Explora Journeys is basking in the glory of collecting more than 30 awards, accumulated in just 2.5 years of operation and with a fleet of only two 922-passenger ships – EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.

The luxury cruise line has picked up a string of awards, including ‘Best New Cruise Line’ and ‘Best Cuisine at Sea’, and ‘Best Luxury Cruise Company’, from the likes of Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic and Condé Nast Traveler.

In Sydney on Wednesday night, Nicole Costantin, Head of Sales, Asia Pacific said Explora Journeys emphasises personalised, family-owned experiences. That being the Aponte family, namely Gianluigi and Rafaela Aponte, who founded the brand, and which is overseen by their daughter Alexa Aponte-Vago, and husband Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division.

“At our core, Explora Journeys is all about connections. Connection with the people you’re travelling with, connection to the destinations that you visit, and its all centred around the transformative power of the ocean, which we call the ‘Ocean State of Mind’.”

Costantin said Explora Journeys’ has “nailed” its elegant, boutique hotel approach.

“We operate like a boutique hotel rather than a cruise. It’s very unintimidating and it’s very personal.”

Gillan Seller, Business Relationship Lead, ANZ said the level of detail on board is astounding, with Alexa and Madame Rafaela hand picking every single item on the ship.

“Their design choice is beautiful. It’s quality, it’s sleek, it’s European. Everything has been European, designed and manufactured. The quality is absolutely superb, and it ranges from every fitting, the Frette bed linen, our beautiful Italian furniture on the terrace and underfloor heating in our marble bathrooms, fabulous walk in showers. We have our own beautiful amenities that have been created by an Italian perfumer.”

Onboard its ships, Explora Journeys features six restaurants, five of which are inclusive. Options include European-steakhouse, Marble & Co. Grill, French restaurant Fil Rouge, Mediterranean inspired cuisine at Med Yacht Club, Pan-Asian Sakura and the Emporium Marketplace, which features 18 live cooking stations. The Italian restaurant, Anthology, is Explora Journeys’ signature fine-dining experience, with the menu created by the cruise line’s Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger.

Each ship offers luxurious suites and residences, diverse dining options and comprehensive wellness facilities.

Upcoming itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Asian destinations, highlighting the ultra-luxury line’s commitment to diverse and immersive travel experiences.

Future plans involve four more ships for the brand, with EXPLORA III to enter service next year, then EXPLORE IV and EXPLORA V in 2027, and EXPLORA VI in 2028.

Lead image: Explora Journeys’ Nicole Costantin, Head of Sales, APAC, with Gillian Seller, Business Relationship Lead, ANZ.