The new Explora I luxury cruise ship features outdoor workout areas. // Photos courtesy Explora Journeys
By John Roberts
Explora Journeys is a new luxury cruise line from the company that operates MSC Cruises, and this new cruise brand is set to sail with its first ship, Explora I in May 2023.
This is an exciting addition to the cruise landscape because the ship (three more are set to join the fleet in 2024, 2025 and 2026) carries a modest passenger count at 922 and also promises a more wellness-focused, all-inclusive and immersive way to travel.
As part of that mission Explora Journeys unveiled its plans for an Ocean Wellness program.
This is an array of restorative experiences far removed from urban noise and what seems to be an always-on digital culture. The program focuses on helping cruisers on Explora I to achieve better sleep, relaxation, mindfulness and energy while at sea. The ship features almost 11,000 square feet of space dedicated to a spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas and contemporary fitness facilities, as well as an outdoor sports court and running track.
"The philosophy behind Ocean Wellness is deeply rooted in Explora Journeys' origins," said Julanda Marais, senior lead for the cruise line's spa operations. "We've long understood the powerful effect of water and waves on body, mind and soul.
"This is the inspiration for Ocean Wellness. We want to give our guests a feeling of refined simplicity, relaxed luxury and complete mental and physical replenishment."
Experiences, programs and spaces designed to enhance wellbeing help achieve inner and outer calmness. From sleep to nutrition, a selection of initiatives has been curated to ensure a feeling of renewal during these voyages.
Explora Journeys is a new luxury cruise line from the company that operates MSC Cruises, and this new cruise brand is set to sail with its first ship, Explora I in May 2023.
This is an exciting addition to the cruise landscape because the ship (three more are set to join the fleet in 2024, 2025 and 2026) carries a modest passenger count at 922 and also promises a more wellness-focused, all-inclusive and immersive way to travel.
As part of that mission Explora Journeys unveiled its plans for an Ocean Wellness program.
This is an array of restorative experiences far removed from urban noise and what seems to be an always-on digital culture. The program focuses on helping cruisers on Explora I to achieve better sleep, relaxation, mindfulness and energy while at sea. The ship features almost 11,000 square feet of space dedicated to a spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas and contemporary fitness facilities, as well as an outdoor sports court and running track.
"The philosophy behind Ocean Wellness is deeply rooted in Explora Journeys' origins," said Julanda Marais, senior lead for the cruise line's spa operations. "We've long understood the powerful effect of water and waves on body, mind and soul.
"This is the inspiration for Ocean Wellness. We want to give our guests a feeling of refined simplicity, relaxed luxury and complete mental and physical replenishment."
Experiences, programs and spaces designed to enhance wellbeing help achieve inner and outer calmness. From sleep to nutrition, a selection of initiatives has been curated to ensure a feeling of renewal during these voyages.
The Spa
A place to soothe and heal, or simply a haven for pampering, Ocean Wellness -- The Spa mirrors the gentle, hypnotic effect of the ocean, allowing the pressures of daily life to recede. It offers more than 7,500 square feet of space dedicated to treatments and wellness facilities.
Treatment Rooms: There are 11 treatment rooms, including two private spa suites with their own outdoor relaxation areas; one double and seven single treatment rooms; an additional treatment room dedicated to specialized Medi-Luxe Treatments; and an outdoor relaxation space.
Beauty Studio: The flowing layout allows cruisers to receive grooming treatments in a tranquil space. The studio features replenishing hair and barber treatments in the hair salon and hand and foot treatments in the nail salon.
Sensorial Therapeutic Circuit: You'll find a wide array of facilities in the thermal wellness area: a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, Finnish sauna, salt cave, experience shower, ice fall and heated marble loungers.
A place to soothe and heal, or simply a haven for pampering, Ocean Wellness -- The Spa mirrors the gentle, hypnotic effect of the ocean, allowing the pressures of daily life to recede. It offers more than 7,500 square feet of space dedicated to treatments and wellness facilities.
Treatment Rooms: There are 11 treatment rooms, including two private spa suites with their own outdoor relaxation areas; one double and seven single treatment rooms; an additional treatment room dedicated to specialized Medi-Luxe Treatments; and an outdoor relaxation space.
Beauty Studio: The flowing layout allows cruisers to receive grooming treatments in a tranquil space. The studio features replenishing hair and barber treatments in the hair salon and hand and foot treatments in the nail salon.
Sensorial Therapeutic Circuit: You'll find a wide array of facilities in the thermal wellness area: a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, Finnish sauna, salt cave, experience shower, ice fall and heated marble loungers.
Fitness
Featuring 2,443 square feet of indoor space and more than 688 square feet of outdoor fitness facilities, Ocean Wellness -- Fitness also offers a Sports Court for half-court basketball as well as a panoramic running track and touchtennis. From an initial physical assessment to functional and strength training, cardio and Pilates, in individual sessions or group classes, the fitness program focuses on motivating cruisers to achieve their goals.
Fitness Center: The program offers fitness assessments and Technogym Artis equipment. Workout-inclined cruisers will appreciate the broad range of cardio and strength-training equipment.
Fitness Studio: Take part in tailor-made Technogym classes designed specifically for Explora Journeys. The studio also features Pilates reformers to target core strength and balance.
Open Air Fitness: Offering an unparalleled spectrum of fitness facilities with ultra-modern equipment that gives a nice variety of exercise options, this is a scenic area for solo or one-on-one training sessions.
Running Track: Encircling the ship is an 820-foot track on which runners can enjoy ocean views while they crank out laps.
Sports Court: This is the space for touchtennis, half-court basketball or yoga ritual experiences.
In-Suite Fitness: All cruisers have the option of training in their ocean-front suites or on their suite terraces, encouraged by a virtual coach. This is made possible by Technogym Bench, the sleek strength-training station with enclosed tools, and Technogym Case Kit with its QR code access to a digital library of guided video exercises with trainers supported by Technogym.
Yoga Programs: Choices include energy-flow power classes to replenish stamina and strength; sleep yoga to induce better nights of rest; relaxation yoga; mindfulness yoga to anchor body and mind through meditation; and immune-boosting yoga to support health and reduce anxiety via pranayama breathing techniques.
Featuring 2,443 square feet of indoor space and more than 688 square feet of outdoor fitness facilities, Ocean Wellness -- Fitness also offers a Sports Court for half-court basketball as well as a panoramic running track and touchtennis. From an initial physical assessment to functional and strength training, cardio and Pilates, in individual sessions or group classes, the fitness program focuses on motivating cruisers to achieve their goals.
Fitness Center: The program offers fitness assessments and Technogym Artis equipment. Workout-inclined cruisers will appreciate the broad range of cardio and strength-training equipment.
Fitness Studio: Take part in tailor-made Technogym classes designed specifically for Explora Journeys. The studio also features Pilates reformers to target core strength and balance.
Open Air Fitness: Offering an unparalleled spectrum of fitness facilities with ultra-modern equipment that gives a nice variety of exercise options, this is a scenic area for solo or one-on-one training sessions.
Running Track: Encircling the ship is an 820-foot track on which runners can enjoy ocean views while they crank out laps.
Sports Court: This is the space for touchtennis, half-court basketball or yoga ritual experiences.
In-Suite Fitness: All cruisers have the option of training in their ocean-front suites or on their suite terraces, encouraged by a virtual coach. This is made possible by Technogym Bench, the sleek strength-training station with enclosed tools, and Technogym Case Kit with its QR code access to a digital library of guided video exercises with trainers supported by Technogym.
Yoga Programs: Choices include energy-flow power classes to replenish stamina and strength; sleep yoga to induce better nights of rest; relaxation yoga; mindfulness yoga to anchor body and mind through meditation; and immune-boosting yoga to support health and reduce anxiety via pranayama breathing techniques.
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