EXPLORA JOURNEYS UNVEILS DESIGNS OF OCEAN PENTHOUSES AND OCEAN RESIDENCES ONBOARD EXPLORA I

New ‘Homes at Sea’ suite categories thoughtfully designed to stimulate the senses and reflect the Explora Journeys philosophy of creating an ‘Ocean State of Mind’

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, today unveiled the design of its Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences on board of EXPLORA I, the first of a planned fleet of up to six luxury ships. Ahead of its maiden journey departing from Southampton, UK, on 17 July 2023, this is the second unveiling of the unique design philosophy for its 461 ocean-front ‘Homes at Sea’ after sharing the plans for its entry-level Ocean Suites last year.

With a maritime heritage of over 300 years coupled with an innate understanding of luxury, the owners’ family has carefully curated the design of the suites, penthouses and residences to create the ultimate luxurious Home at Sea. The elegant design is a reflection of the brand’s distinctive European DNA.

Thoughtfully designed to stimulate the senses and reflect the brand’s philosophy of creating an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ owing to carefully considered elements such as natural light, colour, space, privacy, and connection with the sea, Explora Journeys has worked meticulously to ensure every guest experiences an opulent, yet intimate retreat as they embark on their own ocean journey.

Jason Gelineau, Head of Product of Explora Journeys, said “Environmental respect and sustainability have been key in design choices, ensuring a balance between the tactile and visual experience of every material used.  Eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities have also been weaved into the suite offering and where feasible, we are sourcing sustainable products including B Corp-certified items. We will also have a no single-use plastic policy on board.”

Ocean Penthouses range from 43 to 68 sqm (463 - 732 sq ft), while Ocean Residences range from 70 to 149 sqm (753 - 1604 sq ft), making them among the largest in the industry. Time has been spent on enhancing the fluidity and harmony of the suites and their spaces, implementing linear design principles to maximise space.

The Ocean Penthouses of EXPLORA I, offer a sumptuous retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax. Each of the four penthouse types offers a distinctive private dining area for four and a large seating area that provides an inviting space for guests to entertain in their suite, as well as a calm, comfortable place to spend time and relax.

All comprise a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and feature a Dyson SupersonicTM hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bed-side charging, a personal mini-bar replenished according to the guests’ preferences, an espresso machine with bio-degradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest. 24-hour guest services also ensure every desire or request is provided.

The spacious Ocean Residences will offer effortlessly elegant spaces with separate living, dining and sleeping areas. The Ocean Residences offer a panoramic ocean-front terrace with a private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and sun loungers. The materials showcase the care, attention and calibre of the design, such as Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble used in the bathrooms of Cocoon, Serenity and Retreat Residences. With four unique types of residences to choose from within the category, their names, Cocoon, Cove, Retreat and Serenity, reflect the calming effects of the ocean and the Home at Sea feeling. The Cocoon and Serenity Residences feature unique wrap-around terraces, while Cocoon, Serenity and Retreat Residences offer a separate bathtub and walk-in-shower.

All Ocean Residences are served by a dedicated team of Residence Hosts providing bespoke butler services 24 hours a day.

Fusing Swiss precision with the finest European craftsmanship and conscious, respectful design, Explora Journeys has worked with luxury brands such as Molteni&C, part of the Molteni Group, the leading independent group in the high-end furniture sector with 100% Italian production. The identity of Molteni&C lives in all the suites of EXPLORA I through iconic sofas and chairs as well as the new Molteni&C outdoor collection for selected terraces, all marked by the core values of Molteni: tradition, quality, durability and reliability, supported by research and innovation.

Further enhancing the magnificent outdoor spaces, suite terraces have been furnished with exquisite pieces by Manutti, one of the world’s leading luxury outdoor furniture brands.

Luxury bed and bath linens are from Frette, who use the most skilled Italian artisans to craft products that embody luxury, comfort and creativity.

The lighting throughout the suites has been styled to create an intimate light. Linear lights integrated with the suite's furnishings offer an equally functional and design-led element, mirroring the linear flow from the entrance to the window of the suites, to give a clear perspective of the well-equilibrated spaces. Future thinking design and lighting brand, Astep has been used within the Ocean Residences for their bedside sconce lights and elegant chandelier.

For the ultimate workout, EXPLORA I will feature in-suite fitness equipment by Technogym. Ocean Penthouses will be equipped with the Technogym Kit, while Ocean Residences will have an additional Technogym Bench available for guests.

In the vision of enhancing the home-away-from-home ambience, Explora Journeys has developed a further phase of its design project dedicated to art. Through their personal vision, the owners’ family has hand-selected notable artists and their work to be showcased on board. Each suite will feature a master artwork in its living room along with additional complementary pieces and carefully curated decorative elements.

Additional to the exquisite beverage offering on board, guests are welcomed to their Home at Sea with a chilled bottle of champagne: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in Ocean Suites, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 in Ocean Penthouses and Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 in Ocean Residences.