All Aboard the Perks Train: Explora Club Sets Sail with a New Kind of Cruise Loyalty Program
If you're the type of traveler who thinks cruise loyalty programs are all deck chairs and no depth, Explora Journeys just flipped the script. Their shiny new loyalty program, Explora Club, isn’t just another "earn points, get socks" deal. It’s got tiers, perks, and luxury baked into every nautical mile—perfect for travelers who think “standard” is a dirty word.
Whether you’re already plotting your next ocean getaway or just loyalty program-curious, here’s your deep dive into why this one’s worth your attention (and your sea legs).
Meet Explora Club: A Tiered Treasure Chest of Perks
Explora Club is Explora Journeys’ answer to the age-old question: how do we keep our favorite guests coming back? With a five-tier system based on cruise nights, suite category, and onboard spending, they’ve created a flexible yet rewarding model. The five tiers are:
Classic
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Diamond
Your status in the club isn’t just a label—it determines how many high-end bonuses get dropped into your lap while you sip Champagne on the sundeck.
Earning Points: The Currency of Cruise Royalty
Earning points with Explora Club is smoother than the sea on a windless morning. You get points for three main things:
Nights at Sea – 100 points per night
Suite Type Multiplier – The fancier your room, the more points you earn:
Ocean Suite = 100 points x 1x
Ocean Penthouse = 100 points x 2x
Ocean Residence = 100 points x 3x
Owner's Residence = 100 points x 10x
Onboard Spending – Think wellness treatments, boutique shopping, premium dining experiences, and curated excursions.
Example: If you spend 7 nights in an Ocean Residence (3x multiplier), that’s 2,100 points right there. Splurge a little onboard, and you’re cruising toward Gold status faster than you can say “open bar.”
Tier Breakdown: What You Get at Each Level
Classic
Personalized welcome
Access to exclusive member-only offers
Silver (1–5,000 points)
Birthday surprises
A welcome gift (yes, gifts, plural as you rise)
5% discount at The Journey boutique onboard
Gold (5,001–20,000 points)
Priority access to new journey collections
Dedicated support from the Explora Experience Centre
Complimentary laundry services (because luxury is crisp white shirts and zero effort)
Platinum (20,001–50,000 points)
Behind-the-scenes ship tours (peek into the captain’s bridge or galley)
Credits for Ocean Wellness treatments and curated destination experiences
Diamond (50,001+ points)
Complimentary 7-night cruise for two
Private airport transfers
Access to exclusive culinary experiences, likely involving truffle foam and champagne pairings
The Real-Life Impact of These Perks
Let’s be real: perks like complimentary cruises and behind-the-scenes ship tours are more than gimmicks. They elevate the entire experience. You feel seen. You feel rewarded. You get treated like a VIP without having to flash your card and whisper, “do you know who I am?”
Plus, the perks are refreshingly not one-size-fits-all. They’re experiential, tailored, and polished. If you’re the type who values a wellness retreat just as much as a wine-pairing dinner with the chef, this program was basically handcrafted for you.
Explora Club vs. Other Cruise Loyalty Programs
Okay, here’s where it gets juicy.
Compared to the typical cruise line loyalty program (we’re looking at you, points-for-lanyards crowd), Explora Club is clearly aiming for next-level.
MSC Voyagers Club – Solid, but more about onboard discounts than exclusive experiences.
Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club – Strong competition, but lacks the spa and suite upgrade multipliers.
Oceania’s Oceania Club – Good perks, but heavily skewed toward long-time cruisers, not up-and-coming loyalists.
Explora Club feels younger, fresher, more lifestyle-forward. It’s not just rewarding time served—it’s rewarding how you travel, what you spend on, and how much you indulge.
Status Match: Fast Track to the Fancy Life
Already rolling deep in another loyalty program? Explora Club offers status matching for select programs, which means you don’t have to start from scratch.
Just submit your current cruise loyalty status, and Explora will consider placing you in the appropriate tier. If you’ve been loyal elsewhere but looking to upgrade your cruise game, this is your express pass.
Enrollment: Open Seas, Open Access
Joining is free and frictionless.
U.S. Guests: Auto-enrolled when you book your first journey.
Non-U.S. Guests: Sign up via the My Explora account portal or onboard.
Need Help? The Explora Experience Centre and your Travel Advisor can assist.
What Makes Explora Journeys Different?
Explora Journeys is MSC Group’s luxury brand, and they’ve made it clear that this isn’t your grandma’s cruise. Their ships—like the Explora I and Explora II—are designed more like boutique floating resorts:
461 oceanfront suites (no inside cabins!)
9 culinary experiences
Unlimited premium beverages
Thermal spa access
Fast Wi-Fi (stream, Zoom, TikTok—do you)
Cultural and wellness experiences ashore
Everything’s curated for the curious, comfort-loving traveler who wants to see the world and return home relaxed, inspired, and probably carrying olive oil they bought in port.
Final Thoughts: Should You Jump on Board?
If you’re already someone who cruises for the experience—not just the itinerary—then the Explora Club is a no-brainer. You’re going to cruise anyway. Why not level up with perks that actually feel like rewards?
You get:
A clear and generous point system
A loyalty structure that recognizes spend and suite level, not just time
Serious VIP bonuses at the top tier
Unique and well-rounded benefits that aren’t all fluff
Oh, and one more thing: this program is new. That means it’s the perfect time to get in before the word spreads and everyone’s trying to get a seat at the Captain’s table.
So yeah, Explora Club? It’s not just making waves—it’s sailing into elite territory with style.
Ready to Set Sail? Let’s to book your next Explora Cruise. Request a quote and ABC Trips will include a bonus €150 per person in onboard credit on your next Explora Journey. We may even have a bonus 5% savings on this an other trips, too. As always, it pays to work with a professional travel planner and nobody can save you more than ABC Trips.
Looking for other luxury vacation and cruise deals? Join our free Trips Deals Club!
Bon voyage, perk chaser.
