Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea with Explora V

A warm welcome aboard Explora Journeys! Founded in 2021, the company is the luxury cruise division of the MSC Group, which includes, among others, the container shipping company MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and the cruise line MSC Cruises—the world’s largest privately owned, family-run cruise line (the Aponte family). The Aponte family has many years of expertise on the seven seas and has also established the MSC Foundation - an independent nonprofit organization that is also on board to support numerous humanitarian and environmental projects.

Explora Journeys offers an exclusive travel experience with the utmost comfort, relaxation, and service for discerning travelers. The brand’s recognition and the number of German guests are also growing steadily in the German market. Knowledge of English is recommended, though some services are also offered in German.

• Year of construction: 2027
• Length: 268 meters
• Tonnage: 72,810 GT
• Decks: 14
• Suites: 461
• Languages on board: English
• Internet: free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Smoking: permitted in designated areas on deck, if applicable
• Voltage: 110 volts and 220 volts

Various environmentally friendly features and technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction technology and the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), ensure a reduction in emissions. In addition, the Explora V is certified by RINA DOLPHIN for reduced underwater noise, and no single-use plastics are used on board. In the future, hybrid power generation is also planned through an energy storage system.

Furthermore, Explora Journeys supports valuable environmental projects through the MSC Foundation.

A special highlight of the 461 staterooms on the Explora V is that they are all suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. The size of the suites varies depending on the category, ranging from approx. 35 sqm to approx. 280 sqm. All suites are equipped with a walk-in closet with hairdryer, a bathroom with heated floor, individually adjustable air conditioning, an infotainment system with on-demand TV options, wireless charging stations by the bed, a minibar, espresso machine, refillable water bottle, Mandala Blue toiletries, binoculars, a dining area, and sun loungers or deck chairs on the balcony. Depending on the category, you can also look forward to additional amenities. In the Cove Residence, Retreat Residence, Serenity Residence, Cocoon Residence, and Owner's Residence suites, for example, you can enjoy 24-hour butler service. Another highlight is a private whirlpool on the balconies of the Owner's Residence, Serenity Residence, Cocoon Residence, Retreat Residence, and some Cove Residence suites.

The design of the Explora V is elegant with European flair. In addition, the design focuses on creating spacious areas and a connection to the sea.

The dress code on board is also a mixture of relaxed and elegant. During the day, there is no formal dress code, but swimwear, bathrobes, and sportswear are not to be worn in the restaurants or indoor bars. In the evenings, a casual resort style is recommended, and sleeveless T-shirts, baseball caps, sportswear, and beach shoes are not to be worn in the restaurants and bars.

A highlight of the Explora V is the luxurious service, which ensures pure relaxation thanks to a guest-to-crew ratio of 1.25 to 1 and the attentive and warm nature of the crew.

From steakhouse to Mediterranean cuisine to Asian specialties, there is something for every taste on board the Explora V.

The following restaurants are included in the price:

• Sakura: Experience the finest Pan-Asian cuisine with Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavors.
• Marble & Co. Grill: Enjoy dishes made from carefully selected ingredients in a steakhouse with European flair.
• Med Yacht Club: Here, flavors from Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and North Africa come together. There are also plates to share with friends or family.
• Emporium Marketplace: Try delicacies from around the world.
• Fil Rouge: Sample international dishes with a French touch.

In addition to dining in the diverse restaurants, In-Suite Dining also gives you the opportunity to enjoy a selection of authentic dishes from your destination in the privacy of your suite or on your balcony.

You pay a surcharge for the following speciality restaurants:

• Anthology: Upscale dishes take you on a culinary journey through Italy.
• Chef's Kitchen: Become a chef yourself in various courses and then enjoy your jointly prepared creations with the other course participants in the private dining room.

In the thirteen bars and lounges, you can relax and sample European coffee specialties in the Crema Café, enjoy a wide selection of cocktails and long drinks in the Journeys Lounge while watching cabaret-style entertainment, or marvel at the sunset with a cool drink in the outdoor area of the Sky Bar On 14.

There are several pools on board the Explora V, including an infinity pool and a pool for adults only. In addition, several whirlpools and spacious outdoor terraces invite you to enjoy the view of the sea.

The "Ocean Wellness" area includes both a spa area and a fitness center, which was created in collaboration with Technogym and features modern training equipment. There is also an open-air fitness area, a 360-degree running track with a length of 250 meters, and In-Suite-Fitness, which allows you to work out in your suite under the guidance of a virtual Technogym coach. The spa offers relaxation with facilities including a steam bath, experience shower, hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, salt cave, steam shower, ice waterfall, heated marble loungers, and an outdoor relaxation area.

But there are also other entertainment options awaiting you on the Explora V, such as several shops, various workshops, and exciting performances. QR codes distributed throughout the ship provide interactive entertainment including Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

For children aged 6 to 17, there is a dedicated area on board called the Nautilus Club. An experienced team runs an entertaining children's programme here, including sports events, technology competitions, painting and crafts.

Children aged 3 to 5 are welcome to participate in age-appropriate activities at the Nautilus Club at specific times together with a parent or guardian, while for older children the club is open from 9 a.m. to midnight.

The Nautilus Club's facilities include for example table football, billiards, video games and VR consoles.

Explora Journeys offers a wide range of shore excursions with varying levels of activity and duration. You can book most shore excursions for your cruise approx. 90 days before departure. Alternatively, you can seek advice directly on board at the Destination Experience desk.

The Explora V is ideal for guests who prefer smaller passenger numbers, value generously designed suites, appreciate a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere, and value high-quality service.