For a long time, the cruise ship was considered a simple means of reaching a destination. Today, however, the boundary between hotel, private residence, wellness retreat and cultural space is gradually dissolving. Travel is no longer just about the places visited, but about the quality of the experience along the way.
It is in this direction that the evolution of Explora Journeys , the luxury brand of the MSC Group, which in recent years has accelerated its development through new gastronomic experiences, wellness programs, international collaborations and an increasingly sophisticated design vision.
At the center of this transformation are the new Owner’s Residences designed by Patricia Urquiola for the future EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV.
The new frontier of living on water
This vision first takes shape aboard EXPLORA III , the fleet’s newest ship inaugurating a season between the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland. The same design philosophy will later be developed on EXPLORA IV.
For the first time in the brand’s history, the ship introduces two Owner’s Residences, confirming the desire to move beyond the traditional suite concept and closer to a more residential dimension of hospitality.
Located aft on decks 7 and 8, they represent the ship’s most exclusive environments. The one designed by Patricia Urquiola covers 280 square meters in total, with 155 square meters of interior space and a spectacular 125-square-meter panoramic terrace overlooking the wake directly.
More than a suite, it takes the form of a true private residence suspended over the ocean. Large glass surfaces dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, while the horizon becomes part of the architecture, transforming into an ever-evolving design element. It is here that the dialogue between sea, light and space that constitutes the very essence ofOcean State of Mind takes shape.
The language of Patricia Urquiola
The project perfectly reflects the vision of Patricia Urquiola , who has always been interested in the relationship between matter, emotion and perception.
The color palette recalls the Mediterranean through natural hues and textured surfaces. Cipollino and Travertine marble, bronzed metals, terracotta, oak, and soft fabrics build a sophisticated yet relaxed domestic landscape where luxury and comfort dialogue in balance with light and the constant movement of the ocean.
A distinctive element of the project is the long custom-made carved marble paneling, which accompanies the succession of rooms and reinforces the idea of a private residence.
“I envisioned the Owner’s Residence as a space to be experienced with the body as much as with the eyes, where textures and materials create a sense of protection while remaining open to the movement of the sea. For me, it’s about creating a sense of belonging on the water. The project has grown through a long-standing relationship based on trust and an ongoing dialogue with the Aponte family, and this residence is a reflection of that.”
Patricia Urquiola
Italian design on the ocean
The new Owner’s Residence also represents a declaration of love for contemporary Italian design. The furnishings include numerous creations designed by Urquiola herself for Cassina , alongside pieces by. Moroso , Glas Italia , Kettal e Andreu World . The lighting alternates between contemporary research and great icons of the 20th century, while the sleeping area takes on the character of a private retreat overlooking the sea.
Beyond design: gastronomy and wellness
The new residency is part of a broader strategy that sees Explora Journeys evolve from a shipping company to a true contemporary hospitality ecosystem.
With the debut of EXPLORA III in summer 2026 comes new gastronomic experiences:
- The Cellar: one of the most important wine collections ever offered at sea with about 350 international labels.
- The Chef’s Table: a format built around extreme personalization of the dining experience.
In parallel, the brand strengthens its wellness proposition through the In Balance program, developed in collaboration with Jannik Sinner and his Performance Team, confirming the centrality of wellness within the Ocean Wellness philosophy.
The ocean as a new address
With the arrival of EXPLORA VI in 2028, the brand will complete its fleet of six ships, fully realizing the original plan announced at the brand’s inception. But the real novelty is not in the number of ships, but in the way the voyage is interpreted.
The new Owner’s Residence designed by Patricia Urquiola is the clearest symbol of this transformation: not just a suite, but a new idea of living by the sea. Because today true luxury is no longer about reaching an exclusive destination, but about feeling at home wherever you are.
From the Dolomites to the ocean
The evolution of Explora Journeys today goes far beyond the naval dimension. The brand’s arrival in Cortina d’Ampezzo and collaboration with DHOM Collection, the starred restaurant Tivoli , The Roof e Snowdreamers demonstrate how the concept of Ocean State of Mind can extend far from the sea.
For a long time, mountains and the ocean have represented two opposite imaginaries of luxury: on the one hand, refuge, silence and contemplation; on the other, movement, the open horizon and a sense of discovery. Today, however, these worlds are beginning to converse.
The message is clear: contemporary luxury is no longer tied to precise geography, but to the quality of the experience. It does not matter whether one is in the Dolomites, in the Mediterranean or along the coasts of the North Atlantic. What matters is the ability to build places capable of generating well-being, belonging, and memory.
After all, this is the real evolution of contemporary hospitality: creating environments where you immediately feel part of something, no matter what latitude or horizon is in front of you.
