Western Mediterranean Cruise with Explora II

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.

• Built in: 2024
• Godmother: Rosalba Giugni, marine environmentalist and founder of Marevivo
• Length: 248 m
• Tonnage: 63,900 BRT
• Speed: 18 knots
• Decks: 14
• Passengers: 922 (with double occupancy)
• Crew: 640
• Language: English
• Internet: free high speed Wi-Fi
• Smoking: may be permitted in designated areas on deck

Already during the construction of Explora Journeys' ships, environmentally friendly technologies such as the latest selective catalytic reduction technology (SCR) are used, which can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 %. Battery storage on board the ships is also planned as soon as it becomes available. This technology should enable hybrid power generation in the future.

The Explora I also has a modern wastewater treatment system that processes the wastewater on board so that it is almost of tap water quality. The ballast water is only discharged on land while the cruise ship is in port.

In addition, the Explora I is equipped with energy-saving devices, an anti-fouling coating and a shore power connection, and the ship is Rina Dolphin-certified for reduced underwater noise.

On board the Explora Journeys ships, single-use plastic is completely avoided. In addition, packaging for deliveries is reduced to a minimum and bottles are recycled on board. For shore excursions, the cruise line works with tour operators who also do not use single-use plastic. The shore excursions focus on regional craftsmanship, culture, gastronomy and regional traditions. 

In addition to the measures on board, Explora Journeys also supports various projects via the MSC Foundation. The MSC Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to education, emergency relief, environmental protection and community support worldwide.

You can enjoy a unique view of the sea not only on the beautiful outdoor decks, but also in the private area. The total of 461 suites are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony, spacious bathrooms and a walk-in wardrobe. The Ocean Suites start at around 35 sqm, while the Ocean Penthouses are up to 68 sqm (including balcony). The Ocean Residences impress with their total size of up to 149 sqm as well as with a 24-hour butler service and a private Jacuzzi on the balcony. In the Owner's Residence with 280 sqm, you can even relax in your own infinity pool on the balcony.

The Explora I awaits you with luxury, elegant architecture and comfort as well as feel-good areas. Upon the arrival on board you will be welcomed with a bottle of champagne and get directly an insight into the luxurious quality of service.

From steakhouse to Mediterranean cuisine to Asian specialities - there is something for every taste in the six restaurants and twelve bars and lounges:

• Experience exquisite culinary delights and specialities from world-famous guest chefs in the Anthology restaurant
• Experience the finest pan-Asian dishes at Sakura
• For example, savour hand-picked meat in the Marble & Co. Grill.
• Taste exclusive wines with international dishes at Fil Rouge.
• Sample delicacies from all over the world in a relaxed atmosphere at the Emporium Marketplace. The focus is on healthy, delicious and, above all, local and sustainable food.

In the more than 10 bars and lounges, you can enjoy relaxed European coffee specialities in the Crema Café, a large selection of cocktails and long drinks in the Journeys Lounge, for example. Or how about an elegant journey to the whisky regions of the world in the Malt Whiskey Bar. We also recommend the Sky Bar On 14 in the outdoor area, where you can enjoy the sunset with a cool drink.

On the Explora II you can visit the art gallery, try your luck in the casino or browse in the various high-quality boutiques.

You can find a Buccellati boutique on board where you can purchase beautiful pieces of jewelry. Buccellati is known for its meticulous craftsmanship and the revival of ancient goldsmithing techniques and has been a symbol of Italian excellence for more than a century.

There are also many ways to relax in the 700 sqm "Ocean Wellness" spa area: Here you will find a steam bath, a hydrotherapy pool, a Finnish sauna, an experience shower and much more. You can enjoy various body and facial treatments in a total of eleven treatment rooms. Several pools and whirlpools provide additional relaxation.

For those who want to be active while on holiday, there is a large fitness area with modern equipment for cardio and strength training. Open-air fitness is also possible, e.g. with the panoramic running track that leads around the entire ship. If you want to work on your body even more intensively, you can add nutrition and sleep programmes.

In the evenings, various musicians, singers and guest artists perform in the lounges and provide the perfect evening entertainment.

If you want to enjoy maximum comfort and luxury during your vacation, the Explora II is the right choice. The ship offers a combination of discovery, well-being and culinary art and convinces with high service quality.