We recognize that cruise vacations are not just an investment, but often the highlights of our lives, and we take that responsibility seriously. We want to ensure you have the best vacation experience. Already booked directly with a cruise line? Transfer your reservation to Vincent Vacations for free VIP perks, onboard credit, and Signature Travel Network amenities at $0 extra cost.
100% custom to your needs! We handle flights, pre and post travel, transfers, excursions and more, no matter if it's a solo trip or a large group! Contact us today for a custom curated FREE cruise vacation package quote.
Keep your exact same stateroom, reservation number, and price while gaining exclusive Signature Travel Network onboard credits, complimentary perks, and your own dedicated cruise concierge.
We partner with cruise lines to bring you the best value!
CLIA Certified (Cruise Lines International Association)
THE BEST Onboard Credits and Perks
Access to Exclusive Deals and Discounts
Price Monitoring and Adjustments
Bundled Custom Packages
Flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, transfers, excursions all-in-one saving you time and money
Dedicated Support
Our Agents are ASTA Verified Travel Advisors (VTA)
Tailored Recommendations
Time Savings
We Handle the Complexities
Assistance with Issues
Positive Reviews and Referrals
Years of ExperienceDiscover the Ocean State of Mind with Vincent Vacations. Certified Explora Journeys luxury advisors securing exclusive Signature Travel Network shipboard credits ($300 to $600 per suite), private hosted cocktail receptions, and personalized 24/7 concierge advisory aboard EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II, and EXPLORA III.
At Vincent Vacations, our certified travel advisors specialize in crafting bespoke luxury ocean voyages with Explora Journeys. Conceived from scratch by the MSC Group's owning Aponte family to combine the refined elegance of European boutique hotels with the untamed freedom of the seas, vessels like EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II, and EXPLORA III represent a transformative new era of luxury ocean travel.
Discerning travelers expect effortless perfection from embarkation to disembarkation. As a top-tier Signature Travel Network host agency, our advisors hold direct escalation lines to Explora shoreside leadership. Whether securing coveted Owner's or Ocean Residences with private terrace whirlpools, coordinating multi-generational family suites, or applying exclusive Signature shipboard credits ($300 to $600 per suite), we ensure every nuance of your voyage is flawlessly arranged.
Don't book your dream tour without an expert in your corner. Discover why Vincent Vacations is the top-rated partner for Explora guided tours and cruises.
Discover the Vincent Vacations difference.
Top Selling Certified
Explora Journeys Specialists
Searching for MSC Explora? The official brand is Explora Journeys. Created as the privately held luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, Explora operates independently with its own purpose-built boutique superyacht-style fleet, offering all-inclusive oceanfront suites with private sun terraces, 9 inclusive culinary experiences, and an unhurried “Ocean State of Mind.”
When investing in an ultra-luxury ocean journey, working with an accredited specialist is critical. Here is the verified hierarchy of recognition, consortium leverage, and certifications backing your booking.
Our preferred agency status with Explora Journeys provides direct executive escalation channels unavailable to direct consumer bookers:
As proud members of the Signature Travel Network, our multi-billion-dollar consortium buying power unlocks un-Googleable privileges:
Independent industry accreditation and luxury travel validation confirming the highest ethical standards:
As proud members of the Signature Travel Network, we don't just book your voyage—we enhance it. When you book Explora Journeys with Vincent Vacations, you gain access to privileged amenities unavailable to direct bookers.
As a Signature Travel Network partner, we offer exclusive credits and amenities you can't find anywhere else.
View Our Exclusive Explora BenefitsBecause of our preferred standing and collective volume, we deliver tangible luxury perks, VIP captain recognitions, and private destination experiences on hundreds of sailings worldwide at $0 added fee.
"Having personally inspected the Explora fleet, I always guide our clients toward the aft-facing Ocean Penthouses for the most dramatic wake views, and we ensure their reservations are tagged with our Signature consortium perks for maximum onboard spending value."
Vincent Vacations Certified Luxury Specialist
Read how our concierge-level booking model enhanced these luxury ocean voyages.
"We originally thought about booking directly through Explora's website, but contacted Vincent Vacations instead. They matched the exact suite rate while adding a $600 Signature shipboard credit that covered our treatments at the Ocean Wellness spa! Their advisor checked in before, during, and after our trip."
"Explora II is sheer perfection—no crowds, open dining, and phenomenal food at Anthology and Sakura. Vincent Vacations arranged private Mercedes transfers in Athens, booked our pre-cruise boutique hotel, and secured an aft Ocean Terrace Suite with huge panoramic views. Best travel agency experience we've ever had."
"I had already booked directly with Explora online before finding out about Vincent Vacations. They transferred my booking in less than 24 hours with zero fees, kept my exact suite, and added $300 in free onboard spending credits! Don't book direct without talking to them first."
Ready to experience European cosmopolitan luxury at sea?
Contact Our Explora Journeys SpecialistsHow our preferred partner status, consortium power, and ocean cruise expertise translate directly to your voyage:
| Credential & Validation Type | Key Honors & Designations | What It Means for Your Explora Journeys Voyage |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Brand Partnership | Explora Journeys Preferred Agency | ✓ Direct line to shoreside executive teams for priority suite allocation, waitlist clearance, and dedicated customer advocacy. |
| Consortium Power | Signature Travel Network Member Agency | ✓ $300 to $600 in exclusive complimentary shipboard spending credits per suite, chilled welcome Champagne, hosted cocktail receptions, and private shore events. |
| Industry Education | CLIA Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC), Luxury Cruise Specialist | ✓ Rigorous testing, verified high sales volume, and deep master-level luxury fleet knowledge. |
| Professional Trust | ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA), IATA & ARC Accredited | ✓ Legitimate, globally recognized enterprise ensuring complete booking security and fiduciary advocacy. |
| Firsthand Mastery | Firsthand Sailing Experience on EXPLORA I & EXPLORA II | ✓ Personal guidance on suite categories (Terrace vs. Penthouse vs. Residence), dining venue reservations, and curated destination experiences. |
If you booked directly with Explora Journeys within the last 30 to 60 days and have not yet made final payment, you can transfer your reservation to Vincent Vacations for free. Keep your exact same suite assignment, promotions, and rate while unlocking up to $600 in Signature shipboard credits, welcome champagne, and your own dedicated luxury travel advisor.

Comparing the two hottest new luxury yachting experiences: European cosmopolitan resort style vs. iconic American hospitality at sea.

Did you recently reserve an Explora Journeys cruise directly on ExploraJourneys.com, by phone, or while onboard a past voyage? Many travelers do not realize that Explora Journeys allows you to transfer your existing reservation to a certified travel agency within their allowable transfer window—completely free of charge.

Securing the greatest value on an ultra-luxury cruise requires knowing how to stack public promotions with agency-exclusive consortia amenities. At Vincent Vacations, we monitor Explora Journeys' promotional releases daily to ensure our clients capture the lowest available fares and richest onboard perks.

Luxury solo travel should never mean compromise or excessive single supplements. Explora Journeys champions solo travelers through its dedicated 'A Journey of One' program, offering a remarkable 0% single supplement on select sailings across all suite categories—from Ocean Terrace Suites up to palatial Ocean Penthouses.

For travelers seeking deep cultural immersion without the repetition of standard 7-night itineraries, Explora Journeys' Grand Voyages and Extended Journeys represent the pinnacle of ocean travel. By seamlessly combining consecutive itineraries, guests explore multiple continents, island chains, and historical regions with zero repeated ports.

Experience the majestic raw wilderness of Northern Europe wrapped in warm European luxury. Explora Journeys' summer Nordic itineraries take you deep into Norway's UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, around the geothermal wonders of Iceland, along the dramatic coastlines of Greenland, and through the historic lochs of Scotland and the British Isles.

Dining aboard Explora Journeys is an authentic celebration of global culinary cultures, curated under the direction of legendary European hospitality masters. Rather than a single massive main dining room, Explora vessels feature 6 distinct signature restaurants, 12 stylish indoor and outdoor bars, and 24-hour in-suite dining—all included in your cruise fare with zero mandatory upcharges.

Every accommodation aboard Explora Journeys is an all-oceanfront sanctuary designed to dissolve the boundary between guest and sea. Rejecting cramped traditional cruise cabins, Explora ships feature 461 expansive suites, penthouses, and residences starting at a generous 377 square feet (35 sq. meters)—among the largest entry-level staterooms in the luxury cruise sector.

Vincent Vacations' Guide to Maximizing Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Imagine this: The morning sun warms your face as you step onto your private ocean-front terrace. Below, the turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast glitter, a gentle sea breeze carrying the scent of salt and citrus. In your hand, a perfectly crafted cappuccino from the Crema Café. You are not rushed. You are not on a schedule. You have simply arrived, fully present in a state of tranquil bliss. This is the ‘Ocean State of Mind’—the singular promise of Explora Journeys.
The first light of dawn spills across the Mediterranean, painting the horizon in hues of soft rose and brilliant gold. I’m standing on my private terrace, a warm cappuccino in hand, the gentle sea breeze carrying the scent of salt and distant cypress. Below, the turquoise water of a secluded Greek cove laps against the hull of EXPLORA I. There are no crowds, no announcements, no rush. There is only the vast, calming expanse of the ocean and the quiet promise of a day designed entirely around discovery and delight. This is the ‘Ocean State of Mind,’ and it’s the very soul of Explora Journeys.
Imagine waking not to an alarm, but to the gentle lapping of azure waves against the hull. You draw back the curtains from your floor-to-ceiling windows to reveal a secluded Greek cove, its whitewashed village slumbering in the morning sun, a sight reserved for sailors and the truly intrepid. This isn't a fleeting dream or a scene from a film. This is the dawn of a new day in Europe, experienced through the lens of Explora Journeys—a paradigm shift in luxury ocean travel that transcends the very concept of a cruise.
There are places on this earth that hum with the energy of millennia, where the dust of empires settles on your shoulders and the stories of gods and pharaohs are whispered on the desert wind. Egypt is not just a destination; it is an experience, a pilgrimage through the very cradle of civilization. And to witness its majesty from the cerulean waters of the Red Sea, aboard a vessel that redefines the very essence of luxury travel? That is a journey of a lifetime.
There are places in the world that whisper to the soul, their names alone conjuring images of epic history, monumental ambition, and timeless mystery. Egypt is chief among them. For years, I’ve dreamt of standing in the shadow of the great pyramids, of tracing the hieroglyphs in a pharaoh’s tomb, of feeling the eternal pulse of the Nile. But the question was always *how*. How to experience a land of such profound antiquity with the grace, comfort, and depth it deserves? The answer, I discovered, lies not on a dusty tour bus, but upon the cerulean waters of the Red Sea, aboard the magnificent Explora I. This isn't just a cruise review; it's a testament to a new way of exploring the ancient world, a journey that redefines luxury travel. This is my unforgettable Egyptian adventure with Explora Journeys.
There are places on Earth that whisper to the soul. Egypt is one of them. It’s a land etched into our collective imagination, a realm of gilded pharaohs, colossal temples, and a river that has nourished civilizations for millennia. To stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza is not merely to see a monument; it is to feel the crushing weight and breathtaking ambition of 4,500 years of human history. To walk through the Valley of the Kings is to tread on sacred ground, where the secrets of the afterlife were guarded for eternity.
The Mediterranean sun warms your skin, a glass of chilled Cava fizzes delicately in your hand, and the ancient, sun-drenched coastline of Catalonia unfolds before you. This isn't just a cruise; it's an immersion. It's a carefully orchestrated experience where the rhythm of the waves syncs with the beat of your heart, a state of being the creators of Explora Journeys call the 'Ocean State of Mind'. As a travel journalist who has witnessed the evolution of luxury at sea for over two decades, I can say with certainty that Explora Journeys is not merely joining the conversation; it is redefining it.
Barcelona. The name itself conjures images of Gaudí's whimsical architecture, the vibrant pulse of Las Ramblas, and the sun-drenched sands of Barceloneta. It’s a city that deserves every accolade it receives. But for the discerning traveler, the soul of Catalonia lies just beyond the city's magnetic pull—in the sun-drenched vineyards, the hidden coves of the Costa Brava, and the ancient Roman stones that whisper tales of empires past. This is the Catalonia that remains beautifully, authentically untamed. And there is no more elegant way to uncover its secrets than from the decks of an Explora Journeys ship.
Imagine the gentle hum of the Mediterranean, a glass of chilled Cava in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the Catalan coast in hues of apricot and gold. You’re standing on the private ocean-front terrace of your suite aboard EXPLORA I, the scent of salt and pine mingling in the evening air. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s an immersion into an ‘Ocean State of Mind.’ This is the promise of Explora Journeys.
Imagine the scent of pine and salt on a warm Mediterranean breeze. Picture the clinking of glasses filled with crisp Cava, the murmur of Catalan conversation in a sun-drenched medieval square, and the surreal, dreamlike landscapes that inspired Salvador Dalí. This is Catalonia—a region of fierce pride, profound artistry, and breathtaking beauty. It’s a land of contrasts, where the cosmopolitan energy of Barcelona gives way to the rugged, untamed coastline of the Costa Brava and its hidden, sapphire-blue coves.
The first thing that strikes you isn't a sight, but a feeling. It’s the gentle kiss of a warm, salt-laced breeze on your private terrace as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the Caribbean sky in hues of apricot and lavender. It’s the satisfying weight of a crystal-cut glass in your hand, the clink of ice against its sides, and the complex notes of a sommelier-chosen vintage on your palate. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a profound shift in perspective. This is what Explora Journeys calls the "Ocean State of Mind," a promise that, I confess, I was skeptical of. Brochures are filled with poetic marketing, but reality rarely lives up to the prose.
The salt-laced air kisses your skin, a gentle precursor to the Caribbean sun. Below your private veranda, the water shifts from an impossible turquoise to a deep, knowing sapphire. This isn't just a vacation; it's an arrival. You're about to embark on a journey through the British Virgin Islands with Explora Journeys, a brand that has redefined luxury at sea. But as you stand before your wardrobe, a familiar question arises: What does one actually pack for an experience that feels more like owning a superyacht than taking a cruise?
For over two decades, my pursuit of the world’s most sublime travel experiences has taken me from the ice-fjords of Patagonia to the sun-drenched atolls of the Maldives. Yet, there are certain destinations that whisper a siren’s song of pure, unadulterated paradise—a call that the British Virgin Islands answers with breathtaking clarity. This is not a land of sprawling resorts and crowded beaches; it is a sailor’s dream, a mosaic of volcanic islands and secluded coves where the water shimmers in impossible shades of turquoise and sapphire.
Close your eyes and picture the Bahamas. What do you see? Perhaps it’s the vibrant, bustling port of Nassau, a kaleidoscope of pastel buildings and lively markets. Maybe it’s a sprawling, all-inclusive resort, its beaches dotted with a thousand umbrellas. For many, this is the Bahamas they know. But what if I told you there is another Bahamas? A quieter, more soulful archipelago of secluded coves, gin-clear waters, and whispers of history carried on the salty breeze. This is the authentic Bahamas, a destination not just to be seen, but to be felt. And there is no better way to experience it than with Explora Journeys.
In my two decades of chronicling the world’s most exquisite travel experiences, I’ve learned to recognize the subtle shift that signals a true revolution. It’s a change not just in service or style, but in philosophy. It’s the difference between a simple vacation and a transformative journey. I recently stepped aboard Explora I, the inaugural vessel from Explora Journeys, for a sailing through the sun-drenched Bahamas, and I can tell you with absolute certainty: a revolution is underway. This isn't just another luxury cruise; it's a floating boutique hotel of the highest caliber, designed to reconnect you with what matters most: the ocean, yourself, and the world. It’s an invitation to discover an “Ocean State of Mind.”
There is a shade of blue that exists only in dreams and the Bahamas. It’s a liquid turquoise, so vibrant and pure it seems to hum with its own energy. For decades, travelers have sought these shores, drawn by whispers of silken sands, sun-warmed breezes, and a pace of life dictated by the gentle rhythm of the tides. But to truly connect with this archipelago’s soul, to experience its quiet coves and vibrant culture beyond the well-trodden path, requires a vessel as refined and thoughtful as the destination itself. Enter Explora Journeys.
There is a rhythm to Asia, a pulse that beats in the heart of its ancient temples and thrums through the neon-lit arteries of its futuristic cities. It’s a continent of profound contrasts and sensory overload—the fragrant steam of a street-side noodle stall, the hushed reverence of a Zen garden, the electric hum of a metropolis that never sleeps. To truly experience the Far East is not merely to see it, but to feel it, to let its vibrant spirit seep into your soul. And there is no more exquisite way to embrace this journey than from the decks of an Explora Journeys ship.
There’s a moment that arrives on every truly transformative journey. It’s not a grand, cinematic event. It’s quiet. For me, it was standing on the private terrace of my suite aboard EXPLORA I, a cup of perfectly brewed coffee in hand, watching the mist burn off the limestone karsts of Halong Bay. There were no crowds, no loudspeakers, just the gentle lapping of emerald water against the hull and the vast, humbling silence of ancient legends. In that moment, I wasn't a tourist ticking off a bucket list item. I was a traveler, present and profoundly connected to the world around me. This, I realized, is the very essence of Explora Journeys.
There is a rhythm to Asia, a pulse that beats in the tranquil silence of an ancient temple, the vibrant chaos of a floating market, and the gentle lapping of turquoise waters against a pristine shore. It’s a continent of profound contrasts, where futuristic cityscapes rise beside timeless landscapes, and spiritual serenity coexists with electric energy. For the discerning traveler, the question has never been if one should explore the Far East, but how to do so in a way that is both deeply immersive and utterly seamless.
There’s a particular scent that hangs in the air in the Far East—a delicate, intoxicating blend of temple incense, sizzling street food, and the faint, sweet perfume of blooming jasmine. It’s a scent that promises mystery, history, and a profound sense of discovery. For years, I’ve chased this feeling across Asia, but always as a land-based traveler, tethered to the logistics of hotels and transfers. I wondered, could the continent’s soul truly be captured from the sea? Could a cruise deliver the deep, authentic immersion I craved? Then came Explora Journeys, a new name in luxury ocean travel, promising not a cruise, but a journey. An “Ocean State of Mind.” I was skeptical, but intrigued. This is the story of how that intrigue blossomed into one of the most transformative travel experiences of my life.
There is a rhythm to Asia, a pulse that beats through ancient temples and neon-lit skyscrapers, through serene gardens and bustling markets. It’s a continent of profound contrasts, where centuries of tradition dance with the relentless pace of the future. To truly experience it is not merely to see it, but to feel it. And there is no more refined, more immersive way to embrace this vibrant tapestry than from the decks of an Explora Journeys ship, where the destination is not just a place you visit, but a state of mind you inhabit.
The Amazon. The name itself whispers of mystery, of untamed wilderness, and of a life force so potent it has captivated explorers for centuries. It is a place not merely to be seen, but to be felt—in the humid, life-giving air, in the symphony of the rainforest canopy, and in the deep, flowing currents of the world’s mightiest river. For the discerning traveler, the question has never been *if* one should experience the Amazon, but *how*. How does one plunge into the heart of this raw, natural wonder without sacrificing the comfort, elegance, and profound sense of peace that true luxury travel provides?
Imagine the sound. Not the absence of noise, but a symphony of it—the guttural call of a howler monkey echoing through a dense emerald canopy, the chatter of a thousand unseen insects, the gentle lapping of dark, life-giving water against a pristine hull. Now, picture yourself observing this ancient spectacle from the sanctuary of your private terrace, a chilled glass of champagne in hand. This is not a dream. This is the profound, soul-stirring paradox of an Explora Journeys cruise through the Amazon.
There are journeys that you take, and then there are journeys that take you. They reach into your very core, recalibrate your perspective, and leave an indelible mark on your soul. My voyage with Explora Journeys into the emerald heart of the Amazon was, unequivocally, the latter. As a journalist who has spent two decades traversing the globe in search of the exceptional, I’ve become discerning, perhaps even a little jaded. It takes something truly special to move me beyond professional appreciation. This did.
The Amazon. The very name whispers of mystery, of untamed wilderness, and of life at its most vibrant and primal. It’s a place that exists as much in our imagination as it does on the map—a sprawling, emerald labyrinth teeming with unseen wonders. For the discerning traveler, the question isn't if one should experience this life-altering destination, but how. How do you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the world's largest rainforest without sacrificing an ounce of comfort, elegance, or peace of mind? The answer is a paradigm shift in river exploration: an Explora Journeys Amazon cruise.
There are places on this earth that hum with a primal energy, destinations that whisper tales of forgotten time. The Amazon is one such place. It is not merely a river; it is the planet’s lifeblood, a sprawling, emerald labyrinth of biodiversity, mystery, and untamed beauty. For decades, the discerning traveler has faced a conundrum: how does one immerse themselves in this raw, magnificent wilderness without sacrificing the comfort, elegance, and peace of mind that define true luxury travel?
There’s a moment, standing on the private terrace of your suite as the ship glides silently through the cobalt-blue waters of the Inside Passage, when you understand. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and sea salt. A bald eagle soars overhead, a fleeting shadow against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. In the distance, the colossal face of a glacier groans, a sound that reverberates not just in your ears, but in your very soul. This isn't just a vacation. This is Alaska. And experiencing it with Explora Journeys is, to put it simply, a revelation.
There is a moment, standing on the private terrace of your suite as the Alaskan coastline glides by, when the world feels both immense and intimate. The crisp, pine-scented air fills your lungs. A distant eagle carves a lazy arc against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks. The deep, resonant crack of a glacier calving into a turquoise fjord echoes across the water. This is Alaska—a land of raw power and breathtaking beauty. And experiencing it with Explora Journeys is to witness it in a class all its own.
Imagine the sound. Not the clamor of a thousand tourists jostling for a photo, but the profound, thunderous crack of a glacier calving into a turquoise fjord. Picture the sight. Not a distant glimpse of a whale's fluke, but an intimate encounter as a pod of humpbacks breaches, their breath misting in the crisp, pine-scented air. This is Alaska not as a destination to be merely seen, but as a living, breathing wilderness to be deeply felt. For years, the discerning traveler has yearned for a way to experience The Last Frontier that matches its grandeur—a journey that replaces crowds with connection, schedules with serenity, and observation with immersion. That journey has arrived.
In two decades of traversing the globe for the world’s most esteemed travel publications, I’ve learned to recognize the difference between a trip and a transformation. Africa, more than any other continent, promises the latter. It’s a land of profound contrasts—of thundering waterfalls and silent, star-strewn deserts; of ancient cultures and vibrant, modern cities. To truly experience it is to be humbled, thrilled, and irrevocably changed.
There are journeys that transport you, and then there are journeys that transform you. An expedition to Africa is firmly the latter. It’s a continent that pulses with a rhythm all its own—a symphony of ancient landscapes, vibrant cultures, and wildlife that stirs the soul. For decades, the discerning traveler has faced a choice: the rustic authenticity of a safari lodge or the detached comfort of a traditional cruise. But what if you didn't have to choose? What if you could embrace the very heart of Africa while enveloped in a level of European luxury so refined, it feels like a private yacht?

| Explora Journeys: EXPLORA I | |||
![]() Immerse yourself in all of the detail behind the Explora Journeys ships, from design and architecture, to safety and technology features. First of its kind
View the ocean, from your room
Travel the world, and taste it. Explora Journeys: EXPLORA II
Vincent Vacations - Authorized Explora Journeys Vacation Planner
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