dedication to responsible sourcing of materials, and eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic on board.
Sales are now open for the Inaugural Journeys Collection for EXPLORA I from MAY 2023 and in its first year, the ship will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in an epic 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.
