Explora Journeys
MSC Group's all-suite, all-inclusive luxury line — reimagining the ocean voyage as something closer to a private European yacht than a cruise ship.
Explora Journeys was built to win over the traveller who says, flatly, that they don’t cruise — and on the evidence so far, it largely does.
Conceived in Geneva and built in Italy by Fincantieri, Explora is the privately-held MSC Group’s dedicated luxury arm — the realisation of a life-long dream by the Aponte family, Neapolitan seafarers for more than three centuries. Its “Ocean State of Mind” philosophy borrows the codes of the grand European hotel rather than the megaship: pale, calm interiors, ocean-front suites as standard — there isn’t an inside cabin on board — and a genuinely all-inclusive fare that folds dining, wines and spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi into one price.
The fleet is young and growing fast. EXPLORA I entered service in 2023, EXPLORA II in 2024, with EXPLORA III arriving July 2026 and the programme reaching six ships by 2028 — the new generation carrying 463 suites and powered by liquefied natural gas. Itineraries favour slow steaming, overnight calls and late departures over frantic port-hopping: a deliberately unhurried rhythm aimed at travellers who already know the Mediterranean well.
Ships in service
Two
EXPLORA I & II · III from Jul 2026
Suites per ship
461
Ocean-front, private terraces
Guest capacity
922
Double occupancy
Crew-to-guest
1 : 1.25
Highly personalised service
The Fleet
6 ships, one design language.
In Service2023
EXPLORA I
The debut ship — four pools, six restaurants and one of the most convincing new ocean products in years.
In Service2024
EXPLORA II
A near-identical sister, delivered September 2024, sailing Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean across the year.
Arriving Jul 20262026
EXPLORA III
The first of the new LNG-powered generation, with an expanded layout of 463 suites and longer, more far-flung itineraries.
20272027
EXPLORA IV
The second LNG-fuelled ship, built for longer world voyages reaching further into Asia-Pacific and beyond.
20272027
EXPLORA V
The fifth ship in the programme, extending Explora's reach into new seasons and emerging luxury itineraries.
20282028
EXPLORA VI
The sixth and final ship of the current plan, completing a six-strong fleet and Explora's global footprint by 2028.
Ocean State of Mind
A unique and relaxed yacht experience that combines cosmopolitan energy with a sense of feeling at home.
Explora Journeys is the realisation of a life-long dream by the Aponte family — Neapolitan seafarers for more than three centuries, and the family behind MSC, the world's largest privately-owned shipping line. Their ambition: a transformative way to travel the ocean that redefines the luxury cruise category, built on hand-picked itineraries and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Discover their storyUpcoming Sailings
The schedule worth booking.
A Journey through Mediterranean Wonders & Ancient Echoes
BarcelonaCivitavecchia (Rome)NaplesLa VallettaLa Goulette (Tunis)Trapani (Sicily)
A Journey of Ancient Rhythms & Timeless Charm
Piraeus (Athens)VolosMykonosCorfuKotorSplit
An Extended Journey through Storied Marble Streets & Ancient Echoes
Piraeus (Athens)VolosMykonosCorfuKotorSplit
A Journey of Iberian Scenery & Moorish Charm
BarcelonaPalma de MallorcaMálagaTangierAlicante
A Journey through Adriatic Gems & Historical Riches
Fusina (Venice)ZadarDubrovnikPiraeus (Athens)Kusadasi (Ephesus)Syros
A Journey from Mediterranean Flair to Atlantic Splendour
BarcelonaCasablancaAgadirArrecife (Lanzarote)Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura)Santa Cruz de Tenerife
A Journey from the Wonders of the Adriatic to Aegean Legends
Fusina (Venice)KotorCorfuParosRhodesBodrum
An Extended Journey of Alluring Mediterranean Beauty & Timeless Intrigue
Fusina (Venice)KotorCorfuParosRhodesBodrum
A Journey of Cultural Gems & Golden Shores
GenoaMarseilleBarcelonaMálagaTangierCadiz
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Fares are per person, double occupancy, and include dining, drinks and gratuities. We link through to the line for live availability and earn nothing from bookings.