Explora Journeys vs. MSC: Is It Really More Luxurious?
New York City PortMSC Group Cruise GroupExplora Journeys Cruise LineMSC Cruises Cruise LineExplora II Cruise Ship
Is Explora Journeys simply an upgraded version of MSC Cruises? Explora Journeys is part of the MSC Group, but the two cruise experiences are designed for very different travelers. In this quick three-minute comparison, I explain the biggest differences between Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, including: • Ship size and onboard atmosphere • Suites and accommodations • Food and dining • Service • What is included • The type of traveler each cruise line attracts • Whether Explora delivers a genuine luxury experience After sailing aboard Explora II four times, including twice within the past few months, I’m sharing my honest verdict: Is Explora Journeys truly a luxury cruise line—or is it MSC in designer clothes? Would you choose Explora Journeys or MSC Cruises? Tell me in the comments. ABOUT ANGELA HUGHES Angela Hughes is the CEO and founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and the founder of Luxury Travel University. With more than 40 years in the travel industry and firsthand experience in more than 121 countries, Angela is an internationally recognized luxury travel advisor, educator, speaker, consultant and media contributor. Angela was named one of TravelPulse’s Most Influential Women in Travel for 2026 and Travel Leaders Network’s 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year. She is also the recipient of two 2024 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. She serves within Travel Leaders Network’s President’s Circle and Luxury Leaders Alliance and sits on the Switzerland Tourism Advisory Board. Angela is also an adjunct professor teaching Geography and Travel & Tourism through BYU–Pathway Worldwide. Angela writes a weekly column for Insider Travel Report and has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Travel Weekly, TravelPulse, TravelAge West, Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Market Report. She has also appeared as a travel expert on FOX 35 television. Through Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, Angela leads a nationwide network of professional travel advisors specializing in luxury cruises, river cruises, expedition travel, discovery yachts, small-ship cruising, African safaris, customized international travel, alumni and donor travel, hosted departures, groups and milestone vacations. Angela spends several months traveling internationally each year to personally inspect cruise ships, hotels and destinations. Her recommendations are based on firsthand experience, decades of industry relationships and direct access to leading travel executives and suppliers. PLAN YOUR NEXT JOURNEY Trips & Ships Luxury Travel: https://tripsandships.com (https://tripsandships.com/) Luxury Travel University: https://luxurytraveluniversity.com (https://luxurytraveluniversity.com/) Luxury Host Agency: https://luxuryhostagency.com (https://luxuryhostagency.com/) Travel Leaders Profile: https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/17255 FOLLOW ANGELA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tripsandshipsluxurytravel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripsandships/ Trips & Ships Luxury Travel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripsandshipsluxurytravel/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tripsandships Subscribe for honest cruise comparisons, luxury hotel recommendations and firsthand travel advice from around the world. #ExploraJourneys #MSCCruises #LuxuryCruise