Explora launches programme aimed at multigenerational groups

Passengers can choose from 78 interconnecting suites in three high-end categories: Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. Families can choose a permutation that will give them their desired space. Touches include dedicated bathrobes, slippers and hangers even for youngsters, and amenities such as baby cribs and bed linens, blankets and baby pillows can be provided for the youngest travellers.

Journey Together Gathering

For passengers booking a minimum of three/maximum of four suites, with one suite required to be an Ocean Penthouse or Ocean Residence, groups can enjoy the space as a social hub within a private setting. Travellers with children will benefit from one under-18 in each suite sailing for free, as well as complimentary transfers to the ship for all passengers booked on the Journey Together Gathering programme.

Infants aged 6 months to 23 months sail free and up to 50% off the journey fare applies to children aged 2-17 when infants and children are registered as the third or fourth passengers in the same suite.

‘Designing our Journey Together Gatherings programme has been a highly collaborative process with the travel advisor community,’ explained Chris Austin, chief sales officer, Explora Journeys. ‘We are proud to launch this unique programme, providing a valuable opportunity to target gatherings of friends and multi-generational families.’

Adult only spaces

Helios Pool & Bar, offering panoramic views, is reserved solely for adults. In other public spaces – restaurants, lounges, pools and bars – a variety of choices will be available for kids.

Nautilus Club and destination experiences for families

Children can discover more about the planet with ‘edutainment’ activities that may include a visit to a space centre where they will be hosted by an astronaut or whale-watching brought to life by stories from a marine biologist.

In partnership with the MSC Foundation, Nautilus Club gives young ambassadors for the environment an activity programme focused on caring for the Earth and its oceans. It includes immersive workshops and discussions on marine conservation, environmental footprint, the sustainable practices employed on board Explora Journeys’ ships, the impact of tourism, and community support.

Passengers aged 6-17

Open from 9 a.m. to midnight, Nautilus Club – providing a choice of games, sports, adventures and activities – is suitable for children 6-17 and allows for dedicated time at the Sports Court and one of the heated swimming pools, as well as additional locations around the ship. Hosts certified in safeguarding children and following Cruise Lines International Association policies and standards on youth activities will lead the activities.  

Nautilus Club additionally offers next-gen consoles such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro. Kids can test themselves against peers in organised technology tournaments. A foosball and multi-game table, plus an ultra-contemporary pool table made by luxury Italian design company MBM Biliardi, are further additions.

A jukebox tablet connected to streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple, a wide selection of board games, and a multilingual digital library with books offering a variety of genres are available. The club will provide paint art and craft play sessions, and when it’s time to take a break, a chill-out space allows for quiet relaxation.

Matteo Mancini, Explora Journeys’ youth entertainment senior manager said with Nautilus Club, the line can offer young passengers ‘an extraordinary experience.’ He explained, ‘For them, luxury is being listened to and having their needs satisfied, and we’ve achieved this by putting young and teenagers at the centre of every choice we make.

‘On board, they’ll find everything they love – a secret place just for them where they can have fun and be themselves. And being part of Nautilus Club will give them the chance to share their unique journey with their friends and on social media.’

He said that the MSC Group’s experience, including hosting more than 350,000 youngsters every year, has enabled Explora ‘to come up with a completely new vision for engaging Generation Z that is packed with innovative details and original ideas.’

Younger passengers

Younger passengers 3-5, accompanied by a parent or guardian, can access Nautilus Club with activities during dedicated time slots. There will be age-appropriate toys to entertain travellers 6 months to 24 months in their suites, with children younger than 6 months prohibited from sailing.