This is a premium-vs-ultra-luxury matchup. Explora Journeys, MSC Group's luxury line, is genuinely all-inclusive — drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are in the fare — on intimate ~900-guest ships, at fares that are often two to three times Virgin's. Virgin Voyages offers the adults-only guarantee Explora doesn't, plus far more dining venues and nightlife, at a much more accessible price. If budget is no object and serenity is the goal, Explora is superb; for most Canadian couples, Virgin delivers 80% of the experience at a fraction of the cost.
| Feature | Virgin Voyages | Explora Journeys |
|---|---|---|
| Adults Only | Yes — 18+ only, no exceptions | No — children are welcome, though few sail; adult-focused atmosphere |
| Ship Size | ~2,770 guests (4 sister ships) | Approximately 900 guests — ultra-luxury small ship |
| Gratuities | Not included — $20 USD/day prepaid ($22 on board) | Included in the fare |
| Alcohol | A la carte via shareable Bar Tab with bonus value; no per-drink 18% gratuity | Included — wines, spirits, and cocktails throughout the ship |
| Wi-Fi | Basic Starlink included | Unlimited Wi-Fi included |
| Dining | All 20+ restaurants included, huge variety | Several restaurants included; fewer venues but ultra-high-end (one chef's-table concept carries a charge) |
| Typical Fare Level | Approximately CAD $2,000-$3,000/person for 7 nights | Often approximately CAD $6,000-$9,000+/person for a week |
| Cabins | Range from Insider cabins to RockStar suites | All-suite — every room is an ocean-front suite with terrace |
| Casino & Nightlife | Full casino, DJs, late-night events | Small casino; refined bars and lounges, quiet evenings |
| Dress Code | No formal nights — casual to smart-casual | Elegant resort wear; no traditional formal nights |
Explora is one of the few lines where the advertised fare really is the final price. Drinks (including good wines and cocktails), unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, speciality coffees, and most dining are all included. You could disembark after a week having signed for almost nothing.
Virgin Voyages includes more than any other line at its price point — all 20+ restaurants, basic Starlink Wi-Fi, soft drinks, drip coffee, tea, juices, still and sparkling water, group fitness classes, entertainment, and port fees — but gratuities ($20 USD/person/day prepaid) and alcohol are extra. Virgin's Bar Tab softens that: pay $300 USD and receive $350 in credit, shareable across your cabin or group, with no automatic 18% gratuity added per drink.
Here's the honest maths for a Canadian couple on a 7-night sailing: Virgin at approximately CAD $2,500/person plus gratuities (~CAD $195) and a shared $500 USD Bar Tab (~CAD $690) still totals thousands less than Explora's typical CAD $6,000-$9,000+ per person. Explora isn't overpriced — you're paying for a ~900-guest all-suite ship with extraordinary service ratios — but the gap is real. Try your own numbers in the cost calculator.
The single biggest structural difference: Virgin bans children; Explora doesn't. In practice, Explora's fares and pace mean very few kids sail, and the ships feel adult. But "usually adult" and "guaranteed adults-only" are different promises — school-holiday sailings can surprise you. If a completely kid-free ship is non-negotiable, only Virgin (or Viking) delivers it in writing.
The energy is different too. Explora feels like a five-star European resort at sea: hushed lounges, exceptional service, early nights. Virgin feels like a stylish city hotel with a festival streak: drag brunch, a full casino, Scarlet Night, and live DJs. Explora's crowd skews older and quieter; Virgin's skews 30s-50s and more social.
For Canadians, logistics are similar: both lines' Caribbean seasons are served by direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to Miami-area airports, and both sail the Mediterranean from hubs like Barcelona. Virgin adds one uniquely Canadian advantage — Alaska sailings on Brilliant Lady departing right from Vancouver. Sean books both lines; if an all-inclusive small ship is truly what your trip needs, he'll say so. Questions? Start with the FAQ or read about Sean.
Not sure which line is right for you?
Sean sells both Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys. He'll give you an honest recommendation based on your group.