Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle cruise brand within the MSC Group, is redefining the premium travel experience with the debut of its newest vessel, Explora III, scheduled to enter service this summer. The ship will introduce two highly exclusive Owner’s Residences, signaling a new benchmark in ultra-luxury accommodation at sea and expanding the brand’s ambition to combine refined design, personalized service, and transformative travel experiences.
The Owner’s Residences are unlike any accommodations previously offered by the company, positioning Explora III as a flagship for innovation within the global luxury cruise sector. Designed by acclaimed architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, the residences feature modern Mediterranean influences, sophisticated materials, and a serene aesthetic that connects guests to both the sea and the destinations they explore.
A New Pinnacle of Space and Seaside Living
Measuring an impressive 280 square meters, each Owner’s Residence rivals the living space of a contemporary luxury penthouse. Complementing the interior is an expansive 125 square meter private terrace that offers sweeping ocean views from sunrise to dusk. The outdoor living area features lounge seating, a dining zone, and open-air relaxation spaces, allowing passengers to experience the journey as though sailing aboard a private yacht.
Inside, the residences are anchored by floor-to-ceiling glazing that floods the space with natural light and frames unobstructed views of the sea. Guests move through a series of distinct yet connected spaces, including a private dining area, spacious salon, and a peaceful bedroom suite. Bespoke king-size beds provide refined comfort while the marble-finished bathrooms feature double vanities, a deep soaking tub, a rain shower, and an in-suite steam room. Each material, fixture, and design detail reflects meticulous attention to quality and craftsmanship.
Patricia Urquiola’s Vision of Emotional Luxury Design
The partnership with Patricia Urquiola reinforces Explora Journeys’ strategy of aligning the maritime experience with high-end hospitality and contemporary design. Urquiola, recognized for her work with leading hotels, design houses, and luxury brands worldwide, is known for her ability to blend emotional warmth with architectural precision.
Her concept for the Owner’s Residences emphasizes harmony between indoor luxury and the surrounding natural environment. Warm stone, textured textiles, brushed metals, and carefully selected woods create a sensory palette inspired by the Mediterranean coastline. The result is a living space that feels both grounded and elevated, modern yet timeless, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the ocean.
Urquiola’s design philosophy focuses on encouraging travelers to slow down and inhabit the space, rather than merely passing through it. This approach aligns with Explora Journeys’ broader ethos of “Ocean State of Mind,” where travel becomes a restorative experience shaped by curiosity, tranquility, and discovery.
Service Excellence to Complement Sophisticated Living
Beyond the physical space, the Owner’s Residences include elevated service standards tailored to the expectations of discerning global travelers. Each residence is assigned a dedicated residence manager or butler responsible for handling personal preferences, concierge arrangements, and day-to-day conveniences such as packing, dining reservations, and itinerary planning. Private dining experiences, curated wellness services, and tailored excursions can be arranged directly from the residence, ensuring seamless access to exclusive offerings both onboard and ashore.
Guests also benefit from priority services throughout the ship, including exclusive curation of shore experiences, private transportation arrangements, and full access to the ship’s culinary and wellness venues. Explora Journeys sources culinary inspiration from Europe and the wider Mediterranean, featuring refined dining concepts and holistic wellness programming that appeal to modern luxury travelers seeking balance and mindfulness.
Designed for Families and Private Travel Groups
While optimized for couples and individual travelers, the Owner’s Residences may be configured for families or private groups by connecting to an adjacent Ocean Terrace Suite. This expanded layout offers the privacy of a residence paired with additional accommodation for guests traveling together, making the space suitable for multigenerational travel or celebrations at sea.
The combination of interior volume, connected configurations, and bespoke services reflects a growing trend in the premium cruise market, where affluent travelers seek more space and personalization compared to traditional ship cabins and suites.
Positioning Explora III in the Future of Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Pricing for the Owner’s Residences starts at approximately £21,000 per week and can exceed £80,000 for peak-season sailings, reflecting the exclusivity and experiential value of the offering. The pricing aligns with broader demand trends in the luxury travel sector, where guests increasingly prioritize privacy, individualized service, and immersive itineraries over conventional tourism products.
Explora Journeys’ introduction of these residences positions the brand competitively within a growing ultra-luxury maritime category that includes expedition yachts, boutique ships, and hybrid cruise-hotel concepts. The company’s upcoming expansion continues with additional vessels already under construction, each designed to maintain the same balance of wellness, culture, and contemporary luxury that has defined the brand since its launch.
A New Benchmark for Luxury at Sea
With the launch of Explora III and its exclusive Owner’s Residences, Explora Journeys is reshaping expectations of what luxury cruising can offer. By blending design innovation, hospitality excellence, and destination-focused travel, the brand appeals to a new generation of travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences on the open ocean.
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