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Ocean terrace suites onboard Explora I unveiled

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The balcony area of an Ocean Terrace Suite and the interior of an Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
Explora Journeys has unveiled Explora I’s ocean terrace suites, offering a glimpse into what MSC Group’s luxury cruise brand has to offer passengers onboard its first ship.

Each suite has been developed in collaboration with De Jorio Luxury & Yachts projects and London-based architectural and interior design studio NenMar, with the Aponte family also carefully curating the design of the suites, penthouses and residences.

Blending Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, the suites range from 35 sqm (377 sq ft) in the Ocean Terrace category up to 280 sqm (3014 sq ft) for the Owners Residence.

The composition of light, colour, space and privacy is intended to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean while aboard. All suites have sweeping ocean views, with superyacht designers and architects among those working to create the vessel. 

Light and space

Each suite is based on a ‘Home at Sea’ concept offering ample space and privacy.

The 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences come with their own spacious private terrace, have floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light, a neutral colour palette, and a suite layout meant to showcase the marine environment.

The lead in category Ocean Terrace Suites and the 39 sqm (420 sq ft) Ocean Grand Terrace Suites are some of the largest in the industry, and their own private terraces are between 7-11 sqm (75-118 sq ft), creating an extension to the living space complete with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, bringing passengers closer to the ocean.

Explained Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys of the new concept, ‘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. Marrying the family`s impeccable taste and innate understanding of luxury, inspired by their personal travels and style, 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.’

The cruise line aims to embody a contemporary, cosmopolitan, boutique hotel vibe – vibrant, yet chic and intimate.

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Ocean Grand Terrace Suites

Furniture and appliances

Suites will be furnished with some of the best of Italian and European design furniture, such as Molteni&C, part of the Molteni Group, specialists in the high-end furniture sector with 100% Italian production. 

In all suites, high-quality products and iconic pieces by Gio Ponti can be found.

The lighting creates an intimate feel; linear lights integrated with the suite's furnishings are a functional and design-led element, mirroring the flow from the entrance to the window of the suites, to give a clear perspective of space.

Each suite comprises a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and features a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bed-side charging, a personal mini-bar replenished according to passengers’ preferences, espresso machine with biodegradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each passenger. 24-hour guest services will also be available.

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Ocean Terrace Suites

Eco-conscious

The responsible sourcing of materials, eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic onboard are aimed at creating ‘conscious luxury.’  Added Ungerer, ‘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 fleet

Bookings are open for Explora’s Inaugural Journeys Collection for Explora I, which is set to call at 132 ports in 40 different countries in its first year of operation. It makes its maiden voyage in May 2023.

Onboard will be a choice of 10 culinary experiences, nine indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and entertainment. 

The line will have six ships overall – two of which will be LNG/hydrogen-powered – launching between 2023 and 2028.