Explora Journeys vs The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The core difference

Explora Journeys and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are the two most significant new entrants in ultra-luxury cruising — and they arrived within months of each other with radically different answers to the same question: what would a luxury cruise line look like if you built one from scratch today?

Explora’s answer is the ocean resort. Launched in July 2023 by the MSC Group with a reported EUR 3.5 billion investment, it was conceived as a floating residential community — deliberately avoiding the word “cruise” in its identity. The ships carry 922 guests in 461 all-suite, all-terrace accommodations, with entry-level suites at 377 square feet that are among the largest in the segment. The design is contemporary European — Molteni&C furnishings, Calacatta marble, warm earth tones — and the onboard rhythm is deliberately unstructured: no formal nights, no assigned dining, no cruise director, no overhead announcements. A 7,500-square-foot thermal spa with complimentary access for all guests, four swimming pools, and 64 private cabanas create an atmosphere closer to a Mediterranean resort than a traditional cruise ship. The target guest is someone who stays at Four Seasons and Aman but has never considered a cruise.

Ritz-Carlton’s answer is the luxury hotel at sea. Launched in October 2022 with Evrima, it took one of the most trusted hotel brands on earth and transplanted it to the water — building intimate yachts carrying 298 to 452 guests that feel like floating Ritz-Carlton properties rather than cruise ships. There is no buffet, no public-address system, no casino, and no cruise director. The design is contemporary and residential — a neutral palette of grey, taupe, and sandstone with custom furnishings. A hydraulic marina platform lowers from the stern for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and Seabob riding directly in the ocean — a feature no other ultra-luxury ocean line offers. In February 2026, Ilma became the first cruise vessel in history to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating.

For Australian travellers, neither line has arrived in local waters — yet. The comparison is between two brands that require international flights to reach, both investing in Asia-Pacific, and both designed for a younger luxury demographic that traditional cruise lines struggle to attract.

What is actually included

Both lines position themselves as all-inclusive, and both deliver comprehensive packages — but the details differ meaningfully, and Explora’s inclusion model is more generous at the base fare level.

Explora includes: all dining at all restaurants except Anthology (EUR 165 surcharge, approximately AUD 280) and Chef’s Kitchen (EUR 180 surcharge); unlimited premium spirits, wines, cocktails, and speciality coffees; complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi (delivering 60–70 Mbps); all gratuities; a daily-replenished minibar; 24-hour in-suite dining; complimentary thermal spa access (hydrotherapy pool, salt cave, Finnish sauna, steam room, experience showers, heated marble loungers); and port-to-city-centre shuttle services. Butler service is reserved for Ocean Residence suites and above.

Ritz-Carlton includes: all dining at four of five restaurants (the signature fine-dining venue — S.E.A. on Evrima or Seta su Ilma — carries a USD 250–350 per person surcharge including wine pairing); unlimited premium spirits, wines, and cocktails; complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi; all gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff; 24-hour in-suite dining; Personal Concierge service in all suite categories; and complimentary water sports from the marina platform (paddleboarding, kayaking, Seabobs, electric foiling, snorkelling) when conditions permit. Ritz Kids sessions cost USD 45–65 per session. Laundry is complimentary only for Marriott Bonvoy Titanium and Ambassador members.

Explora does not include: flights, shore excursions, airport transfers, or butler service below Residence level. Ritz-Carlton does not include: flights, shore excursions (USD 100–500 per person per activity), airport transfers (except for select Marriott Bonvoy credit card promotions), laundry for most guests, Ritz Kids, or spa gratuities.

The surcharge gap matters. Explora’s Anthology costs EUR 165 per person (approximately AUD 280) for a seven-course degustation menu. Ritz-Carlton’s Seta su Ilma costs USD 350 per person including wine pairing (approximately AUD 560), or USD 250 without wine (approximately AUD 400). A couple dining once at Explora’s pinnacle restaurant pays roughly AUD 560; the same couple at Ritz-Carlton’s pays AUD 800–1,120. Over a seven-night voyage with two speciality dining visits, the surcharge difference is approximately AUD 500–1,100 per couple.

The inclusion Explora has that Ritz-Carlton does not: complimentary thermal spa access — sauna, steam room, vitality pool, salt cave, and heated marble loungers available daily without booking a treatment. On Ritz-Carlton, the spa facilities are available but tied to treatment bookings or spa access fees.

The inclusion Ritz-Carlton has that Explora does not: the water sports marina — paddleboarding, kayaking, Seabobs, electric foiling, and ocean swimming directly from the ship’s stern platform. This is genuinely unique in ultra-luxury cruising, and when conditions permit (calm anchorages in the Caribbean, Mediterranean coves, French Polynesia), it transforms the experience.

Dining and culinary experience

Both lines have invested heavily in dining as a core differentiator, with chef partnerships that rival shore-side fine dining establishments. Explora has the edge in breadth; Ritz-Carlton has the edge in intimate exclusivity.

Explora offers six dining venues per ship (expanding further on Explora III with three new concepts). Anthology is the signature — a 42-seat degustation restaurant curated by three-Michelin-star chef Mauro Uliassi, with one of his own chefs from his Senigallia restaurant working permanently in the galley. The menu changes daily, inspired by the ship’s current destination — a Mediterranean port yields Ligurian specialities; a Northern European call might produce Nordic-inspired courses. Fil Rouge delivers French-inspired international cuisine. Sakura serves pan-Asian dining including sushi and teppanyaki. Marble & Co. Grill is a European steakhouse. Med Yacht Club offers Riviera coastal dining. Emporium Marketplace replaces the traditional buffet with a global food hall concept featuring show kitchens. Explora III adds Shore Club (poolside dining), The Chef’s Table, and The Cellar (wine-focused). Explora won Cruise Critic’s 2025 Best Dining award.

Ritz-Carlton offers five restaurants per ship. On Ilma: Seta su Ilma by Fabio Trabocchi (James Beard Award-nominated) serves modern Italian fine dining — a 28-seat venue with a ten-course tasting menu and optional wine pairings. The Beach House by Michael Mina (James Beard Award winner) offers Pan-Latin and Caribbean cuisine in an open-air setting. Memori features a 12-seat sushi bar with modern pan-Asian cuisine. Mistral is the poolside steakhouse and seafood grill. Tides is the main dining room with destination-inspired seasonal menus, designed as intimate alcoves rather than one large space. On Evrima: S.E.A. by Sven Elverfeld (three Michelin stars at Aqua, Wolfsburg) delivers European tasting menus. Talaat Nam serves contemporary Asian cuisine.

The comparison: Explora has more venues (six versus five, expanding to nine on Explora III), a more accessible surcharge for the pinnacle experience (EUR 165 versus USD 250–350), and a broader culinary range including a food hall concept that avoids the traditional buffet format. Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurants are genuinely intimate — 28 seats at Seta su Ilma, 12 seats at Memori’s sushi bar — creating an exclusivity that Explora’s larger ship cannot replicate at the same scale. Both lines dispense with assigned seatings and offer flexible dining throughout the evening.

For a couple wanting to experience the headline dining attraction once on a seven-night voyage: Explora’s Anthology costs approximately AUD 560 total. Ritz-Carlton’s Seta su Ilma costs approximately AUD 800–1,120 total. The quality difference between a Uliassi-curated seven-course degustation and a Trabocchi ten-course Italian tasting menu is marginal — both deliver Michelin-level dining at sea. The price difference is not.

Suites and accommodation

Both lines offer 100 per cent all-suite, all-terrace accommodation — a baseline that separates them from every cruise line outside the ultra-luxury segment. Explora has the space advantage; Ritz-Carlton has the intimacy advantage.

Explora’s entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite is 377 square feet (35 square metres) including a 75-square-foot private terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows, a comfortable daybed, and a dining area. The interior features a walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity, marble bathroom with separate rain shower and heated floors, espresso machine, personal binoculars, Dyson hairdryer, and a daily-replenished minibar. The Ocean Grand Terrace adds a living area at approximately 495 square feet. Ocean Penthouses range from approximately 495 to 700 square feet with expanded terraces and butler service. Ocean Residences start from 754 square feet with private plunge pools. The Owner’s Residence spans approximately 3,015 square feet with a private hot tub, full dining room for eight, and a dedicated Residence Manager. Every one of Explora’s 461 suites has a private outdoor terrace.

Ritz-Carlton’s entry-level Terrace Suite on Ilma is 294 square feet plus a 52–108-square-foot terrace — every suite has a private terrace with ocean views. The interior features a custom king bed, marble bathroom with double vanities and modern shower, and contemporary furnishings in a neutral palette. Signature Suites measure 409 square feet plus terrace. Grand Suites offer 560 square feet with a dining table for four and walk-in wardrobe. The Owner’s Suite reaches 1,033 square feet with an expansive terrace featuring a private hot tub. On Evrima, the unique two-storey Loft Suites (611 square feet) offer a split-level layout with living area above and bedroom below — a design no other cruise line has attempted. All 224 suites on Ilma (and 226 on Luminara) have private terraces.

The practical comparison: Explora’s entry-level suite is 28 per cent larger than Ritz-Carlton’s (377 versus 294 square feet). At mid-range, the gap remains: Explora’s Ocean Grand Terrace (approximately 495 square feet) exceeds Ritz-Carlton’s Signature Suite (409 square feet). At the top, Explora’s Owner’s Residence at 3,015 square feet is nearly three times the size of Ritz-Carlton’s Owner’s Suite at 1,033 square feet. For space-per-dollar, Explora wins at every category level.

Ritz-Carlton’s compensating advantage is intimacy and design character. The ships carry roughly half Explora’s guest count, which creates a higher space-per-guest ratio in public areas despite smaller individual suites. Ilma’s passenger space ratio of 102.5 gross tonnes per guest is among the highest at sea. The two-storey Loft Suites on Evrima are a genuine standout — architecturally distinctive and unlike anything else in ultra-luxury. And on a yacht carrying 298–452 guests, you feel the difference in corridors, restaurants, and at the pool.

Pricing and value

Explora is the better value proposition at comparable categories — and the gap is meaningful for Australians who must factor in long-haul flights to reach either line.

Explora’s per-diem runs approximately USD 450–750 per person per night for a seven-night Mediterranean sailing in an Ocean Terrace Suite during peak season, dropping to approximately USD 400–600 during shoulder season and on longer voyages. Fourteen-night Mediterranean sailings bring the per-diem down to roughly USD 400–680. Frequent promotional offers (up to 30 per cent savings and complimentary suite upgrades) can reduce effective pricing further.

Ritz-Carlton’s per-diem runs approximately USD 700–1,000 per person per night for entry-level Terrace Suites on Ilma or Luminara, rising to USD 1,200–2,000 for Signature and Grand Suites. Caribbean sailings tend toward the lower end; Mediterranean peak season toward the higher end. A seven-night Mediterranean voyage in a Terrace Suite costs roughly USD 5,000–7,000 per person.

The total cost reality for an Australian couple on a seven-night Mediterranean voyage:

Explora (Ocean Terrace Suite): approximately AUD 10,000–16,000 for the cruise fare. Add business-class flights from Sydney to Europe: AUD 10,000–18,000. Add shore excursions (four to five ports): AUD 1,000–2,500. Add one Anthology dinner: AUD 560. Total: approximately AUD 22,000–37,000 per couple.

Ritz-Carlton (Terrace Suite on Ilma): approximately AUD 16,000–22,000 for the cruise fare. Add business-class flights from Sydney to Europe: AUD 10,000–18,000. Add shore excursions (four to five ports): AUD 1,000–2,500. Add one Seta su Ilma dinner: AUD 800–1,120. Total: approximately AUD 28,000–43,600 per couple.

The difference — approximately AUD 5,000–7,000 per couple on a comparable seven-night voyage — buys Explora guests a suite 28 per cent larger, complimentary thermal spa access, more dining venues with lower surcharges, and a daily-replenished minibar. Ritz-Carlton guests receive a smaller, more intimate ship, the marina water sports platform, Marriott Bonvoy points earning, and the Forbes Five-Star brand experience.

For Australians who can sail from Singapore on Luminara (7.5-hour flight versus 22+ hours to Europe), the value equation shifts: lower flight costs make Ritz-Carlton’s Asia-Pacific sailings more competitive on total cost.

Spa and wellness

Both lines invest meaningfully in wellness, but their approaches diverge — and Explora has the clear facility advantage.

Explora’s Ocean Wellness Spa spans over 7,500 square feet with 11 treatment rooms (including two private spa suites with outdoor relaxation areas), a hydrotherapy pool, salt cave, Finnish sauna, steam room, experience showers, ice fountain, and heated marble loungers. Critically, the entire thermal suite is complimentary for all guests — no treatment booking required, no time limit. Guests without a treatment reservation can access the thermal area during designated morning and evening windows; guests with a same-day booking enjoy all-day access. The ship features four swimming pools (including the adults-only Helios pool at the bow and one with a retractable glass roof), 64 private cabanas, and an outdoor fitness area. The spa won the World Spa Awards 2024 for World’s Best Cruise Spa. Treatment partnerships include Dr Levy Switzerland and Aromatherapy Associates.

Ritz-Carlton’s Spa by The Ritz-Carlton has 5 treatment rooms on Evrima and 11 on Ilma (some with private terraces overlooking the sea). Products are by ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. Gender-separated saunas and steam rooms, a relaxation lounge, a full-service beauty salon with Oribe hair products, and a gentleman’s grooming salon. Daily wellness classes operate in three tiers — Renewal (sunrise stretch, meditation), Balanced (moderate activity), and Power (circuits, high-intensity). Personal training starts from USD 75 for 30 minutes; private yoga from USD 100 per hour.

But Ritz-Carlton’s signature wellness feature is the marina. The hydraulic stern platform lowers to water level for complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking, Seabobs, electric foiling, windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, and ocean swimming. On Luminara, a dynamic floating lounge platform with a central pool lets guests swim directly in the sea. This is not a spa in the traditional sense — it is an active outdoor wellness experience that connects guests directly with the ocean. When conditions permit (calm Caribbean anchorages, Mediterranean coves, French Polynesian lagoons), the marina transforms the day.

The comparison: For passive wellness — thermal bathing, spa treatments, relaxation — Explora is decisively superior. The complimentary thermal suite, four pools, 64 cabanas, and 7,500 square feet of dedicated spa space dwarf Ritz-Carlton’s more modest spa facilities. For active wellness — water sports, ocean swimming, physical engagement with the marine environment — Ritz-Carlton’s marina is unique in ultra-luxury and genuinely transformative. The right choice depends on whether you prefer to unwind in a salt cave or paddle a kayak through a Caribbean cove.

Entertainment and enrichment

Both lines deliberately reject traditional cruise entertainment — no Broadway shows, no casino, no cruise director — but replace it with different things.

Explora takes a contemporary resort approach. The Journeys Lounge hosts nightly performances including the Explora Music Series — a 14-night rotation of live shows with six resident vocalists, guest West End performers, and themed programmes like “Voices of Vegas” and “Motor City” (Motown revue). The Sky Bar on Deck 14 features DJ and saxophone sets under the stars — an energy unique to Explora in the ultra-luxury segment. The Luminaries enrichment programme brings destination experts, cultural speakers, creative arts workshops, and nature specialists aboard. Chef’s Kitchen offers intimate hands-on cooking experiences for 12 guests (at surcharge). Wine and spirit tastings are frequent and often complimentary. The Songbook Series honours artists like Billy Joel and Carole King. The entertainment is curated, intimate, and contemporary — think private club rather than theatre.

Ritz-Carlton takes a luxury hotel approach. There are no production shows, no dedicated entertainment venue in the traditional sense, and no scheduled activity pressure. The philosophy emphasises creating sophisticated ambience: live piano in The Living Room, acoustic musicians and small ensembles in lounges, themed evenings (En Blanc dress-all-in-white party, Havana Nights), and cultural performances reflecting the destination. On Ilma, The Observation Lounge transitions from cocktail bar to late-night dancing venue, and La Rumba brings Latin-influenced poolside ambience with DJs. Enrichment includes guest speakers, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, and destination-focused experiences. The approach is deliberately understated — the yacht’s ambience is the entertainment.

The philosophical difference: Explora offers more structured entertainment within an unstructured framework — there is a nightly programme with resident performers, themed music evenings, and guest artistes, but no pressure to attend. Ritz-Carlton offers less structured entertainment — the ship creates an atmosphere, and guests fill it as they please. If you want live music under the stars with a cocktail at the Sky Bar, Explora delivers that energy. If you want to read in The Living Room while a pianist plays and decide spontaneously whether to dress up for Havana Nights, Ritz-Carlton delivers that freedom.

Dress codes: Neither line has formal nights. Explora’s guidance is “elegant resort wear” — Monaco or Amalfi Coast evening style. Ritz-Carlton is “elegant casual” throughout — similarly relaxed, with no jacket requirements. Both lines attract guests who would be uncomfortable in a tuxedo — and neither asks them to wear one.

Fleet and destination coverage

Both lines are building their fleets rapidly, but at different scales and with different strategies.

Explora operates two ships — Explora I and Explora II (both 922 guests, 63,900 GT, launched 2023–2024) — with Explora III arriving July 2026 (72,810 GT, LNG-powered and 19 metres longer), Explora IV in early 2027, and two further ships planned through 2028. By the end of 2028, Explora expects to operate five or six ships — an unprecedented pace of fleet expansion in the ultra-luxury segment. Explora III introduces new dining concepts (Shore Club, Chef’s Table, The Cellar) and expanded public spaces. The later ships may incorporate hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Ritz-Carlton operates three yachts — Evrima (298 guests, 26,500 GT, launched October 2022), Ilma (448 guests, 46,750 GT, launched September 2024), and Luminara (452 guests, 46,750 GT, launched July 2025). Ilma and Luminara are LNG dual-fuel vessels. No additional ships have been announced beyond the current three, though the fleet is now complete and operational. A fourth and fifth yacht were announced for delivery in 2026 and 2027, but these have not been confirmed with a specific shipyard or delivery timeline.

Destination coverage overlaps significantly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, but diverges meaningfully elsewhere. Explora deploys across the Mediterranean (core strength), Northern Europe, Caribbean, transatlantic crossings, the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, and is expanding into Asia (2027–2028 debut with 28 departures across Japan, Southeast Asia, and China). The inaugural World Cruise departs Dubai in January 2029, covering four continents and 29 countries over 128 days.

Ritz-Carlton covers the Mediterranean and Caribbean year-round, with Luminara deployed seasonally to Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand — 19 voyages in winter 2026–2027), Evrima debuting in French Polynesia and Hawaii (13 voyages, winter 2026–2027), and Luminara’s inaugural Alaska season (13 voyages, May–September 2026). The geographic footprint is expanding rapidly across three dedicated yachts.

Explora’s advantage is fleet scale. By 2028, five or six ships will offer substantially more itinerary choice and a World Cruise programme. Ritz-Carlton’s advantage is geographic agility. Smaller yachts access ports that Explora’s 922-guest ships cannot reach — secluded Caribbean coves, intimate Greek islands, and small harbours in French Polynesia where the yacht anchors offshore and guests tender in.

Where each line excels

Explora excels in:

• Suite space. The entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite at 377 square feet is 28 per cent larger than Ritz-Carlton’s equivalent and among the most generous in ultra-luxury. The Owner’s Residence at 3,015 square feet is nearly triple Ritz-Carlton’s top suite.
• Wellness facilities. The 7,500-square-foot Ocean Wellness Spa with complimentary thermal suite, four pools, and 64 cabanas is the best passive wellness offering in the segment. World Spa Awards 2024 winner.
• All-inclusive breadth. Complimentary thermal spa, daily minibar replenishment, port shuttle services, and lower dining surcharges deliver more at the base fare than Ritz-Carlton’s package.
• Dining variety. Six venues expanding to nine on Explora III, with a lower surcharge for the peak experience (EUR 165 versus USD 250–350). The food hall concept replacing the traditional buffet is innovative.
• Fleet growth. Five or six ships by 2028, backed by the MSC Group’s financial muscle. More destinations, more itinerary choice, and a World Cruise from 2029.

Ritz-Carlton excels in:

• Intimate scale. At 298–452 guests, the yachts are roughly half Explora’s capacity. This creates a genuinely different atmosphere — quieter, more personal, closer to a private yacht than a cruise ship.
• The marina. The hydraulic water sports platform is unique in ultra-luxury ocean cruising. Paddleboarding, kayaking, Seabobs, electric foiling, and ocean swimming from the ship’s stern — no other line offers this.
• Forbes Five-Star recognition. Ilma is the first cruise vessel in the 68-year history of Forbes Travel Guide to receive a Five-Star rating. This signals a level of service and attention to detail that external assessors have validated.
• Marriott Bonvoy integration. The only ultra-luxury cruise line integrated with a major global hotel loyalty programme. Earn points, count elite nights, and redeem for cruise fares — valuable for frequent Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotel guests.
• Port access. Smaller yachts anchor in secluded bays, hidden coves, and small harbours inaccessible to 922-guest ships. The Evrima in French Polynesian lagoons or a hidden Grenadines bay delivers an experience Explora’s larger vessels cannot replicate.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Neither line is as accessible from Australia as Silversea or Regent, both of which offer dedicated Australian deployments and (in Regent’s case) included business-class flights. But both offer compelling options for Australians willing to fly.

Explora Journeys

Mediterranean summer (7–14 nights on Explora I or II, multiple departures May–October 2026) — Extensive Western and Eastern Mediterranean programmes from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). The no-formal-dress-code and flexible dining format make these ideal for Australian couples trying ultra-luxury cruising for the first time. Fly Sydney to Rome or Barcelona (approximately 22 hours via Dubai or Singapore).

Explora III inaugural season (July–September 2026) — The maiden voyages of the newest and largest ship, departing from Mediterranean ports through Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland. The Prelude Journey departs 24 July, naming ceremony in Barcelona on 1 August. Brand-new hardware at potential launch pricing.

Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula (December 2026–March 2027 on Explora II) — Jeddah, Salalah, Khasab, Dubai. New Year’s Eve in Dubai. Fly direct from east coast Australia to Dubai (approximately 14 hours on Emirates or Qantas) — the shortest flight connection from Australia to any Explora embarkation port.

Asia debut (October 2027–May 2028 on Explora III) — Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore across 28 departures. Includes overnight stays in Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, and Bali. Fly Sydney to Singapore (7.5 hours) or Tokyo (9–10 hours).

2029 World Cruise: Endless Worlds (128 days, Dubai to Barcelona on Explora I) — Explora’s first visit to Australian waters. Four continents, 29 countries, 63 destinations. The Australian leg visits Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania. Bookable segments include Singapore to Sydney (23 nights) and Sydney to Auckland (14 nights) — accessible from Australian gateways without a long-haul flight.

Ritz-Carlton

Luminara: Asia-Pacific from Singapore (7–10 nights, December 2025–May 2026) — Multiple voyages departing Singapore visiting Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and Korea. The most accessible Ritz-Carlton experience for Australians — 7.5 hours direct from Sydney or Melbourne to Singapore.

Luminara: Expanded Asia-Pacific (winter 2026–2027) — Nineteen voyages with ten new ports including Cebu, Naha, Miyazaki, and Semarang. A 13-night Hong Kong to Bali voyage (January 2027) features island-hopping through the Philippines with Komodo dragons and Gili Islands snorkelling. Extended season gives Australians more scheduling flexibility.

Evrima: French Polynesia debut (winter 2026–2027) — Thirteen voyages through Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Fanning Island, and Hawaii. Roundtrip Papeete and Honolulu sailings from 7 to 12 nights. Direct flights from Sydney to Papeete (approximately 8 hours via Auckland) make this relatively accessible for Australians wanting the Ritz-Carlton yacht experience in the South Pacific — with the marina platform deployed in some of the world’s most beautiful lagoons.

Luminara: Alaska (May–September 2026) — Thirteen voyages visiting eleven ports across Alaska and British Columbia, including lesser-visited destinations like Klawock, Valdez, and Wrangell alongside the classic Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Departing Vancouver and Whittier. Fly from Australia to Vancouver (approximately 14–16 hours via Los Angeles on Qantas).

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Explora Journeys

Explora I or Explora II (both 922 guests, 63,900 GT, 2023–2024) — Functionally identical sister ships. Either delivers the full Explora experience: 461 all-terrace suites, four pools, Ocean Wellness Spa, six dining venues, and the contemporary European atmosphere. Choose based on itinerary rather than ship preference. Both ships have resolved any early-voyage teething issues.

Explora III (arriving July 2026, 72,810 GT) — The first LNG-powered ship in the fleet, 19 metres longer with expanded public spaces, a 48-foot glass-enclosed pool, 60 private cabanas, and three new dining concepts (Shore Club, Chef’s Table, The Cellar). The Owner’s Residence is designed by Patricia Urquiola. This will be the flagship. Worth booking for the inaugural Northern Europe and Iceland season — launch pricing may offer value.

Explora IV through VI (arriving 2027–2028) — Later ships may incorporate hydrogen fuel cell technology. Unless you specifically want cutting-edge environmental credentials, Explora I and II deliver the full experience now.

My advice: Book at least an Ocean Terrace Suite on any ship — the entry level is genuinely generous at 377 square feet with a proper terrace. The upgrade to Ocean Penthouse adds butler service, which enhances the experience if proactive personal attention matters to you.

Ritz-Carlton

Ilma (448 guests, 46,750 GT, 2024) — The recommended first Ritz-Carlton experience. The highest space-per-guest ratio (102.5 GT per guest), five restaurants including Trabocchi’s Seta su Ilma and Mina’s Beach House, 11-treatment-room spa, seven bars, and a wine vault. The first cruise ship to receive a Forbes Five-Star rating. Deployed to the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Luminara (452 guests, 46,750 GT, 2025) — Near-identical to Ilma with subtle refinements including two exclusive sanctuary suites, an expanded marina with a floating lounge platform, and a marina beach pool. Deployed to Asia-Pacific (winter) and Alaska (summer 2026). Choose Luminara for Asia-Pacific sailings from Singapore — the most accessible option for Australians.

Evrima (298 guests, 26,500 GT, 2022) — The smallest and most intimate of the fleet. After a troubled launch (eight delays, nearly three years late, early complaints about unfinished suites), the ship has improved significantly. The genuinely intimate scale — 149 suites, roughly 298 guests — creates a yacht experience the larger Ilma and Luminara cannot match. The unique two-storey Loft Suites are a standout design. Best for experienced luxury travellers who prioritise intimacy over facilities. Avoid as a first Ritz-Carlton experience — start with Ilma. Choose for the French Polynesia debut season (winter 2026–2027) where the intimate size and marina platform shine in island lagoons.

For Australian travellers specifically

Neither line visits Australian waters today, but both are investing in Asia-Pacific — and the accessibility gap is narrower than it appears.

Ritz-Carlton’s Australian proposition is the stronger of the two at this moment. The brand opened Asia-Pacific headquarters in Sydney’s Australia Square Tower in 2025, led by Vice President and General Manager Seb Seward (formerly of British Airways), with a five-year lease and plans for up to twelve local staff. The reservations team has grown from two to five, with dedicated Australian sales personnel. Australian Dollar pricing has been implemented, simplifying booking for local travel agents. Luminara’s Asia-Pacific deployment from Singapore (7.5 hours from Sydney or Melbourne) brings the brand within easy reach for the first time. Evrima’s French Polynesia debut puts a Ritz-Carlton yacht in the South Pacific — direct flights from Sydney or Auckland to Papeete. Seward has confirmed the itinerary planning team is “actively” analysing potential Australian destinations, and the company expects Asia-Pacific business to double in the coming year.

Explora’s Australian proposition is emerging but further out. The brand has an Australian-based team (including a Brisbane-based Business Relationship Lead) and an Australian website with AUD pricing. The Sky & Sea Fare programme (launched August 2025) offers integrated fly-cruise packages from Australian airports, handling flight logistics for Mediterranean and other international sailings. However, no ships visit Australian waters until the 2029 World Cruise, when Explora I calls at Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania. For 2026–2027, the most accessible Explora embarkation for Australians is Dubai (14 hours direct) followed by Mediterranean ports. The Asia debut in 2027–2028 (Singapore, Tokyo, Bali) will bring Explora within shorter reach.

The practical gap: Ritz-Carlton is closer to Australia today. Luminara from Singapore is a 7.5-hour flight from east coast capitals. Evrima from Papeete is an 8-hour flight from Sydney via Auckland. Explora’s closest embarkation points are Dubai (14 hours) and Mediterranean ports (22+ hours). This gap narrows substantially when Explora reaches Asia in 2027–2028 — Singapore and Tokyo are as accessible from Australia as they are for Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara.

When might either line visit Australia? Ritz-Carlton’s Sydney office, growing local team, and confirmed interest in Australian itineraries suggest a deployment could come as early as 2027–2028 if demand supports it — likely a Luminara repositioning between Asia-Pacific and Alaska seasons. Explora’s confirmed 2029 World Cruise is the first planned visit, with dedicated Australian deployments likely from 2029–2030 once the fleet reaches five or six ships. Neither timeline is certain, but Ritz-Carlton appears closer.

Loyalty pathways for Australians: Ritz-Carlton’s Marriott Bonvoy integration is the more valuable pathway for Australians who stay at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, W, Sheraton, or Westin properties. Earn 5 points per dollar on cruise fare, one elite night per night aboard, and redeem points for fare discounts. Titanium and Ambassador members receive complimentary laundry and priority boarding. Explora Club offers free membership and generous status matching from 11 cruise lines (including Ritz-Carlton, Silversea, Regent, Seabourn, Crystal, and Hapag-Lloyd) — making it easy to trial Explora at an elevated tier if you hold loyalty status elsewhere. Neither line has a direct Qantas Frequent Flyer partnership.

The onboard atmosphere

Both lines target a younger, more contemporary luxury demographic — and both succeed, though the atmosphere feels distinctly different aboard each.

Explora’s atmosphere is contemporary European resort. The guest mix is intentionally international — European, British, American, and Australian — with a demographic skewing 40–60, many of whom are first-time cruisers drawn from luxury resort and boutique hotel backgrounds. There are no formal nights. The dress guideline is “elegant resort wear” — think Monaco evening stroll or Amalfi Coast aperitivo rather than gowns and tuxedos. The Sky Bar on Deck 14 comes alive at night with DJ and saxophone sets under the stars — an energy unique in ultra-luxury. The Emporium Marketplace replaces the traditional buffet with a global food hall. Families with children are welcome (a dedicated Nautilus Club operates for ages 6–17). The atmosphere is polished, cosmopolitan, and relaxed — closer to a Four Seasons beach club than a cruise ship.

Ritz-Carlton’s atmosphere is modern luxury hotel at sea. The average passenger age is approximately 53 — younger than most ultra-luxury lines but older than Explora’s core demographic. Approximately 75 per cent of guests have never cruised before — they are Ritz-Carlton hotel loyalists drawn by brand trust, affluent professionals still working rather than retired, and luxury travellers who would not consider a traditional cruise. There are no formal nights, no cruise director, no overhead announcements, and no scheduled activity pressure. The entertainment is ambient: a pianist in The Living Room, themed evenings like En Blanc and Havana Nights, cocktails in The Observation Lounge. Families are welcome — Ritz Kids operates for ages four to twelve. The atmosphere is understated, self-assured, and quietly luxurious — closer to a floating private members’ club than a resort.

The key distinction: Explora feels like a destination resort that happens to move — vibrant, social, with an evening energy that peaks at the Sky Bar. Ritz-Carlton feels like a private yacht that happens to be a hotel — intimate, understated, with an evening energy that centres on conversation and cocktails. Explora has a buzz; Ritz-Carlton has a hush. Both reject cruise conventions, but they replace them with different kinds of luxury.

Guest mix note for Australians: On Explora, Australians will find a diverse international crowd and feel linguistically at home. On Ritz-Carlton, the passenger base is predominantly North American (reflecting the hotel brand’s strongest market) but increasingly international as Asia-Pacific expansion continues. Neither line has the strong Australian contingent you would find on Silversea or Regent southern hemisphere sailings.

The bottom line

Explora Journeys and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are the two most compelling new ultra-luxury brands to launch in the 2020s — and they are excellent at fundamentally different things.

Choose Explora if what matters most is the space you live in, the wellness facilities you use daily, and the value of your fare. The suites are larger at every category, the thermal spa is the best in ultra-luxury, the dining venues are more numerous with lower surcharges, and the per-night cost is 20–30 per cent lower than Ritz-Carlton’s. The fleet is expanding rapidly — six ships by 2028, a World Cruise from 2029, and an Asia debut in 2027. The atmosphere is contemporary European, cosmopolitan, and social. Accept that the ships carry 922 guests (twice Ritz-Carlton’s capacity), that there is no water sports marina, and that the brand is still young — service culture is developing, not yet legendary.

Choose Ritz-Carlton if what matters most is intimacy, brand cachet, and the unique experiences only a small yacht can deliver. The Forbes Five-Star rating validates the service. The marina platform for ocean swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking is genuinely unique. The ships carry 298–452 guests, accessing ports that larger ships cannot reach. Marriott Bonvoy integration rewards hotel loyalists with points, elite nights, and meaningful perks. Accept that the suites are smaller, the per-night cost is higher, the dining surcharges are steeper, and the fleet is limited to three yachts with no new builds announced beyond Luminara.

For Australians specifically, both lines require international flights — but Ritz-Carlton is closer. Luminara sails from Singapore (7.5 hours), Evrima debuts in French Polynesia (8 hours via Auckland), and a Sydney office with a growing team signals genuine commitment to the Australian market. Explora’s closest embarkation is Dubai (14 hours), with Asia (2027–2028) and Australian waters (2029) still ahead. When Explora reaches Asia, the accessibility gap disappears. Until then, an Australian wanting to experience these new-era luxury brands has an easier path to Ritz-Carlton — and a more generous product waiting on Explora.