Explora II luxury cruise ship stern, featuring a semi-circular pool and rows of lounge chairs on deck.

JOURNEYS

Redefining the sound of luxury ocean travel for MSC's landmark new brand

Explora Journeys was created to answer a gap MSC Group identified in the cruise market: a luxury ocean experience with the feel and design intelligence of a great land-based hotel, built around slow travel, privacy and European sensibility. With its sleek distinctive profile, a design team that included renowned superyacht designer Martin Francis, and an ambitious new fleet taking shape, music formed part of the thinking around the guest experience from the earliest stages.

Explora Journeys modern bar with warm neon ribbon lights tracing six ceiling arches. Backlit bottles on shelves face two cream bar stools.

Sushi chef in a tall white hat and black jacket rolls fresh maki at a dark counter under dramatic, focused lighting.

Explora lounge with rows of curved cream sofas and dark blue tub chairs with gold wire legs on wave-patterned carpet.

A total sonic identity, built around the brand's Ocean State of Mind

We worked closely with senior leadership through pre-launch, spending extended time aboard the ships to refine our understanding of each space and how it should sound.

The scope reflects the scale of the brand's ambition: seven restaurants, ten bars and lounges, spa and wellness, fitness, retail, in-suite programming, casino, on-demand event playlists and geo-location triggered soundscapes that shift as the ship moves between ports. Across all of it, the Ocean State of Mind runs as a through-line, a relaxed, European, contemporary luxury sound that gives Explora Journeys a sonic identity wholly in keeping with a brand reinventing what luxury ocean travel can be.

Explora Conservatory Pool Conservatory Pool deck with sun loungers lining the water under a massive retractable glass roof.

A total sonic identity, built around the brand's Ocean State of Mind

We worked closely with senior leadership through pre-launch, spending extended time aboard the ships to refine our understanding of each space and how it should sound.

Woman relaxes on a curved thermal lounger inside Explora Journeys' serene, salt-walled luxury spa relaxation room.

Grand multi-story Explora Journeys lobby bar features a massive backlit bottle display, chandeliers, and plush sofas.

PERSPECTIVE

“Curating sound for a ship at sea means every zone has its own mood - quiet where guests want quiet, alive where they want energy. We shaped each space so the journey feels considered from the moment guests step aboard.”

Rob WoodCreative Director, Music Concierge

The vibrant all-red interior of the Razzle Dazzle restaurant onboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship. Red bar tables, chairs, and minimalist dome lamps are set against a backdrop of bold, diagonal black-and-red camouflage striped walls.

The luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond train curves through a tropical landscape in Southeast Asia. The iconic cream and green carriages are lit by a golden sunset, flanked by dense jungle trees and tall wild grass.

A group of friends enjoying brunch at an outdoor table with coffee and pastries inside the plant-lined Sanders Courtyard at Hotel Sanders Copenhagen.

Experience is everything. Make your music count.

If you are shaping an environment where atmosphere matters, we'd like to talk.