The luxury cruise ships of the Explora brand aim to stand out from the crowd with their wellness offers.
Explora Journeys is the luxury brand of the Swiss MSC Group, with their latest addition, Explora ships, sailing from next year. The first vessel of the new brand will launch in the Mediterranean with the other ships – two of which will be hydrogen-powered – following soon after, the liners described as “floating luxury hotels”.
Now the wellness concept for Explora I, the first ship of the new brand, has been unveiled, unsurprisingly called ‘Ocean Wellness’ with the intention to emphasise silence, relaxation and sleep, aspects that have long been thrown overboard on some other cruise ships. Over 1,000 sq metres (10,764 sq ft) of space on the ship is dedicated to a spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas, fitness facilities, outdoor sports court and running track.
“Experiences, programmes and spaces are designed to enhance the ocean’s influence on wellbeing, and help guests achieve inner and outer calm,” Explora Journeys said in a statement. The spa will include 11 treatment rooms, including two private spa suites, and in the thermal wellness area, guests will find a hydrotherapy pool, a steam room, a Finnish sauna and an ice fall, amongst a range of other facilities. They can also choose a nutrition programme or take part in Yoga classes.
In May 2023, Explora I will make its inaugural journey in the Mediterranean: from Barcelona, travellers can choose between an eleven-night journey (including Rome and Istanbul) and a 25-nights-round trip. Explora 1 will have 461 oceanfront suites and residences – all with sea views – on 14 decks; the guest-to-crew ratio will be 1.25 to 1.
