Explora II

Explora II is the second ship in a series of luxury expedition vessels from Explora Journeys, the MSC Group's Geneva-based luxury cruise brand. Delivered in September 2024, she carries around 1,473 guests across 461 all-suite staterooms, making her a mid-sized ship that feels intimate rather than crowded. Built at Fincantieri, she was named by Rosalba Giugni, founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, a marine conservation organisation.

Every stateroom faces outward with a step-out balcony, ranging from 35 to 39 square metres in standard suites, with larger options for those wanting more space. Public venues throughout the ship feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views, and sundecks are enclosed in wraparound glass and furnished with sofas, padded loungers and daybeds.

Dining and drinking sit at the core of the onboard experience. The ship holds six restaurants spanning Mediterranean, International, Concept, Steakhouse and Pan-Asian styles, along with all-day buffet dining and twelve bars. Fares include accommodation, dining at nine venues, unlimited fine wines and premium spirits, complimentary mini-bar drinks and snacks, spa and fitness access, onboard gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, welcome gifts, a premium shuttle service to downtown, a 24-hour concierge, twice-daily housekeeping and shoeshine service.

For relaxation, there are four swimming pools, three outdoor and one indoor with a retractable glass roof, along with several hot tubs. The wellness complex spans over 700 square metres and includes an indoor-outdoor spa with nine treatment rooms, thermal suites and a beauty salon, plus a fully equipped gym of over 270 square metres with a fitness studio for group classes and personal training.

A passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.25 ensures attentive, personalised service throughout. The ship meets high environmental standards, holding RINA certification with Green Plus and Dolphin notations for minimising ecological impact, and carries Polar Code C certification, allowing safe navigation in polar regions.

Explora II suits couples and adults who value intimate luxury, sustainable travel and a destination-focused approach over onboard spectacle, all wrapped into an all-inclusive fare with no nickel-and-diming along the way.

Been aboard Explora II? Add your cruise to your account on The Cruise Globe to see the exact route your ship sailed!