Azamara Cruises vs Explora Journeys

The core difference

Azamara and Explora Journeys sit at different ends of the luxury-cruising timeline — and that timeline matters more than almost any other factor in this comparison.

Azamara operates four ships built between 1999 and 2001 for Renaissance Cruises. At 30,277 gross tonnes carrying approximately 700 guests, they are intimate, proven vessels that have found their identity under three successive owners. Since Sycamore Partners acquired the line from Royal Caribbean Group in 2021, Azamara has leaned hard into what makes it distinctive: destination immersion. The fleet spends over half its port time during late-night or overnight stays. The ships dock in the heart of cities like Seville and Bordeaux. The AzAmazing Evenings programme delivers complimentary shoreside cultural events — private concerts, vineyard dinners, medieval festivals — that are genuinely unique in the premium segment. Drinks, gratuities, and shuttle buses are included in every fare. The philosophy is clear: the destination is the experience, and the ship is your home base.

Explora Journeys is MSC Group’s entry into luxury cruising, launched in 2023 with EXPLORA I and expanded with EXPLORA II in 2024. These are new-build ships at approximately 64,000 gross tonnes carrying 922 guests — more than double Azamara’s tonnage with only modestly more passengers, creating a dramatically higher space-per-guest ratio. The entry-level Ocean Terrace suite starts at 375 square feet — larger than many luxury lines’ mid-tier categories. Nine dining venues are included without surcharges. Four pools (three outdoor, one indoor) provide more water features than many resort hotels. The design aesthetic is contemporary European — Murano glass, Italian marble, Scandinavian-influenced clean lines. EXPLORA III arrives in 2026, with further ships planned through the decade. The philosophy is equally clear: the ship itself is a destination, and the hardware should be the finest afloat.

For Australian travellers, the choice is philosophical. If you cruise for the ports and want the ship to facilitate deep destination engagement, Azamara’s overnight stays, boutique harbour access, and cultural programming deliver that brilliantly. If you want the most modern, spacious, and comprehensively equipped luxury ship at sea, Explora’s new-build fleet represents the current state of the art.

What is actually included

Both lines market inclusivity, and both deliver — but the specifics differ in ways that affect daily experience and total cost.

Azamara includes: select standard spirits, international beers, and rotating wines by the glass throughout the day, gratuities for all onboard staff, one AzAmazing Evening per qualifying cruise, shuttle bus services where available, self-service laundry, speciality coffees, and 24-hour room service. Speciality dining at Prime C and Aqualina carries a US$49.95 surcharge waived for suite guests. Wi-Fi is available for purchase.

Explora Journeys includes: all nine dining venues without surcharges, an extensive beverage programme covering wines, spirits, cocktails, beers, and soft drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, 24-hour in-suite dining, fitness classes, and access to all pools, thermal areas, and outdoor facilities. The beverage programme is wider than Azamara’s standard selection, and Wi-Fi is included where Azamara charges separately. Shore excursions and spa treatments are additional.

The net effect: Explora’s inclusions are broader — the nine dining venues, wider beverage selection, and included Wi-Fi provide more comprehensive coverage. Azamara adds the AzAmazing Evenings cultural programme and shuttle buses, which Explora does not offer. For Australian travellers budgeting in AUD against USD fares, both lines provide reasonable budget certainty, but Explora’s included Wi-Fi eliminates a cost that can run US$15 to $25 per day on Azamara.

Dining and culinary experience

The dining comparison is where Explora’s new-build advantage shows most clearly — nine venues versus six, with no surcharges on either line’s most popular options.

Azamara offers six dining venues per ship. Discoveries Restaurant operates on open seating. Windows Cafe provides buffet dining. The Patio transforms from poolside grill to candlelit al fresco restaurant. Mosaic Cafe serves coffees and pastries. Prime C (steakhouse) and Aqualina (Italian) carry surcharges waived for suite guests. The kitchen cooks for fewer than 700 guests, and the intimacy enables personal attention — the maitre d’ learns your preferences quickly. The forthcoming Chef’s Table on the refurbished Quest adds a dedicated dining venue from late 2026.

Explora Journeys offers nine included dining venues. The main restaurant, Emporium Marketplace, serves buffet and a la carte throughout the day. Anthology is the fine-dining restaurant with a rotating menu. Sakura offers Japanese and pan-Asian cuisine. Fil Rouge is a Mediterranean grill. Med Yacht Club serves casual poolside fare. Marble & Co. Grill is the steakhouse. Helios is the pool bar and grill. The Astern Lounge provides all-day beverages and light fare. Additional venues complete the programme. All are included without surcharges.

The culinary edge belongs to Explora on variety and contemporary ambition. Nine venues on a ship carrying 922 guests means no single restaurant feels crowded, and the diversity — from Japanese to Mediterranean to steakhouse — provides genuine choice every evening. Azamara’s smaller scale means the kitchen knows you personally, which creates a warmth that a larger operation struggles to replicate. If you want options, choose Explora. If you want familiarity, choose Azamara.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison is the starkest contrast in this matchup — and Explora wins decisively on hardware.

Azamara’s staterooms reflect the R-class design from the late 1990s. Club Interior cabins run approximately 158 square feet. Club Veranda — the most popular category — offers approximately 175 square feet plus a 40-square-foot balcony. Club Continent Suites provide 266 square feet plus a veranda. The top-tier Club World Owner’s Suite spans 793 to 836 square feet. Butler service is available from suite level upward. The Azamara Forward refurbishment from late 2026 introduces new Panorama Suites (656 square feet) and Grandview Suites (243 square feet) on Quest.

Explora Journeys is an all-suite product. The entry-level Ocean Terrace suite starts at 375 square feet including a private terrace — larger than Azamara’s Club Continent Suite. Ocean Grand Suites run approximately 495 square feet. Ocean Penthouse Suites reach approximately 840 square feet. The Owner’s Residence spans approximately 3,000 square feet with a private terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi. Every suite features premium bedding, marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, a Lavazza espresso machine, and a personal minibar. Butler service is available in higher categories.

The gap is significant. Explora’s entry-level suite is larger than Azamara’s entry-level suite, built with contemporary materials, and equipped with modern technology. For travellers who value cabin quality as a core part of the cruise experience, Explora’s advantage is decisive. Azamara’s cabins are functional and well-maintained but reflect their 25-year-old origins. The Forward refurbishment will narrow this gap on Quest, but the fleet-wide refresh extends through 2029.

Pricing and value

The pricing comparison reveals different market positioning — Azamara offers premium value with strong inclusions, while Explora targets the luxury segment at a higher per-diem.

Azamara’s directional pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean voyage runs approximately US$250 to $500 per person per night for a Club Veranda cabin, including drinks, gratuities, and cultural events. A 14-night sailing costs roughly AUD $7,000 to $14,000 per person at current exchange rates.

Explora’s directional pricing for a comparable 7-night Mediterranean voyage runs approximately US$500 to $900 per person per night for an Ocean Terrace suite, including nine dining venues, drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. A 7-night sailing costs roughly AUD $5,500 to $10,000 per person.

The premium for Explora is real — roughly 50 to 80 per cent higher on a per-night basis at comparable entry-level categories. But the value equation is nuanced. Explora delivers a 375-square-foot suite versus Azamara’s 175-square-foot veranda cabin, nine dining venues versus four included, wider beverage inclusion, and included Wi-Fi. Whether that premium represents value depends on whether you are paying for the destination experience (Azamara’s strength) or the ship experience (Explora’s strength).

For Australian travellers, the AUD-to-USD exchange rate amplifies Explora’s higher per-diem significantly. A US$500 nightly premium becomes roughly AUD $800 per night — a material difference over a 10-night voyage.

Spa and wellness

Both lines offer spa facilities, with Explora’s new-build advantage showing in scale and design.

Azamara’s Sanctum Spa features Elemis products, multiple treatment rooms, steam rooms, and the Sanctum Spa Terrace with a thalassotherapy pool. Access is complimentary for suite guests and available at modest cost for others. The fitness centre offers free weights, machines, and complimentary group classes.

Explora’s spa spans a significantly larger footprint, designed from scratch for a 64,000-gross-tonne ship. Multiple treatment rooms, a thermal area, relaxation lounges, and an indoor pool complement the three outdoor pools. The fitness centre features contemporary equipment and a comprehensive class programme. The scale advantage is clear — more space, more facilities, more variety.

Explora wins on spa scale and modernity. Azamara’s Sanctum Spa Terrace thalassotherapy pool is a distinctive feature, but the overall facility is more compact.

Entertainment and enrichment

Neither line is entertainment-driven, but their enrichment philosophies differ meaningfully.

Azamara’s enrichment centres on destination immersion. Over 250 Destination Speakers deliver cultural talks across the fleet. The AzAmazing Evenings programme provides shoreside cultural events. Stories Under the Stars brings poolside evenings with regional folklore. New original shows debut through the RWS Global partnership. The evening atmosphere is quiet, social, and destination-focused.

Explora’s enrichment features guest speakers, musical performances, and cultural programming suited to a luxury audience. The Explora Lounge and multiple bars host live music and cocktail gatherings. The four pools and extensive outdoor spaces encourage relaxation and socialising. The evening atmosphere is contemporary and European — sophisticated without being programmed.

Azamara’s destination-focused enrichment is the more distinctive offering. Explora’s enrichment is polished but less differentiated — the focus is on the quality of the hardware and the atmosphere rather than a signature programming concept.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison contrasts Azamara’s proven four-ship operation with Explora’s rapidly growing new-build programme.

Azamara’s four identical ships visit over 70 countries and 318 ports. The 30,277-gross-tonne vessels access boutique harbours worldwide, with strong Mediterranean, Asian, and Australian-waters coverage. The fleet is consistent — no ship lottery. The annual World Voyage spans 155 nights across 36 countries.

Explora operates two ships (growing to three with EXPLORA III in 2026, with further ships planned). The fleet currently covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and repositioning voyages. As the fleet grows, destination coverage will expand significantly. The ships are larger than Azamara’s, which means some boutique ports that Azamara accesses are beyond Explora’s reach.

For Australian travellers, Azamara currently offers more relevant deployment — Sydney departures, New Zealand itineraries, and Asian sailings. Explora does not sail from Australian ports and is focused on Northern Hemisphere itineraries. As Explora’s fleet grows, Asia-Pacific deployment may follow, but this is speculative.

Where each line excels

Azamara excels in:

• Destination immersion. Over half of all port time during late-night or overnight stays, boutique harbour access, and the AzAmazing Evenings programme.
• All-inclusive simplicity. Drinks, gratuities, cultural events, and shuttle buses included in a transparent fare.
• Australian-waters deployment. Sydney departures and regional itineraries.
• Port access. The 30,277-gross-tonne ships reach harbours that Explora’s 64,000-gross-tonne vessels cannot.
• Budget certainty. For Australians budgeting in AUD, Azamara’s lower per-diem and inclusive model reduce financial surprises.

Explora Journeys excels in:

• Ship quality. Brand-new, purpose-built luxury vessels with contemporary design, the finest materials, and state-of-the-art technology.
• Suite size. Entry-level suites at 375 square feet exceed most luxury lines’ mid-tier offerings.
• Dining variety. Nine included venues spanning multiple cuisines — the widest complimentary dining programme in the luxury segment.
• Facilities. Four pools, extensive spa, and generous public spaces create a resort-at-sea experience.
• Beverage and Wi-Fi inclusion. Broader beverage programme and included Wi-Fi provide more comprehensive daily coverage than Azamara.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Azamara

Melbourne to Auckland (16 nights, January departure). Comprehensive survey of Australia and New Zealand on a ship small enough to access intimate ports. No international flight required from Melbourne.

Sydney to Singapore (22 nights, February departure). Australian coastal ports combined with Indonesia before an easy fly-home from Singapore. Extended length reduces per-night cost.

World Voyage (155 nights, departing Miami, January). Thirty-six countries across six continents. Australians can join for segments or the full circumnavigation.

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean Grand Voyage (14–21 nights, multiple segments, spring through autumn). The definitive Explora experience — nine dining venues, four pools, and the Mediterranean climate combine on the newest luxury hardware afloat. Fly from Australian gateways via Singapore, Dubai, or Doha.

Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords (10–14 nights, summer season). Explora’s ships suit the dramatic scenery of Norway, Iceland, and the British Isles. The spacious suites and included dining enhance long sea-day comfort.

Caribbean and Transatlantic (7–14 nights, winter season). Warm-water cruising on resort-style mega-yachts. The four pools come into their own in the Caribbean climate.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Azamara

Azamara Onward — Most frequently deployed to Australian waters. The Atlas Bar is exclusive to this ship. Recommended for Australian travellers wanting a domestic departure.

Azamara Quest — First into the Azamara Forward refurbishment in late 2026. New Deck 11 suites and Chef’s Table restaurant. The most exciting ship in the fleet from late 2026 onward.

Explora Journeys

EXPLORA I (2023) or EXPLORA II (2024) — Near-identical new-build ships. Both deliver the full nine-venue, four-pool, all-suite experience. Choose based on itinerary and departure date rather than ship.

EXPLORA III (arriving 2026) — The newest ship brings potential design refinements based on guest feedback from the first two vessels. Worth watching for introductory pricing.

For Australian travellers specifically

Azamara is more accessible for Australians today. Ships deploy to Australian waters each summer, with Sydney departures eliminating the need for long-haul positioning flights. The line distributes through Australian travel agent networks and supports AUD pricing through local booking channels.

Explora requires international flights from Australia. The fleet operates in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Caribbean — all requiring connections from Australian gateways via the Middle East, Asia, or the United States. As the fleet grows, Asia-Pacific deployment may eventually materialise, but Australian travellers currently plan Explora as an international fly-cruise holiday.

The generational gap in hardware is the elephant in the room. Azamara’s ships are 25 years old. Explora’s ships launched in 2023 and 2024. If modern ship design, spacious suites, and contemporary technology matter to you, Explora delivers what Azamara’s R-class vessels — however well-maintained — simply cannot. If destination immersion, overnight port stays, and cultural programming matter more than the ship itself, Azamara delivers what Explora’s larger vessels cannot replicate.

Loyalty programmes are both standalone — Azamara Circle benefits only future Azamara sailings, and Explora’s programme benefits only future Explora sailings. Neither offers cross-brand reach for Australian travellers building loyalty across multiple lines.

The onboard atmosphere

Azamara’s atmosphere is intimate, social, and destination-focused. Fewer than 700 guests, resort casual dress code, no children’s facilities, and a passenger demographic of well-travelled couples in their 50s to 70s create a boutique, adults-oriented experience. The crew learn your name quickly. Evenings are quiet — cabaret performances, cocktails, and early nights before long port days.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary European luxury. The 922-guest count is higher than Azamara’s but feels spacious thanks to the dramatically larger ship. The design is modern — Italian marble, clean lines, curated art. The passenger mix trends international and affluent. Multiple pools and lounges allow guests to find their own space. The evening atmosphere is sophisticated without being formal — live music, cocktails, and unhurried multi-venue dining.

The distinction: Azamara feels like a boutique hotel where everyone knows everyone. Explora feels like a luxury resort where you choose your own level of social engagement.

The bottom line

Azamara and Explora Journeys serve different visions of what luxury cruising should be — and both visions have genuine merit.

Choose Azamara when the destination is the reason you cruise. Choose it for overnight port stays in Mediterranean cities, boutique harbour access, AzAmazing Evenings in historic venues, and a proven all-inclusive model with drinks and gratuities bundled. Choose it for Sydney departures and Australian-waters itineraries. Accept that the ships are 25 years old, that the cabins are smaller than modern luxury-line standards, and that the dining venue count is modest.

Choose Explora when the ship experience matters as much as the destination. Choose it for the newest luxury hardware afloat — 375-square-foot entry-level suites, nine included dining venues, four pools, and contemporary European design. Choose it for the widest beverage inclusion and complimentary Wi-Fi. Accept the higher per-diem, the lack of Australian-waters deployment, and a destination programme that is competent but not yet as distinctive as Azamara’s overnight-port model.

For Australian travellers with the budget and ambition for both, the combination is compelling — Azamara for its destination-immersive Australian and Asian sailings, Explora for a Mediterranean or Caribbean fly-cruise that showcases the finest new ships in the luxury segment.