Yet-to-launch luxury cruise line Explora Journeys has unveiled the entertainment venues, experiences and offerings on its first ship Explora I. 

The new line from MSC Group said it had invested “well-considered insights, creative thought and careful planning into every aspect of its onboard pursuits”, with the entertainment programme “continuously evolving” throughout each sailing to reflect regions and destinations. 

Instead of a single main event, a total of seven venues will offer different forms of entertainment throughout the day. With no strict starting times, the line said guests would be able to “dip in and out at their own pace”.

Music will be “front and centre” to the entertainment offering, Explora Journeys said.

Explora I will boast both guest and resident artistes, the latter of which have been chosen from an international line-up of performers and storytellers who can move between genres including classical, rock ‘n’ roll, disco and jazz.

Guests will be able to enjoy pre and post-dinner poolside sounds in the Astern Lounge, contemporary pop tunes inspired by Scott Bradley’s Post-Modern Jukebox in the Explora Lounge, and music inspired by the route the ship is sailing in the Journeys Lounge.

Entertainment hosts will organise a range of onboard activities including Ombre Sunsets, where guests can hone their photography skills in the Explora Lounge; The Spirit of Whiskey, an entertaining tutorial from mixologists in the Malt Whiskey Bar; and Melodic Master Class, where resident artistes discuss song writing, improvisation and composition. 

Events will also be designed specifically for each journey, such as Secrets of the Sail, where guests join the captain or bridge officers on a walk around the deck; and Midnight Wayfinder, a guitar music and storytelling experience under the stars or around the Conservatory Pool. 

A central aspect of sailing with Explora Journeys will also be its daily, weekly, monthly and annual ‘rituals’. These will take place at the same time, on the same day, in the same place across the company’s growing fleet of ships.

They will include daily guided meditations each morning; twice-daily, movement-based wellness rituals; midday acoustic melodies in the Atrium; signature drinks and canapes associated with the various ports of call served in the bars and lounges at sunset; and Moonrise, which occurs every 28 days and will see guests gather for a soiree to honour the full moon. 

Explora I will also offer several enrichment programmes – cultural, destination-themed talks, courses and informal conversations led by local experts in their respective fields. 

These will include readings with authors, tastings with baristas, courses on destination-themed crafts, dance classes and talks with artistes. 

The entertainment programme also includes ‘clubs’ for guests with certain needs, including Club Soda, which supports and entertains guests who enjoy an alcohol-free lifestyle; Prism events, which are organised to celebrate the diversity of the line’s guests, and the Solivagant Society, which brings together solo travellers via activities, events and experiences. 

Drew Gowland, senior lead entertainment for experience and enrichment said: “We’ve adopted a new thoughtful and personalised approach to entertainment, enrichment and experiences at sea. The discerning luxury traveller looking for something that authentically reflects their mood as well as their journey will find a subtle, layered, intimate and yet exciting choice of experiences and diversions aboard our ships.”