Age Policy
Minimum Age to Sail
- General Rule: Infants must be at least 6 months old at the time of embarkation.
- Longer Voyages: For sailings of 11 nights or longer (departing on or after May 15, 2025), the minimum age increases to 2 years (24 months).
- Note: If an 11+ night trip is actually a combination of shorter cruises (back-to-back) where the ship returns to its home port, the 6-month rule typically still applies.
Youth Programs (Nautilus Club)
Explora Journeys provides a dedicated space for children and teens called the Nautilus Club.
- Ages 6–17: Full access to the club’s activities, which include gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), VR, sports, and social events.
- Ages 3–5: Welcome to participate in specific age-appropriate activities during designated hours, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Explora III & IV: These newer ships feature an expanded setup with Nautilus Juniors (ages 3–5) and Nautilus Teens (ages 6–17).
Stateroom & Supervision Requirements
To ensure safety and compliance, the following room occupancy rules apply:
- U.S. Ports: At least one guest in each suite must be 21 years or older.
- Non-U.S. Ports: At least one guest in each suite must be 18 years or older.
- Minors Traveling Without Parents: If a minor is traveling with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian, a notarized letter of consent is required for the adult to take responsibility and provide medical authority.
Alcohol and Gambling
The age limits for these activities depend entirely on the ship’s location:
- Alcohol: 21+ years old for sailings departing from or based in North America (US, Canada, Caribbean, Central America). 18+ years old for all other worldwide itineraries (e.g., Europe, Asia).
Note: The age limit is set at the start of the journey and does not change mid-voyage.
- Gambling: Guests must be 21 years or older to enter or play in the casino.
Family Incentives
Explora offers specific pricing tiers to make multi-generational travel more accessible:
- Infants (6–23 months): Usually sail free of charge.
- Children (2–17 years): Often eligible for savings of up to 50% when sharing a suite as the 3rd or 4th guest.
Dining Information
Explora Journeys takes a luxury hotel approach to dining, meaning there are no Main Dining Rooms, no fixed seating times, and almost all specialty restaurants are included in your fare.
Here is the essential breakdown of the dining experience:
The Signature Restaurants (Included)
Most restaurants on board are included in your cruise fare. While you can walk into several, reservations are highly recommended for the most popular spots (especially Marble & Co.).
- Sakura: A Pan-Asian venue offering sushi, sashimi, and Southeast Asian specialties. It features a beautiful cherry blossom canopy and both indoor and outdoor seating.
- Marble & Co. Grill: A high-end European steakhouse. It focuses on premium cuts, including dry-aged beef, and has a sophisticated, clubby atmosphere. (This is typically the hardest reservation to get).
- Fil Rouge: French-inspired international cuisine. It’s elegant and intimate, known for its signature soufflés and high-end breakfast/brunch service.
- Med Yacht Club: A relaxed, la dolce vita style restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes from Italy, Spain, Greece, and North Africa.
- Emporium Marketplace: Far from a standard cruise buffet, this is an upscale food hall with live cooking stations. You’ll find fresh pasta, a rotisserie, seafood, and a boulangerie/pâtisserie.
Casual & 24-Hour Dining
- Crema Café: A European-style café on Deck 4 serving specialty coffees, loose-leaf teas, fresh-pressed juices, and pastries/sandwiches throughout the day.
- In-Suite Dining: Available 24 hours a day. This isn’t just room service—it is a full multi-course dining experience that can be served on your private terrace.
- Gelateria & Creperie: Located at The Conservatory (the main pool area), offering rotating gelato flavors and fresh crepes.
Premium & Specialty Experiences (Extra Cost)
- Anthology: The only restaurant that carries an additional fee. It features a rotating menu curated by world-renowned guest chefs (often Michelin-starred).
- Cost: Typically around $150-$190 per person for the tasting menu, with optional wine pairings.
- Chef’s Kitchen: An immersive culinary class and private dining experience for up to 12 guests. There is a fee for these curated sessions.
Fuel Surcharge Policy
Explora Journeys, like most luxury cruise lines, maintains a policy that allows them to implement a fuel surcharge if energy costs spike, though they typically avoid doing so to maintain their all-inclusive brand promise.
Here is the breakdown of the policy based on their latest terms and conditions:
The Price Guarantee
Once you have paid in full, Explora Journeys guarantees that no change to your Journey Fare will be made. The fuel surcharge policy primarily targets bookings that are not yet fully paid or those made after a surcharge has been officially announced.
The Surcharge Trigger
The company reserves the right to modify the contract price specifically for fuel costs. According to their standard terms:
- The Calculation: Any variation is typically calculated as 0.33% of the price of the journey for every dollar of increase in the price of a barrel of fuel (using the NYMEX Index).
- The Cap: Generally, cruise lines (including Explora) limit any such price increase to 8% of the total package travel price.
Notification & Rights
- 20-Day Rule: No changes to the price of your confirmed travel can be made within 20 days prior to departure. If you haven’t been charged by then, you are safe from surcharges for that specific sailing.
- Right to Cancel: If a fuel surcharge (or any price increase) exceeds 8% of your total fare, you typically have the right to:
- Accept the increase and continue with the booking.
- Book a substitute journey of equal or higher quality.
- Cancel the booking with a full refund.
Strategy to Avoid Surcharges
The most effective way to lock in your price and bypass ptential surcharges is to take advantage of the Early Booking Benefit. By paying in full at the time of booking (which often nets you a 5% to 10% discount), you move into the Price Guarantee category, protecting you from future fuel-related price hikes.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
Standard reservations require a deposit of 25% of the total journey fare. Reduced deposit promotions (e.g. 10%) are strictly non-refundable upon booking. Final payment is due exactly 90 days prior for Standard Suites (Ocean Terrace and Ocean Veranda Suites), and 150 days prior for Ocean Residences, Luxury Suites, and Grand/World Journeys. Reservations booked close-in inside the final payment window require immediate full payment. Standard deposits are refundable minus a flat administrative fee of 200 USD / 250 CAD / 250 AUD / 250 NZD / 200 EUR / 150 GBP / 200 CHF per person, applicable up to 151 days prior to departure. A 10-day grace period from booking applies if booked 365+ days out.
Cancellation & Refunds
Standard cancellation penalties scale progressively. Note the standard vs reduced deposit rules.
151+ Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: Administrative fee only ($200 USD)
- Reduced Deposit / Promo Penalty: Loss of reduced deposit / administrative fee
150–121 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 15% of total journey fare
- Reduced Deposit / Promo Penalty: 10% of total journey fare
120–91 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 25% of total journey fare
- Reduced Deposit / Promo Penalty: 10% of total journey fare
90–61 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 50% of total journey fare
- Reduced Deposit / Promo Penalty: 50% of total journey fare
60–31 Days Prior to Departure
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 75% of total journey fare
- Reduced Deposit / Promo Penalty: 75% of total journey fare
30 Days or Less / No-Show
- Standard Cancellation Penalty: 100% of total fare (no refund)
- Reduced Deposit / Promo Penalty: 100% of total fare (no refund)
Smoking Policy
Explora Journeys maintains a fairly strict smoking policy to align with its focus on wellness and a fresh-air atmosphere. Like most luxury lines, they have very limited designated zones for smokers.
General Policy (Non-Smoking)
The vast majority of the ship is strictly non-smoking. This applies to:
- All Indoor Public Spaces: Restaurants, lounges (except the specific Cigar Lounge), corridors, and elevators.
- All Guest Suites: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all suites.
- Private Balconies/Terraces: You are not permitted to smoke on your suite’s terrace. This is a common point of confusion for some, but it is strictly enforced due to fire safety and the comfort of neighbors.
The same rules apply to electronic cigarettes, vapes, and personal vaporizers. They are only permitted in the designated smoking areas listed below.
Designated Smoking Areas
If you do smoke, you are restricted to these specific locations:
- Malt Whisky Bar (Deck 11): This is the primary indoor spot for cigar and pipe enthusiasts. It features a walk-in humidor and a dedicated outdoor smoking terrace.
- Crema Café Promenade (Deck 5): A section on the Starboard Side of the outdoor promenade.
- Helios Bar (Deck 12): A designated section of the outdoor bar near the forward pool.
- Sky Bar on 14 (Deck 14): A section on the Starboard Side aft.
Violations & Fines
Explora Journeys takes their air quality seriously. If guests are found smoking in their suites or on their private terraces, the line typically assesses a cleaning fee (often around $250–$500 per violation) to cover the deep cleaning of fabrics and carpets. Repeated violations can lead to being asked to disembark the ship without a refund.
Travel Protection
Explora Journeys strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss/damage, and medical expenses (including repatriation and medical evacuation). Travel insurance is strictly mandatory for certain immersive shoreside programs or pre/post-journey overland tours. Explora Journeys maintains a direct partnership with Allianz Global Assistance. Policies can be added from the initial booking deposit up to the final payment deadline.
Tipping Policy
Explora Journeys operates on a fully all-inclusive pricing model. All onboard gratuities and service charges for shipboard crew—including housekeeping, dining room servers, culinary teams, bartenders, pool attendants, and personal suite hosts (butlers)—are fully built into the cruise fare. No daily service charges are automatically added to accounts, and there are no options for prepayment or adjustments. Daily tips are non-adjustable, non-refundable, and cannot be removed at Guest Services. Additional tipping is completely discretionary.
Dress Code
Explora Journeys suggests an elegant resort casual style. Swimwear and bathrobes are prohibited in all indoor bars and restaurants. After 6:00 PM, shorts and sleeveless t-shirts are prohibited in Anthology and Fil Rouge. Baseball caps and sportswear are prohibited after 6:00 PM in Anthology, Fil Rouge, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, and Med Yacht Club.
Formal Nights
- There are no formal nights onboard, with the focus instead on relaxed but sophisticated evening resort wear.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Explora?
All-Inclusive Luxury Without Compromise
Explora Journeys delivers a truly all-inclusive cruise experience, with gourmet dining, premium beverages, gratuities, wellness activities, and oceanfront suites included in the fare—allowing guests to relax without constant add-on costs.
Spacious Oceanfront Suites with Private Terraces
Every suite onboard is ocean-facing and features a private terrace, refined European design, walk-in wardrobes, and elegant furnishings that redefine comfort at sea.
Modern European Elegance
Inspired by continental sophistication, Explora Journeys blends contemporary design with understated luxury, creating a serene onboard atmosphere that feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship.
Immersive, Destination-Focused Itineraries
Longer port stays, overnight visits, and thoughtfully paced itineraries allow travelers to explore destinations more deeply and experience local culture beyond the typical cruise schedule.
World-Class Culinary Experiences
Multiple dining venues offer globally inspired cuisine, plant-forward menus, and regionally influenced dishes curated by expert chefs without fixed dining times or assigned seating.
Wellness-Centered Lifestyle at Sea
From holistic spa treatments and fitness programs to open-air relaxation spaces and wellness-focused dining, Explora Journeys places physical and mental well-being at the heart of the voyage.
Refined, Relaxed Onboard Atmosphere
Explora Journeys offers a calm and sophisticated environment, free from crowds, loud announcements, and rigid schedules perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and elegance.
Exceptional Service and High Staff-to-Guest Ratio
Personalized, intuitive service ensures that each guest enjoys a seamless and attentive experience, from embarkation to disembarkation.
Designed for Discerning Travelers
Created for modern luxury travelers who value privacy, space, and authenticity, Explora Journeys appeals to couples, solo travelers, and multigenerational guests alike.
Backed by the Expertise of the MSC Group
As part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys benefits from decades of maritime expertise, global resources, and a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
FAQ
What is included in an Explora Journeys cruise fare?
Cruise fares typically include oceanfront suite accommodations, all dining venues, beverages, gratuities, wellness activities, entertainment, and port charges.
Are gratuities included on Explora Journeys?
Yes, gratuities are included as part of the all-inclusive fare.
Does Explora Journeys offer flexible dining?
Yes, there are no fixed dining times or assigned seating, allowing guests to dine at their convenience.
Are children allowed on Explora Journeys cruises?
Yes, children are welcome on select sailings when accompanied by an adult.
What is the onboard atmosphere like?
The atmosphere is relaxed, refined, and immersive, focusing on wellness, culture, and understated luxury rather than large-scale entertainment.
Are shore excursions included?
Some experiences may be included, while additional curated shore excursions can be purchased to enhance destination exploration.
What type of accommodations are available?
All accommodations are oceanfront suites featuring private terraces and luxury amenities.
Is Explora Journeys suitable for couples?
Yes, the brand is especially popular with couples seeking a tranquil, elegant, and experience-driven cruise.
What destinations does Explora Journeys visit?
Itineraries span the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and other iconic global destinations.
Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory, travel protection is strongly recommended to safeguard your cruise investment.
