Explore Journeys Explorer 1 Review: Is This the New Standard in Luxury Cruising? | Ep 46

Some cruisers chase itineraries. Others chase loyalty perks. But Bradley—now on his 60th sailing—chases experiences. And on this episode of Luxury Cruising, he gives us a rare, detailed, and unfiltered look inside Explorer Journeys’ Explorer 1, MSC’s bold entrance into the world of six-star, yacht-style cruising. From the moment he arrived at the port in Athens, something felt different: a shimmering navy hull, private hosts guiding the entire check-in experience, and a boarding process so seamless he barely realized it had happened. Once onboard, the Explorer 1 delivered on its promise of “luxury yacht living” in every direction—soft-lit lounges, curated art, and public spaces designed with the kind of restraint and elegance normally reserved for boutique hotels. Even the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite surprised him with its elevated materials, thoughtful touches, and spa-like finishes. Things only escalated from there. Bradley walks us through standout dining moments—from plant-forward displays in the Marketplace to the immersive cooking theatrics of Marble & Co. to the modern, serene flavors of Sakura. And yes, he even splurged on Anthology, Explorer’s fine-dining, Michelin-inspired gastronomic experience. We also explore: • Why Explorer’s onboard entertainment exceeded expectations • How their pre-cruise host contact dramatically shaped the journey • What makes Explorer’s pricing so competitive with MSC Yacht Club • The unexpected “wow moments” of small-ship luxury—from private tours to early port access • What Explorer does differently (and better) than Crystal, Yacht Club, Cunard Grills Class, and other luxury competitors Toward the end, Bradley offers a refreshingly balanced comparison: Explorer Journeys isn’t just a new ship; it's an entirely new category—combining the polish of six-star cruising with the warmth and playfulness of a boutique European resort. And yes… he’s already booked Explorer 5 for its 2028 inaugural season. Whether you're planning your first luxury voyage or simply love hearing how the upper-tier cruise lines stack up, this episode will make you rethink what “luxury at sea” can look like.  Key Highlights • 🛳 First Impressions: Why Explorer 1 feels like boarding a private super-yacht—not a cruise ship. • 🏡 The Suite Experience: Entry-level Ocean Terrace Suites that outperform many competitors’ higher categories. • 🥂 Personal Host Touches: Pre-cruise emails, tailored support, and effortless embarkation. • 🍽 Elevated Dining: Marketplace surprises, steakhouse standouts, sushi perfection, and a 7-course tasting menu at Anthology. • 🎶 Entertainment That Shocks: A saxophonist-DJ duo, West End–level performers, and rotating guest artists. • 🌍 Port Adventures: Whether Explorer’s curated excursions are worth it—and when a private guide wins. • ⚓ Explorer vs. MSC Yacht Club: How Explorer delivers the entire ship as a luxury enclave. • 💡 Big Takeaway: Explorer Journeys is quietly offering one of the best-value luxury experiences at sea right now.About the Guest Bradley, creator of Explore with Bradley, is a lifelong cruiser from South Wales, UK. Having sailed on nearly 60 cruises across every major and luxury line, he brings candid, firsthand insights to his growing online community. His content is known for being open, honest, and authentically self-funded—showing what travel really looks like beyond the brochure. • 🎥 YouTube: @ExploreWithBradley • 📸 Instagram: @explorewith_bradley • 🎵 TikTok: @explorewithbradleyAbout the Host Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea. 📍 Website: luxurycruising.net (https://luxurycruising.net/) 📧 Email: luxurycruisingpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:luxurycruisingpodcast@gmail.com)   🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis (https://linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis) 📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz (https://luxurycruising.net/quiz-290556) 👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect.  (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEDzttJSyBqkGmuIrLp7SxSfPozYsx6LWFuxkDbKTdLeF-iA/viewform?usp=header) Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table (https://app.fgfunnels.com/v2/preview/2Z9jcPSEGCYO2zfFy8rE) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com (https://pcm.adswizz.com) for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.