On this episode of Luxury Cruising, returning guest Bradley shares his experience aboard Explorer Journeys’ Explorer 1, MSC’s new entry into six-star, yacht-style cruising. With 60 cruises behind him, Bradley offers a grounded, honest look at everything from the ship’s design to its dining, entertainment, and surprising value. His insights reveal how Explorer is quietly reshaping what modern luxury at sea can feel like.
Some cruisers chase itineraries. Others chase loyalty perks. But Bradley—now on his 60th sailing—chases experiences.
And on this episode of Luxury Cruising, he gives us a rare, detailed, and unfiltered look inside Explorer Journeys’ Explorer 1, MSC’s bold entrance into the world of six-star, yacht-style cruising.
From the moment he arrived at the port in Athens, something felt different: a shimmering navy hull, private hosts guiding the entire check-in experience, and a boarding process so seamless he barely realized it had happened.
Once onboard, the Explorer 1 delivered on its promise of “luxury yacht living” in every direction—soft-lit lounges, curated art, and public spaces designed with the kind of restraint and elegance normally reserved for boutique hotels. Even the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite surprised him with its elevated materials, thoughtful touches, and spa-like finishes.
Things only escalated from there.
Bradley walks us through standout dining moments—from plant-forward displays in the Marketplace to the immersive cooking theatrics of Marble & Co. to the modern, serene flavors of Sakura. And yes, he even splurged on Anthology, Explorer’s fine-dining, Michelin-inspired gastronomic experience.
We also explore:
Toward the end, Bradley offers a refreshingly balanced comparison: Explorer Journeys isn’t just a new ship; it's an entirely new category—combining the polish of six-star cruising with the warmth and playfulness of a boutique European resort.
And yes… he’s already booked Explorer 5 for its 2028 inaugural season.
Whether you're planning your first luxury voyage or simply love hearing how the upper-tier cruise lines stack up, this episode will make you rethink what “luxury at sea” can look like.
Bradley, creator of Explore with Bradley, is a lifelong cruiser from South Wales, UK. Having sailed on nearly 60 cruises across every major and luxury line, he brings candid, firsthand insights to his growing online community. His content is known for being open, honest, and authentically self-funded—showing what travel really looks like beyond the brochure.
Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea.
📍 Website: luxurycruising.net
📧 Email: luxurycruisingpodcast@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis
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