Explora Journeys vs Scenic Ocean Cruises

The core difference

Explora Journeys and Scenic Ocean Cruises both promise all-inclusive luxury without the mega-ship compromises — but they interpret that promise through radically different lenses. One is a European resort at sea; the other is an Australian expedition yacht with scientific instruments.

Explora is the purpose-built ocean luxury disruptor. Launched in July 2023 by the MSC Group with a reported EUR 3.5 billion investment, the line operates 922-guest ships featuring nine dining venues, a 7,500-square-foot complimentary thermal spa, all-suite all-balcony accommodation from 375 square feet, and a contemporary European atmosphere that deliberately avoids cruise conventions. The ships feel like floating boutique hotels — muted earth tones, Italian furnishings, Calacatta marble, and a 1.25:1 crew-to-guest ratio. EXPLORA III arrives summer 2026, with six ships planned by 2028. All are ocean-going with no expedition capability.

Scenic is Australian expedition innovation. Founded by Glen Moroney in Newcastle, NSW in 1986, the Scenic Group launched what it calls “the world’s first Discovery Yachts” — Scenic Eclipse (2019) and Eclipse II (2023). At 228 guests with PC6 ice class, two Airbus helicopters, a submarine certified to 300 metres, ten dining venues, butler service in every suite, and a genuinely all-inclusive fare, the Eclipse ships represent the most comprehensively equipped expedition product available. Scenic Ikon (April 2028, 270 guests) adds fifteen dining venues and an 18,298-square-foot spa. Eclipse II is permanently homeported in Australia from 2028.

For Australian travellers, the distinction is practical and immediate. Scenic is Australian-owned, priced in AUD, and will have a ship based permanently in Australian waters. Explora requires international flights to reach every departure until 2029.

What is actually included

Both lines market all-inclusive luxury, but Scenic’s inclusion model is broader and more transparent.

Scenic’s “Truly All-Inclusive” fare covers all dining across ten venues without surcharges, premium branded beverages (champagne, spirits, wines), three tiers of shore excursions (Freechoice, Enrich, and Discovery), butler service in every suite, gratuities for all services, Starlink Wi-Fi, port charges, taxes, and transfers on select departures. The only significant extras are helicopter flights (approximately USD $695), submarine dives (approximately USD $795), spa treatments, and flights.

Explora includes: nine dining venues without surcharges (Anthology at approximately EUR $165 and Chef’s Kitchen excepted), unlimited premium drinks, Starlink Wi-Fi, complimentary thermal spa access, daily minibar restock, 24-hour in-suite dining, port shuttle services, and all gratuities. Butler service begins at Prestige Suites. Shore excursions, flights, transfers, and valet laundry are additional.

The practical difference: Scenic’s inclusion of butler service in every suite, three tiers of shore excursions, and gratuities creates a “fare is the fare” simplicity that Explora does not match. Explora counters with the complimentary thermal spa — 7,500 square feet of sauna, steam, hydrotherapy, and heated marble loungers available to all guests — which has no equivalent on Scenic. For travellers who want to leave the wallet in the safe, Scenic is the more complete package.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines deliver outstanding cuisine with surprising depth for their ship sizes — but the ratio of restaurants to guests tells the story.

Scenic Eclipse offers ten dining venues on a 228-guest ship — the highest restaurant-to-guest ratio in luxury cruising. Elements is the main restaurant. Lumière serves contemporary French fine dining with champagne and caviar — reviewers call it possibly the best single-venue experience in expedition cruising. Koko’s offers Asian fusion with a dedicated sushi bar and the Night Market tasting for eight guests. The Chef’s Table at Elements is an invitation-only molecular gastronomy degustation for ten. Azure Bar & Café provides all-day casual fare. Every venue is included. Scenic has won consecutive Cruise Critic Best Expedition Line for Dining awards.

Explora offers nine dining venues per ship. Anthology — a 42-seat degustation with rotating three-Michelin-star guest chefs — is the creative peak, but carries a surcharge of approximately EUR $165 plus EUR $70 wine pairing. The remaining venues — Emporium Marketplace, Fil Rouge, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club — span global cuisines and are all included. Explora won Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best Dining award.

The comparison: Scenic offers more venues per guest with all of them included. Explora offers a wider range of global cuisines across a larger ship. Scenic’s Lumière is the peer of Explora’s Anthology in quality. The deciding factor is the surcharge — Anthology gates its peak experience behind a premium, while Scenic includes everything.

Suites and accommodation

Both lines offer all-suite all-balcony accommodation with comparable entry-level square footage — but the butler question separates them.

Explora’s Ocean Terrace Suite starts at 375 square feet with a 75-square-foot private terrace. Contemporary residential design with Italian furnishings, natural stone bathroom, European king bed. Butler service begins at Prestige Suite level (538 square feet). The Owner’s Residence spans approximately 3,015 square feet across two levels. Fleet is uniformly modern.

Scenic Eclipse’s Verandah Suite starts at 345 to 365 square feet — slightly smaller than Explora’s entry level. All suites include butler service, King Size Slumber Bed, butler bar with Nespresso, Bose sound system, and 24-hour in-suite dining. Spa Suites (495–540 square feet) include a Philippe Starck spa bath. The Owner’s Penthouse spans 2,100 square feet with private Jacuzzi terrace.

The comparison: Explora wins on entry-level size by approximately 10 to 30 square feet and on top-suite scale (3,015 versus 2,100 square feet). Scenic wins on universal butler service — every guest, every suite, every sailing. For many travellers, having a butler who unpacks luggage, arranges dinner, and remembers preferences is worth more than the additional square footage.

Pricing and value

The pricing comparison is complicated by the lines’ different inclusion models and fundamentally different products.

Explora’s per-diem runs approximately USD $450–$750 per person per night for entry-level Ocean Terrace Suites. A 14-night Mediterranean voyage costs approximately AUD $13,000–$19,000 per person for the cruise fare. Add international flights (AUD $5,000–$9,000 per person business class), shore excursions (AUD $2,000–$5,000), Anthology dining (AUD $700–$1,000), and incidentals. Total for a couple: approximately AUD $36,000–$56,000.

Scenic’s per-diem starts from approximately AUD $1,200 per person per night, though promotional pricing can bring this below AUD $700. A 13-day Antarctic expedition starts from approximately AUD $32,690. An 8-day Mediterranean from approximately AUD $14,710. The all-inclusive nature means the fare closely approximates the total holiday cost (excluding flights and optional helicopter/submarine).

For Mediterranean ocean cruising, Explora’s headline fare is lower — but once excursions, butler service equivalent, and dining supplements are factored, the gap narrows significantly. For expedition cruising, no comparison exists — Scenic operates in Antarctica, the Kimberley, and polar regions where Explora has no capability.

Spa and wellness

Explora has the more impressive dedicated spa facility; Scenic’s wellness is integrated into the expedition experience.

Explora’s Helios Spa spans over 7,500 square feet across two decks. The thermal area is complimentary for all guests — hydrotherapy pool, salt cave, Finnish sauna, aromatic steam room, experience showers, ice fountain, heated marble loungers. Four swimming pools including a 25-metre infinity-edge pool. Won World Spa Awards 2024 for World’s Best Cruise Spa.

Scenic’s Senses Spa spans 550 square metres (approximately 5,920 square feet) — substantial for a 228-guest ship. ESPA treatment programme. Complimentary Scandinavian-inspired plunge pools, infrared and bio saunas, steam room, Vitality Pool, relaxation lounge. PURE Yoga & Pilates Studio. Scenic Ikon will feature an 18,298-square-foot two-level spa. The expedition context adds experiential wellness — a spa treatment after a morning Zodiac landing in Antarctica is uniquely Scenic.

Explora’s spa is larger, more architecturally ambitious, and consistently available across the fleet. Scenic’s spa is impressive for its ship size and benefits from the expedition setting. If spa is the primary motivation, Explora wins. If wellness integrated with adventure appeals, Scenic delivers something Explora cannot.

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines reject mainstream cruise entertainment but fill the gap differently — one with resort-style curation, the other with scientific expedition.

Explora offers intimate musical performances, DJ sets, acoustic concerts, wine tastings, and cultural storytelling. The Luminaries programme brings artists and thought leaders aboard select sailings. No production shows. The approach is deliberately understated — contemporary resort atmosphere.

Scenic’s Discovery Team comprises up to twenty specialists per voyage — marine biologists, historians, geologists, ornithologists — handpicked for each destination. Daily briefings in a theatre with 180-degree projection screens. “B My Guest” partnership provides bespoke musical performances. Cooking masterclasses at the Chef’s Garden. The evening atmosphere is intimate, social, and entirely English-speaking.

The distinction is fundamental: Explora creates an evening resort atmosphere. Scenic makes the destination the programme, with scientific enrichment that structures the entire day around discovery.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison reveals different strategies — Explora’s uniformly modern ocean fleet versus Scenic’s specialist expedition yachts.

Explora operates two ships (three from summer 2026) — all 922-guest ocean vessels with identical contemporary quality. Deployments cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Middle East, and transatlantic. No expedition capability. Six ships planned by 2028.

Scenic operates two Discovery Yachts (three from April 2028) — Eclipse and Eclipse II at 228 guests each with PC6 ice class, helicopters, and submarine. Scenic Ikon (270 guests) joins with enhanced facilities. From 2028, Eclipse II is permanently based in Australia and Asia Pacific. The fleet reaches Antarctica, the Kimberley, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Arctic.

Explora offers more departure dates in mainstream ocean destinations. Scenic offers expedition access to destinations Explora cannot reach. For Australians, Scenic’s permanent Australian homeporting from 2028 is a transformative advantage.

Where each line excels

Explora excels in:

• Ocean luxury hardware. The newest purpose-built ships in ultra-luxury with uniform quality, four pools, and 64 cabanas.
• Spa and wellness. The complimentary 7,500-square-foot thermal spa has no equivalent in the segment.
• Mediterranean breadth. More departure dates across European waters with larger suites and contemporary design.
• Value on ocean itineraries. Lower per-diem than Scenic on comparable Mediterranean sailings.
• Contemporary atmosphere. For travellers who want luxury without cruise conventions or expedition briefings.

Scenic excels in:

• All-inclusive completeness. Butler service in every suite, excursions, premium drinks, and gratuities all covered. The most transparent pricing in luxury cruising.
• Expedition capability. Helicopters, submarine, Zodiacs, PC6 ice class, and a team of up to twenty specialists per voyage.
• Australian ownership. Founded in Newcastle, NSW. Priced in AUD. Permanently homeported in Australia from 2028.
• Dining-to-guest ratio. Ten restaurants for 228 guests versus Explora’s nine for 922.
• Expedition destinations. Antarctica, the Kimberley, and Arctic regions where Explora has no presence.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean Discovery (10 nights on EXPLORA I or II, multiple departures 2026–2027) — Roundtrip Barcelona or Civitavecchia. The European atmosphere feels most natural in Mediterranean waters. From approximately USD $5,500 per person.

Northern Europe & Baltic (12–14 nights, summer 2026–2027) — Norwegian fjords, Stockholm, Helsinki. The spa and resort-style design complement long daylight hours.

2029 World Cruise (128 days, Dubai to Barcelona) — First Explora voyage visiting Australia. Join mid-voyage in Darwin or Sydney for a segment.

Scenic

Eclipse II: East Antarctica (approximately 20 nights, Queenstown to Hobart) — Mawson’s Huts with complimentary helicopter shuttle. Departures from New Zealand — domestic connections only for Australians.

Eclipse II: The Kimberley (returning 2028, 10 nights, Darwin to Broome) — The only Kimberley expedition ship with onboard helicopters for flightseeing. Discovery Team led by specialists. All excursions included.

Scenic Ikon: Mediterranean Inaugural (April 2028, Venice) — Maiden voyage of the third Discovery Yacht. 270 guests, fifteen dining venues, 18,298-square-foot spa.

Eclipse I: Antarctic Peninsula (13 days, from approximately AUD $32,690) — Multiple Zodiac landings, helicopter flights, and submarine dives available.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Explora Journeys

EXPLORA I (922 guests, July 2023) — The inaugural ship. Choose for Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries.

EXPLORA II (922 guests, September 2024) — Near-identical with minor refinements. Choose based on itinerary rather than ship.

EXPLORA III (arriving summer 2026, LNG-powered) — New, larger class with expanded spaces. Launch pricing may offer value.

Scenic

Scenic Eclipse II — The recommended first Scenic sailing for Australian travellers. Permanently based in Australia and Asia Pacific from 2028. Homeported in Sydney, Darwin, and Hobart.

Scenic Eclipse I — Primarily deployed to Europe and Antarctica. Choose for Northern Hemisphere or classic Antarctic Peninsula itineraries.

Scenic Ikon (arriving April 2028) — The flagship. 270 guests, fifteen dining venues, two-level spa, Triton submersible. Expect a premium over Eclipse-class.

For Australian travellers specifically

This comparison has a clear winner on Australian accessibility — and it is not close.

Scenic is Australian-owned, Australian-headquartered, and permanently homeported in Australian waters from 2028. Glen Moroney founded the company in Newcastle in 1986. Global headquarters remain on Watt Street, Newcastle. AUD pricing through scenic.com.au. Eclipse II sails from Sydney, Darwin, and Hobart. The Scenic & Emerald Rewards programme (February 2026) unifies loyalty across ocean, river, and Emerald brands — existing river cruise members carry status directly to ocean. Contact: 1300 938 753. For Australians with Scenic river cruise loyalty, the pathway to ocean expedition is seamless.

Explora’s Australian proposition is non-existent until 2029. No Australian sailings announced for 2026, 2027, or 2028. The 2029 World Cruise is the first scheduled visit. Until then, every Explora sailing requires international flights. The Sky & Sea Fare programme offers integrated fly-cruise packages from Australian airports, but the journey remains long. Explora operates through MSC Group infrastructure in Australia.

The recommendation for Australians is clear. If you want luxury cruising from Australian ports — or expedition cruising anywhere — Scenic is the choice. If you want Mediterranean or European ocean cruising with the newest hardware and are willing to fly, Explora offers a compelling product at a competitive per-diem.

The onboard atmosphere

The cultural feel of these two lines is markedly different — and the difference matters for Australian travellers.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary, European, and deliberately un-cruise-like. Average passenger age approximately 50–60. The demographic skews Italian, French, German, and British. No casino, no production shows. Music is curated: lounge DJs, acoustic sets, jazz trios. Dress code is “elegant resort” at all times. The vibe is boutique hotel rather than cruise ship.

Scenic’s atmosphere is English-speaking, polished, and social. With 228 guests and nearly 1:1 crew ratio, the intimacy is pronounced — crew learn names quickly. Butler service creates personal relationships. The shared intensity of Zodiac landings and expedition excursions forges genuine connections between guests. The passenger mix is international but English-speaking, with strong Australian and British representation. Evenings feature live piano and cocktails in the Observatory Lounge. Dress code is elegant casual. For Australians, sailing Scenic feels familiar — because it is an Australian company.

The bottom line

Explora Journeys and Scenic Ocean Cruises are both excellent luxury products that rarely compete head-to-head — they serve different purposes for different travellers.

Choose Explora if you want the newest ocean luxury ships afloat, a contemporary European atmosphere, the finest complimentary thermal spa at sea, nine dining venues, and larger entry-level suites. Accept that every sailing requires international flights until 2029, shore excursions are additional, and butler service requires upgrading. Explora is ideal for design-conscious Australians planning a Mediterranean or European holiday.

Choose Scenic if you want the most comprehensively all-inclusive expedition product available — butler service in every suite, ten dining venues, helicopters, submarine, included excursions, and premium drinks. Choose it for Australian ownership, AUD pricing, and a ship permanently homeported in Australia from 2028. Choose it for Antarctica, the Kimberley, and destinations Explora cannot reach. Accept the higher per-diem on ocean itineraries and the smaller fleet that limits departure date flexibility.

For most Australian travellers, Scenic’s domestic accessibility, expedition capability, and all-inclusive completeness make it the more practical choice. Explora appeals to Australians specifically seeking modern European ocean luxury — and delivers it beautifully.