Explora Journeys vs Silversea Cruises

The core difference

Explora Journeys and Silversea Cruises represent the ultra-luxury segment’s most direct competitive rivalry — and the choice between them reveals whether you prioritise innovation or heritage, design or destination, the newest hardware or the broadest reach.

Explora is the purpose-built challenger. Launched in July 2023 by the MSC Group with a reported EUR 3.5 billion investment across six ships, it was engineered specifically to capture the market Silversea defines. When Royal Caribbean Group acquired Silversea in 2018, the MSC Group — its direct competitor in mass-market cruising — saw an opportunity to fill the gap left by an Italian ultra-luxury brand now under American corporate ownership. The result is a line that deliberately avoids the word “cruise” in its positioning, using “ocean living” to describe a contemporary European residential experience at sea. The ships feel like floating boutique hotels: muted earth tones, Molteni&C furnishings, Calacatta marble, open-plan social spaces, and a 7,500-square-foot thermal spa included for all guests. No formal nights, no assigned dining, no traditional cruise director.

Silversea is the established incumbent. Founded by the Lefebvre family of Rome in 1994, the line has defined Italian ultra-luxury cruising for three decades. Acquired by Royal Caribbean Group in 2018, Silversea retains its Italian heritage and independent brand identity. The philosophy centres on butler service in every suite as standard — a claim no other ultra-luxury line can match — destination immersion through the S.A.L.T. culinary programme, and the broadest destination coverage in the segment. Twelve ships spanning ocean and expedition reach everywhere from the Mediterranean to Antarctica, from the Galapagos to Australia’s Kimberley coast. The Nova-class ships (Silver Nova 2023, Silver Ray 2024) introduced a revolutionary asymmetrical design, while the expedition fleet carries Zodiacs, scientific teams, and polar gear to places no ocean ship can access.

For Australian travellers, the practical distinction is immediate. Silversea deploys multiple ships to Australian waters each season — ocean voyages from Sydney and Auckland, Kimberley expeditions from Darwin and Broome, and Asia deployments accessible via short flights from Australian cities. Explora has no Australian presence until 2029 at the earliest.

What is actually included

Both lines are generous by ultra-luxury standards, but structure their inclusions differently — and the differences matter.

Explora includes: premium spirits, wines, and cocktails; Starlink Wi-Fi; all gratuities; complimentary access to the 7,500-square-foot Helios Spa thermal area (sauna, steam room, vitality pool, snow room, experience showers — no booking required, no time limit); daily-replenished minibar; 24-hour in-suite dining; port-to-city-centre shuttle services; and all enrichment programming. Most dining is included without surcharges — the exceptions are Anthology (approximately EUR $165 per person plus EUR $70 wine pairing) and Chef’s Kitchen. Butler service is reserved for Prestige Suites and above.

Explora does not include: flights, shore excursions, airport-to-ship transfers, valet laundry, or pre-cruise hotel stays.

Silversea includes (under the All-Inclusive Plus fare): butler service in every suite category — the only line in ultra-luxury to do this universally; all dining at most venues; premium drinks; standard Wi-Fi; all gratuities; and a shore excursion credit based on voyage length. On expedition voyages, inclusions expand to cover all Zodiac landings, expedition gear (parka and boots on polar voyages), expert-guided activities, and — on certain itineraries — charter flights and pre/post hotel stays.

Silversea does not include as standard: flights (separate add-on programme available); premium Wi-Fi (USD $29 per day upgrade); or transfers. La Dame dining carries a USD $60 per person surcharge. S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table also carries a supplement.

The key differentiators: Explora’s complimentary thermal spa is a genuine structural advantage — architecturally integrated, available to all guests, no booking friction. Silversea’s universal butler service is its unique selling point — once you have experienced a butler drawing your bath, unpacking your luggage, arranging dinner reservations, and remembering your preferred gin, its absence on other lines is conspicuous. Silversea’s shore excursion credit on the All-Inclusive Plus fare partially closes the gap with lines that include excursions, while Explora charges for all excursions without exception.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines deliver outstanding cuisine, but their approaches to food reveal fundamentally different brand philosophies.

Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme (Sea and Land Taste) is unique in ultra-luxury cruising — no competitor has an equivalent. The programme comprises four integrated elements: S.A.L.T. Kitchen, a dedicated restaurant where menus rotate every three days based on the regions sailed (a Mediterranean sailing features Provençal bouillabaisse and Ligurian focaccia; a Japanese deployment serves kaiseki and izakaya); S.A.L.T. Lab, a hands-on cooking class for approximately 22 guests with rotating destination-tied menus; S.A.L.T. Bar, serving destination-inspired cocktails; and S.A.L.T. Shore excursions, taking guests to local markets, farms, and food artisans. Six of eight ocean ships now feature S.A.L.T. Beyond S.A.L.T., Silversea offers La Terrazza (Italian, naturally), Kaiseki (Japanese fine dining), Silver Note (jazz supper club with tapas), The Grill (poolside), Arts Cafe (light bites), and La Dame (French fine dining, USD $60 surcharge). Nova-class ships have eight to ten venues.

Explora offers six dining venues per ship. The standout is Anthology — a 42-seat degustation restaurant featuring rotating three-Michelin-star guest chefs and a daily-changing menu inspired by the ship’s current destination. A Mediterranean port might yield Ligurian pesto trofie; a Northern European call might produce gravlax and juniper-cured reindeer. Anthology is arguably the most creative single dining concept at sea, but it carries a surcharge of approximately EUR $165 per person plus EUR $70 for wine pairing. The remaining venues — Emporium Marketplace (global food hall), Fil Rouge (French-inspired), Sakura (pan-Asian), Marble & Co. Grill (European steakhouse), and Med Yacht Club (casual Mediterranean) — are all included. Chef’s Kitchen offers interactive culinary theatre for a supplement. Explora won Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best Dining award.

The verdict: Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme delivers deeper destination connection through food — it is a genuine innovation that changes how you experience the places you visit. Explora’s Anthology delivers higher peak creativity but gates it behind a supplement. Silversea offers more venues and greater variety across its fleet. Explora’s included dining at the base level is slightly more generous (Anthology aside, no supplements at any venue). Both lines serve outstanding food; the question is whether you value destination-connected culinary immersion (Silversea) or contemporary Mediterranean-global excellence (Explora).

Suites and accommodation

Both lines offer all-suite, all-balcony accommodation. Explora wins on entry-level size; Silversea wins on butler service.

Explora’s Ocean Terrace Suite starts at 377 square feet with a private terrace — one of the most generous entry-level offerings in the segment. The design is contemporary residential: warm wood tones, natural stone bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, Dyson hairdryer, Italian bed linens, and a European king bed. The Ocean Grand Terrace adds a living area at approximately 495 square feet. The Prestige Suite jumps to 538 square feet with butler service. At the top, the Owner’s Residence spans approximately 3,015 square feet across two levels with private Jacuzzi and dining for eight. Every suite has a private terrace. The fleet is uniformly modern — no variation in quality between ships.

Silversea’s entry-level Vista Suite varies significantly by ship class: 357 square feet on Nova-class (Silver Nova, Silver Ray), 334 square feet on Muse-class (Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Muse), 312 square feet on Silver Spirit, and 287 square feet on the older Millennium-class ships (Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper). The Otium Suite on Nova-class ships (1,324 square feet with 270-degree panoramic views and private whirlpool) is architecturally distinctive. Grand Suites on Muse-class reach approximately 1,970 square feet. Every suite on every ocean ship has butler service — even the smallest Vista — and a private balcony.

The comparison: Explora wins at the entry level by 20–90 square feet depending on which Silversea ship you compare, with a more contemporary and uniformly modern design. Silversea counters with butler service in every suite — a qualitative difference that experienced guests consistently cite as transformative. At the top end, Explora’s Owner’s Residence is larger, but Silversea’s Otium Suite offers an architectural experience (270-degree views, asymmetrical placement) that Explora does not attempt. The critical risk with Silversea is ship-class variability — booking a Vista Suite on Silver Shadow (287 square feet, built 2000) is a very different experience from Silver Nova (357 square feet, built 2023). Explora’s fleet uniformity eliminates this concern.

Pricing and value

Neither line includes flights from Australia, which makes the total-cost comparison relatively straightforward.

Explora’s per-diem runs approximately USD $450–$750 per person per night depending on voyage length, season, and suite category. A seven-night Mediterranean in an Ocean Terrace Suite averages USD $550–$700 per night.

Silversea’s per-diem runs approximately USD $500–$1,000 per person per night depending on ship class and itinerary. Nova-class ships command premium pricing (USD $700–$1,000 per night in a Vista Suite for Mediterranean sailings). Muse-class ships are typically 10–20 per cent less.

Total cost for an Australian couple on a 14-night Mediterranean voyage:

Explora (Ocean Terrace Suite): approximately AUD $13,000–$19,000 for the cruise fare. Add business-class flights (AUD $10,000–$18,000), shore excursions (AUD $2,000–$5,000), Anthology dining (AUD $700–$1,000), transfers and incidentals (AUD $500–$1,000). Total: approximately AUD $26,000–$43,000 per couple.

Silversea (Vista Suite, Nova-class, All-Inclusive Plus): approximately AUD $28,000–$42,000 for the cruise fare (includes shore excursion credit). Add business-class flights (AUD $10,000–$18,000), additional excursions beyond credit (AUD $500–$2,000), La Dame dining (AUD $200), premium Wi-Fi upgrade (AUD $800–$1,200). Total: approximately AUD $40,000–$63,000 per couple.

Silversea (Vista Suite, Muse-class): approximately AUD $24,000–$36,000 for the cruise fare, bringing total to approximately AUD $36,000–$57,000 per couple.

The pattern: Explora is 15–30 per cent cheaper than Silversea on comparable ocean itineraries. The gap narrows on Muse-class ships but remains meaningful. However, Silversea includes butler service, the S.A.L.T. culinary programme, and broader destination coverage — value that is difficult to quantify in dollar terms. For Australians holding significant frequent flyer points, both lines’ total cost drops substantially since neither includes air.

Spa and wellness

Explora has the decisive hardware advantage; Silversea has the more holistic wellness philosophy.

Explora’s Helios Spa & Fitness Centre spans over 7,500 square feet across two decks. The thermal area — hydrotherapy pool, salt cave, Finnish sauna, aromatic steam room, experience showers, ice fountain, and heated marble loungers — is complimentary for all guests. Eleven treatment rooms including two private spa suites with outdoor relaxation areas. Products by Dr Levy Switzerland and Aromatherapy Associates. Won World Spa Awards 2024 for World’s Best Cruise Spa. Four swimming pools per ship including a 25-metre outdoor infinity-edge pool. Sixty-four private cabanas. Dedicated outdoor yoga platform. Every Explora ship has the same spa — no ship-class lottery.

Silversea’s spa offering varies significantly by ship class. Nova-class ships feature the OTIVM Spa (3,638 square feet with indoor relaxation pool, experiential showers, panoramic sauna, steam room). Silver Dawn has the fleet’s largest OTIVM Spa at 8,500 square feet. The OTIVM concept extends beyond the physical spa: butler-drawn aromatherapy baths, in-suite OTIVM dining menu, champagne in the relaxation room. Muse-class ships (Silver Moon, Silver Muse) have the older Zagara Beauty Spa — smaller and more conventional. Millennium-class ships have basic spa facilities. Silver Spirit is receiving a comprehensive spa upgrade in Spring 2026.

The comparison: Explora’s spa is larger, more architecturally ambitious, and consistently available across the entire fleet at no charge. Silversea’s OTIVM concept on Silver Dawn is actually larger than Explora’s Helios (8,500 versus 7,500 square feet), but this is one ship out of twelve. The OTIVM philosophy — wellness woven into the suite experience, not just the spa — is intellectually compelling. But for practical spa enjoyment on any given sailing, Explora delivers a superior and more reliable experience. If wellness is your primary motivation, choose Explora for the ocean spa or Silversea for expedition wellness (spa treatments after a morning Zodiac landing in Antarctica is a uniquely Silversea experience).

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines reject traditional cruise entertainment in favour of curated experiences, but their approaches differ.

Explora offers intimate musical performances, DJ sets at the Sky Bar, acoustic concerts, cultural storytelling sessions, and destination-focused experiences in the Journeys Lounge. Wine and spirit tastings are frequent. The approach is deliberately understated — no large-scale production shows, no Broadway revues, no theatre seating for 600. The Luminaries programme brings artists, authors, and thought leaders aboard select sailings. Enrichment includes destination briefings, wellness workshops, and culinary demonstrations.

Silversea’s enrichment is anchored by the S.A.L.T. programme — cooking classes in the S.A.L.T. Lab, market tours ashore, and culinary lectures provide genuine skills and knowledge. Silver Note is a jazz supper club unique in the segment — live jazz with tapas-style dining. Guest lecturers include historians, scientists, and destination experts. Expedition ships add a scientific dimension: onboard naturalists, citizen science programmes in partnership with the Alfred Wegener Institute, and daily expedition briefings. The Observation Lounge and Panorama Lounge host evening socialising.

Dress codes: Explora has no formal dress code — “elegant resort” at all times. Silversea is elegant casual with formal-optional evenings on select nights (no mandatory formal dress). Neither line enforces traditional formal nights.

The comparison: If you value culinary enrichment and destination immersion, Silversea’s S.A.L.T. programme has no equivalent. If you prefer a contemporary resort atmosphere with curated music and understated socialising, Explora is more aligned with your preferences. On expedition ships, Silversea’s enrichment — scientific lectures, Zodiac landings, citizen science — is in a category Explora simply does not offer.

Fleet and destination coverage

This is where Silversea’s established scale and expedition capability create an advantage Explora cannot match for years.

Explora currently operates two ships — Explora I (July 2023, 922 guests, 63,900 GT) and Explora II (September 2024, 922 guests). Explora III arrives 2026 (LNG-powered, 72,810 GT), with Explora IV, V, and VI following through 2028. By 2028, Explora expects six uniformly modern ships — all under five years old, making it the newest fleet in ultra-luxury. All are ocean-going; no expedition capability. Deployments cover the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, transatlantic, Middle East, and emerging Asia coverage.

Silversea operates twelve ships — eight ocean and four expedition:

Ocean fleet: Silver Nova (2023, 728 guests), Silver Ray (2024, 728 guests), Silver Dawn (2021, 596 guests), Silver Moon (2020, 596 guests), Silver Muse (2017, refitted 2025, 632 guests), Silver Spirit (2009, refurbishing 2026, 608 guests), Silver Shadow (2000, 388 guests), Silver Whisper (2001, 388 guests).

Expedition fleet: Silver Endeavour (2021, 200 guests, Antarctica specialist), Silver Cloud (1994, expedition refit 2017, 254 guests, Kimberley and polar), Silver Wind (1995, expedition refit 2020, 274 guests), Silver Origin (2020, 100 guests, Galapagos only).

Silversea’s fleet advantage is overwhelming in breadth: twelve ships covering every major cruise region and every expedition frontier, versus Explora’s two ocean ships. Explora’s advantage is fleet uniformity — no risk of booking a 25-year-old vessel with significantly inferior facilities, which remains a real concern with Silversea’s older Millennium-class ships.

Where each line excels

Explora excels in:

• Design and modernity. Every ship purpose-built from 2023 onward with identical contemporary quality. No ship-class lottery.
• Spa and wellness. The 7,500-square-foot Helios Spa with complimentary thermal area is the best fleet-wide wellness offering in ultra-luxury ocean cruising.
• Entry-level suites. At 377 square feet with a private terrace, the Ocean Terrace Suite is the most generous base-category offering in the segment.
• Contemporary atmosphere. For travellers who find traditional cruise culture dated, Explora’s European ocean-living philosophy creates a genuinely different experience.
• Value. Explora’s headline fare is 15–30 per cent lower than Silversea’s on comparable ocean itineraries.

Silversea excels in:

• Expedition cruising. Four dedicated ships reaching Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, and Australia’s Kimberley coast. No competitor in this comparison offers anything equivalent.
• Butler service. Every suite, every ship, every sailing. Universally cited as the single biggest experiential differentiator once guests have experienced it.
• S.A.L.T. culinary programme. A destination-integrated restaurant, bar, cooking lab, and shore experience that no competitor replicates.
• Fleet breadth. Twelve ships covering every major ocean and expedition region. More itinerary choice in more destinations than any ultra-luxury competitor.
• Australian accessibility. Multiple ships in Australian waters each season, Kimberley expeditions, and cross-brand loyalty matching with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Silversea has a decisive accessibility advantage for Australians — more ships in Australian waters, expedition options in Australian wilderness, and shorter flights to Asian departure ports.

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean Discovery (10 nights on Explora I or II, multiple departures 2026–2027) — Roundtrip Barcelona or Civitavecchia visiting the French Riviera, Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and Dubrovnik. From approximately USD $5,500 per person. The European atmosphere feels most natural in Mediterranean waters.

Northern Europe & Baltic (12–14 nights on Explora I, summer 2026–2027) — Southampton or Copenhagen to Norwegian fjords, Stockholm, and Helsinki. The Scandinavian-influenced design feels at home in these waters.

2029 World Cruise: Endless Worlds (128 days, Dubai to Barcelona on Explora I) — The first Explora voyage to visit Australia, calling at Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania. Join mid-voyage in Darwin or Sydney for a segment.

Note for Australians: Every Explora sailing before 2029 requires international flights. Factor AUD $5,000–$9,000 per person for business-class flights to European embarkation ports.

Silversea

Silver Nova Australian Circumnavigation (47 days, 2026–2027 season) — The newest and most architecturally innovative ship in the fleet circumnavigating Australia with S.A.L.T. programme adapted to Australian regional cuisine. A showcase sailing.

Silver Moon: Sydney to Auckland (approximately 14 nights, December 2026) — Embark Sydney, comprehensive New Zealand itinerary with S.A.L.T. featuring Māori and New Zealand culinary traditions. No international flight required from NSW.

Silver Cloud: Kimberley Expedition (10 days, May–July 2026 from Darwin or Broome) — Butler service meets Zodiac landings along one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness coastlines. King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls. From approximately USD $8,500 per person. Domestic flights only from east coast cities.

Silver Cloud: Grand South Pacific Expedition (77 days, departing Fremantle August 2026) — A once-in-a-lifetime voyage from Western Australia through the South Pacific. Embark from Fremantle with no international flight required.

Silver Endeavour: Antarctica (various 2026–2027, from Ushuaia) — The most luxurious way to reach Antarctica. PC6 ice class, 200 guests, butler service, and Zodiac landings on the seventh continent. The Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise programme avoids the Drake Passage entirely.

Silver Whisper: French Polynesia (from Papeete) — Air Tahiti Nui operates direct Sydney–Papeete flights (8 hours). An accessible ultra-luxury option for Australians without a 20-hour European flight.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Explora Journeys

Explora I (922 guests, July 2023) — The inaugural ship with the most passenger feedback. Thermal spa, Anthology restaurant, and overall design well received. Choose for Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries.

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

Explora III (arriving 2026, LNG-powered, 72,810 GT) — The first of a new, larger class with expanded public spaces. Launch pricing may offer value.

Explora IV–VI (arriving 2027–2028) — Later ships expected to feature hydrogen fuel cell capability. Worth monitoring for 2028+ sailings.

Silversea

Silver Nova (728 guests, 2023) — The flagship. Revolutionary asymmetrical design, S.A.L.T., OTIVM Spa. Best choice for a first Silversea ocean experience.

Silver Ray (728 guests, 2024) — Sister to Nova. Choose based on itinerary rather than ship preference.

Silver Dawn (596 guests, 2021) — Largest OTIVM Spa in the fleet (8,500 square feet). S.A.L.T. programme. Excellent for wellness-focused travellers.

Silver Moon (596 guests, 2020) — Primary ship for Australian and Asian deployments with full S.A.L.T. programme. Choose for AU/NZ sailings.

Silver Muse (632 guests, 2017, refitted December 2025) — Comprehensive refit added S.A.L.T. and upgraded fitness with Amp AI system. Good value within the fleet.

Silver Cloud (254 guests, 1994, expedition refit 2017) — The Kimberley and polar expedition ship. Butler service meets Zodiac landings. Choose for Australian wilderness and Antarctica.

Silver Endeavour (200 guests, 2021) — Antarctica specialist. PC6 ice class. The most luxurious expedition ship reaching the seventh continent.

Silver Origin (100 guests, 2020) — Galapagos only. Purpose-built with 1:1.16 crew-to-guest ratio. Widely regarded as the most elegant ship in those waters.

Silver Spirit (608 guests, 2009, refurbishing Spring 2026) — Book from mid-2026 onward to experience the refreshed ship with new S.A.L.T. programme.

Silver Shadow / Silver Whisper (388 guests each, 2000/2001) — The smallest and oldest ocean ships. Butler service and intimate atmosphere, but facilities cannot match Nova-class. Best avoided unless the specific itinerary is compelling (Silver Whisper’s French Polynesia deployment is a notable exception).

For Australian travellers specifically

This comparison has a clear near-term verdict for Australians: Silversea is the practical choice today, with Explora as an aspirational alternative for international sailings.

Silversea’s Australian proposition is strong and established. Multiple ships deployed seasonally to Australia and New Zealand during the southern hemisphere summer. Silver Moon offers Sydney to Auckland sailings with S.A.L.T. adapted to regional cuisine. Silver Nova’s 47-day Australian circumnavigation is a showcase sailing. Silver Cloud operates dedicated Kimberley expedition seasons from Darwin and Broome — butler service and fine dining along one of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness coastlines, accessible via domestic flights from any capital city. Approximately 20+ sailings operate in AU/NZ waters between 2026 and 2028. A dedicated Australian office. Member of CLIA Australasia. Asia deployments from Singapore (7.5 hours from Sydney) and Tokyo (9–10 hours) expand the accessible itinerary range.

Explora’s Australian proposition is effectively non-existent until 2029. No Australian sailings announced for 2026, 2027, or 2028. The 2029 World Cruise aboard Explora I (“Endless Worlds,” 128 days Dubai to Barcelona) is scheduled to visit Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania — the first Explora ship in Australian waters. Until then, the closest departure ports are Dubai (14 hours direct on Emirates/Qantas) and Singapore (7.5 hours). Explora has an Australian-based team through the MSC Group infrastructure and launched the Sky & Sea Fare programme in August 2025 for integrated fly-cruise packages from Australian airports.

Expedition as a differentiator for Australians: Silversea’s Kimberley expedition on Silver Cloud is one of the most compelling luxury travel experiences available to Australians — world-class wilderness, Zodiac-accessed waterfalls and reefs, butler service, and fine dining, all reachable via a domestic flight to Darwin or Broome. This is a uniquely Australian product that no other ultra-luxury line except Ponant and Scenic Eclipse can approximate, and Explora has no path to offering. Similarly, Silversea’s Antarctica programme from Ushuaia (Silver Endeavour) is the premium option for Australians drawn to the seventh continent.

Loyalty pathways: Silversea’s Venetian Society offers cross-brand status matching with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises — two of Australia’s most popular cruise lines. Existing loyalty in either programme creates an immediate pathway to Silversea recognition. Explora’s Journeys Circle offers status matching from 11 competitor lines (including Silversea). Neither line partners directly with Qantas Frequent Flyer. Bookings through Qantas Cruises earn 1 Qantas Point per AUD $1 for either line.

The onboard atmosphere

Both lines attract affluent travellers but create distinctly different social environments.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary, European, and deliberately un-cruise-like. Average passenger age approximately 50–60 — younger than most ultra-luxury lines. The demographic skews European (Italian, French, German, British) with growing American and Australian representation. Many guests are first-time cruisers more accustomed to luxury resort holidays. No casino, no production shows, no cruise director. Dress code is “elegant resort” at all times. Music is curated: lounge DJs, acoustic sets, jazz trios. The vibe is more Aman resort than traditional cruise ship. First-time Explora guests frequently comment that it “doesn’t feel like a cruise” — which is precisely the point.

Silversea’s atmosphere is Italian warmth meets cosmopolitan sophistication. Average passenger age approximately 55–65, more internationally diverse than most American-heritage lines thanks to the Italian ownership legacy. The Italian influence creates a warmth and animation: expect animated conversation over Aperol spritzes, effusive Italian crew, and a social energy that is convivial rather than reserved. Butler service creates a personal relationship between guest and ship that is qualitatively different from Explora’s “host” model. Silver Note jazz club and Dolce Vita bar keep evenings lively. Dress code is elegant casual with formal-optional evenings on select nights. On Australian deployments, strong Australian representation creates a familiar social dynamic.

The comparison: Explora appeals to design-conscious travellers who want luxury without cruise conventions. Silversea appeals to experienced travellers who appreciate Italian warmth, destination immersion, and personal service. Explora’s crowd skews younger and more fashion-forward; Silversea’s is more varied and includes serious foodies, expedition enthusiasts, and multi-generational families. Some travellers note that Explora is “still finding its identity” as a brand — crew culture is developing but not yet as polished as Silversea’s three decades of refinement.

The bottom line

Explora Journeys and Silversea Cruises are the ultra-luxury segment’s most directly competitive pairing, and both deliver genuinely excellent products. The right choice depends on what you value most.

Choose Explora if you want the newest ships in ultra-luxury cruising, a contemporary European atmosphere that rejects cruise conventions, the best complimentary thermal spa at sea, larger entry-level suites, and a lower headline fare. Accept that you will fly internationally to reach every departure port until at least 2029, arrange your own excursions, and forgo butler service unless you book Prestige Suites or above. Explora is ideal for design-conscious travellers, spa enthusiasts, and those who hold significant frequent flyer points.

Choose Silversea if you want the broadest destination coverage in ultra-luxury (twelve ships covering every ocean and expedition frontier), butler service in every suite, the S.A.L.T. culinary programme’s destination immersion, and — critically for Australians — ships in Australian waters each season including Kimberley expeditions. Choose it if Antarctica, the Galapagos, or the Arctic is on your wish list. Choose it if you value an established line with three decades of service culture over a newcomer still finding its identity.

The honest summary: Explora is the more exciting product for travellers who value design, wellness, and modernity. Silversea is the more complete product for travellers who value destination breadth, personal service, and expedition capability. For most Australians, Silversea wins on practical accessibility and the irreplaceable expedition fleet. For Australians willing to fly to Europe or the Caribbean, Explora offers a compelling and more affordable alternative on ocean voyages.