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Explora Journeys is the luxury lifestyle cruise brand of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, positioned between traditional luxury cruising (such as the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection) and high-end expedition cruising. The brand’s first ship, Explora I, launched in 2022; the second, Explora II, launched in spring 2024. Both ships follow a “Slow Travel” philosophy — itineraries are designed around depth of exploration rather than port-checking, with a minimum of 16 hours at each port call and overnight stays that give guests genuine time to discover each destination.
Explora Journeys’ core philosophy is “traveler, not tourist” — printed on every piece of cruise documentation. The experience is designed from the outset not as transportation, but as a destination in itself. This review focuses on Explora II, based on the 2026 published sailing schedule and firsthand reports.
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Part 1: Explora II Specifications
Ship specifications:
- Gross tonnage: approximately 63,700 GRT (small luxury ship class)
- Guest capacity: approximately 922 (all suites, 100% balcony accommodations)
- Crew: approximately 640 (crew-to-guest ratio ~1:1.4 — very high service density)
- Length: approximately 248 meters
- Inaugural sailing: Spring 2024
- 2026 status: no major refurbishment planned (maintains factory specification)
Key difference from Explora I: Explora I and II are sister ships of the same class with essentially identical hardware. The core difference is their seasonal itinerary deployment — Explora I concentrates on Northern Europe and Arctic fjords; Explora II focuses on the Mediterranean and Middle East. Dining and entertainment programs are broadly shared between the two ships, and some itineraries can be operated interchangeably.
Part 2: Suite Categories and Pricing (2026 Reference)
Explora II is one of the rare “100% balcony” ships in the cruise industry — all 461 suites include a private balcony, maximizing privacy and natural light for every guest.
| Suite Type | Size (incl. balcony) | Occupancy | Daily Rate Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Suite | ~35–43 m² | 2 | $700–$1,100/person/night |
| Navigator Suite | ~47–60 m² | 2–3 | $1,000–$1,500/person/night |
| Explorer Suite | ~65–72 m² | 2–3 | $1,400–$2,000/person/night |
| Owner’s Suite | ~114–280 m² | 2–4 | $2,500–$5,000/person/night |
What’s included in the ticket price: Unlike traditional cruises, Explora’s fares are designed around transparent “no hidden costs” pricing:
- All restaurant dining (including specialty restaurants, at no extra charge)
- Unlimited included alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (minibar restocked daily)
- Port fees and government taxes
- Access to the spa facilities (select treatments charged separately)
- Onboard performances and live music
- Shuttle bus service (at select ports)
- Luggage transfer service (one-way each for embarkation and disembarkation)
What costs extra: Chef’s Table (specialty tasting experience, advance reservation required), private yacht excursions, spa treatments, laundry service, onboard shopping.
Part 3: Dining Experience
Explora II has 6 restaurants, of which 4 are included in the ticket price and 2 are specialty venues with supplemental charges.
Included restaurants:
- Med Yacht Club (Main Restaurant): Mediterranean-style buffet and à la carte hybrid — open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with excellent sea views
- Sushi & Saké: Japanese cuisine restaurant, dinner service, curated by a Tokyo Michelin-starred restaurant consultant
- Fil Rouge: French/pan-Asian fusion cuisine, focusing on seafood and molecular gastronomy elements
- Market Peyton: Grill restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, with an outdoor BBQ terrace
Specialty restaurants (with surcharge): The ship also has 1 private Chef’s Table ($120–$180/person, 48-hour advance booking required) and 1 Wine Vault dining room (accommodates 12, $80–$150/person, tasting menu format).
Real-world dining assessment: Dining is one of Explora’s most praised aspects. Sushi & Saké’s fish quality (particularly the tuna selections) is among the best available at sea. Fil Rouge’s French mains are precisely crafted if modestly portioned; the pastry chef trained at Paris’s Pierre Hermé — desserts punch above expectations.
Part 4: 2026 Mediterranean Itineraries
Classic Mediterranean Circuit (10 nights, round-trip Barcelona):
Barcelona (overnight) → Palma de Mallorca → Tangier (Morocco) → Málaga (Spain) → Gibraltar → At sea → Rome/Civitavecchia → Florence/Livorno → Cannes (France) → Barcelona (overnight)
This itinerary crosses 4 countries (Spain, Morocco, the Gibraltar British territory, France, and Italy), with every port receiving at least 16 hours of call time. Rome (Civitavecchia) and Barcelona both include overnight stays, giving you meaningful time to explore beyond the typical rushed port visit.
Middle East Itinerary (7 nights, departing Dubai):
Dubai (UAE) → Abu Dhabi (overnight) → Doha (Qatar) → At sea → Seychelles → At sea → Dubai
The Middle East itinerary is Explora II’s primary winter deployment (November–March), well-suited for European winter escapes. Abu Dhabi’s overnight stay gives you a full day to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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Part 5: Wellness and Spa
Explora Journeys’ spa brand is SCIO, designed by a wellness specialist team that integrates traditional European spa therapy with functional medicine principles.
Spa facilities: Himalayan salt therapy room, Kneipp therapy pools, Finnish sauna, steam room, ice plunge, and indoor heated pool. Eight treatment rooms offer massage, facial, and body therapy services.
Fitness and sport: The fitness center is equipped with Technogym equipment, with dedicated yoga and Pilates studios (complimentary classes). The deck jogging track is approximately 60 meters; an enclosed glass-fronted treadmill area lets you run with an ocean view. Paddle tennis court available (free to use).
FAQ
Q1: What type of traveler is Explora Journeys best suited for?
A: Explora suits: affluent travelers aged 45–70 who seek deep cultural experiences over checklist itineraries; those with high service expectations willing to pay the premium; guests who dislike the noise and crowd of traditional cruises (casinos, parties) and prefer a quiet, private, culturally rich environment; and travelers committed to deeper exploration of the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, or Middle East.
Q2: What is the onboard atmosphere like?
A: Explora’s positioning is a “high-quality lifestyle ship” — closer in feel to a small boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. Dress code: smart casual in the evenings (no formal dress nights, no black-tie requirement — a significant departure from classic luxury cruising). No casino. No children’s club (no supervised programs for children under 12).
Q3: Are there early-bird discounts for Explora II sailings?
A: Typically, booking 180+ days in advance earns approximately 10–15% off. Some sailings — particularly low-season departures in November and December — may carry additional 5–10% promotional pricing. Compare the official rate against third-party cruise booking agencies before committing; price differences do exist.
Q4: Are beverages truly unlimited?
A: The ticket price includes unlimited specified alcoholic beverages (red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks), with the minibar restocked daily. However, certain premium spirits (rare vintage Cognac, top-shelf tequila) may carry additional charges — the onboard drinks menu is the definitive reference.
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