A Journey Through Volcanic Isles and Atlantic Gardens, 13 December 2026

Explora II continues Explora Journeys’ commitment to all-suite luxury, with every accommodation designed to feel more like a contemporary waterfront apartment than a traditional cruise cabin. Floor-to-ceiling windows, generous private terraces and spacious living areas feature throughout the ship, while thoughtful details such as Dyson hairdryers, clothes steamers and wireless charging create an experience that feels effortlessly residential from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re sailing for a week or embarking on a much longer journey, the accommodation has been designed with comfort in mind. Ample storage, elegant finishes and an abundance of natural light make every suite somewhere you’ll genuinely look forward to returning to after a day ashore.

The Ocean Terrace Suites demonstrate just how much thought has gone into Explora II’s entry-level accommodation. Far more spacious than many equivalent suites at sea, they feature a generous private terrace, comfortable seating area and an elegant marble bathroom with a walk-in rainforest shower. Clever storage solutions and refined finishes make them an excellent choice for everything from a short Mediterranean escape to a longer transoceanic voyage.

The Ocean Penthouses elevate the residential feel even further, introducing separate living and sleeping areas alongside larger private terraces and sought-after locations higher on the ship. Guests choosing a Grand Penthouse will also enjoy an outdoor whirlpool, additional entertaining space and an alfresco dining area, creating an experience that feels remarkably close to staying in a luxury apartment at sea.

The Ocean Residences represent the pinnacle of Explora Journeys’ residential philosophy. Available across five categories and offering up to 1,600 square feet of beautifully appointed living space, they feature expansive private terraces, curated mini-libraries, binoculars for destination viewing and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interiors with natural light. Unsurprisingly, they’ve become a favourite with many returning Explora Journeys guests.

At the very top of the accommodation offering sits the spectacular Owner’s Residence. Covering more than 3,000 square feet, it delivers an experience unlike almost anything else at sea. A grand entrance leads into multiple beautifully designed living spaces, complemented by a wraparound terrace, a private bar and pantry, dining for up to eight guests and panoramic ocean views throughout. Completing the experience is a dedicated Residence Manager, ensuring every aspect of your journey is taken care of with quiet efficiency.

Dining aboard Explora II is one of the ship’s defining experiences. Six restaurants are included in your fare, each offering its own distinct style of cuisine, while Anthology provides an exclusive speciality dining experience for those looking to elevate an already exceptional culinary programme. Every restaurant operates its own dedicated kitchen, ensuring dishes are freshly prepared to order rather than produced on a larger, centralised scale. The flexibility is equally appealing. There’s no fixed dining time, premium beverages including champagne, fine wines and spirits are included, and you’re free to enjoy each venue as often as you wish throughout your voyage.

Emporium Marketplace transforms casual dining into something considerably more sophisticated than the traditional cruise buffet. Open throughout the day, the venue features live cooking stations serving everything from freshly prepared international dishes and artisan breads to sushi, pastries and healthy seasonal options. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace create a bright, relaxed setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Inspired by the culinary traditions of France and wider Europe, Fil Rouge delivers one of Explora II’s most elegant dining experiences. The menu evolves throughout each voyage while continuing to celebrate timeless classics such as lobster bisque, Burgundy escargot and beautifully prepared seafood, all served within a refined dining room that perfectly complements the cuisine.

Sakura showcases the depth and variety of Asian cuisine through an expertly curated menu of sushi, sashimi, dumplings, Thai curries and Japanese specialities, including the restaurant’s much-loved miso black cod. One of the ship’s most popular venues, it’s well worth reserving for dinner, although lunchtime walk-in availability is often offered on selected days.

Marble & Co. approaches the traditional steakhouse with a distinctly European influence. Premium meats, fresh seafood and carefully considered accompaniments are matched with an excellent wine list and indulgent desserts, while playful touches such as selecting your own steak knife make each visit feel just that little bit more memorable.

Anthology offers Explora II’s most intimate and exclusive dining experience. Available by advance reservation and carrying a supplementary charge, the restaurant celebrates contemporary Italian cuisine through beautifully crafted tasting menus showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, it’s an experience many guests consider one of the highlights of their voyage.

Crema Café brings the atmosphere of a traditional European coffee house to the heart of Explora II, serving expertly prepared coffee from twin La San Marco espresso machines alongside pastries, lighter dishes and sweet treats throughout the day. With every suite featuring generous indoor and outdoor living space, in-suite dining is another highlight of life aboard Explora II. Whether it’s breakfast on your terrace as you arrive in port or a leisurely dinner enjoyed in complete privacy, the service perfectly complements the ship’s relaxed, residential feel.

Explora II has been designed to blur the line between luxury resort and boutique hotel at sea. Guided by Explora Journeys’ Ocean State of Mind philosophy, the ship offers an exceptional amount of outdoor space, four swimming pools and a collection of beautifully designed lounges that encourage guests to slow the pace and enjoy life on board. Whether you prefer relaxing beside the pool, finding a quiet corner with a book or enjoying a cocktail before dinner, the layout makes it remarkably easy to find your own favourite spot.

The outdoor spaces aboard Explora II are among the ship’s greatest strengths. At their centre sits The Conservatory, where a retractable glass roof allows the pool to be enjoyed in almost any climate. Beyond this, quieter spaces await, from the infinity pool beside the Astern Lounge to the peaceful Atoll Pool on Deck 10. Ocean-facing whirlpools, shaded cabanas and an abundance of comfortable loungers ensure there’s always somewhere to relax while remaining connected to the sea.

Every lounge aboard Explora II has its own distinct character. The elegant Lobby Bar naturally becomes the ship’s social hub before dinner, while the Sky Bar on Deck 14 provides panoramic views and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for sailaways and evenings beneath the stars. Elsewhere, The Malt Whisky Bar offers one of the finest whisky selections at sea within an intimate, sophisticated setting, while the neighbouring Astern Lounge hosts live music and expertly crafted cocktails in a quieter environment. Whether you’re meeting friends before dinner or enjoying a final nightcap, there’s a venue to suit every mood.

The Explora Lounge occupies a commanding position at the front of the ship, offering sweeping 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Throughout the day, it’s a peaceful retreat for coffee, afternoon tea or simply watching the scenery drift by, while in the evening it comes alive with live music and elegant pre-dinner drinks. Spacious seating, attentive service and ever-changing ocean views make it one of the most inviting public spaces aboard.

Art forms an integral part of the Explora II experience, with carefully curated contemporary works displayed throughout the public spaces rather than confined to a traditional gallery. Sculptures, paintings and installations have been selected to complement the ship’s refined interiors, reinforcing the residential atmosphere that defines Explora Journeys.

The MSC Foundation Centre offers guests the opportunity to learn more about the Foundation’s marine conservation and scientific initiatives through a series of interactive exhibits, while those seeking classic cruise entertainment can enjoy the casino, with roulette, blackjack and slot machines available throughout the voyage.

Wellness is woven into everyday life aboard Explora II, with the Ocean Wellness Centre providing a tranquil sanctuary whenever you feel like slowing the pace. Beautifully designed treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and beauty salon create an environment dedicated to relaxation, while an extensive menu of massages, facials and holistic therapies allows you to tailor your experience throughout the voyage. Rather than feeling like a destination reserved for special occasions, the Ocean Wellness Centre is somewhere guests naturally drift towards between shore excursions, sea days and evenings on board.

The Fitness Centre aboard Explora II is equipped with the latest Technogym Artis equipment, offering dedicated spaces for cardio, strength and functional training alongside a separate studio hosting yoga, Pilates and guided fitness classes throughout each voyage. Guests looking to exercise outdoors will also find an open-air training area, sports court and a 250-metre running track, allowing you to enjoy the fresh sea air while maintaining your usual routine. Personal training sessions are available for those wanting a more tailored approach, while selected Technogym equipment can also be arranged within your suite for complete privacy.

Days aboard Explora II are shaped by the destinations rather than a timetable. Outside of the carefully curated shore excursion programme, there’s little pressure to follow a schedule, allowing you to spend your time exactly as you wish. Many guests simply settle beside one of the pools, find a quiet corner in a favourite lounge or relax on their private terrace as the coastline drifts by.

For those looking to engage more deeply with the places they’re visiting, the onboard programme includes destination talks, guest speakers and culinary demonstrations hosted by the ship’s chefs. It’s an approach that complements the itinerary rather than competing with it, making each voyage feel both enriching and wonderfully relaxed

Evenings aboard Explora II unfold at your own pace. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in one of the ship’s elegant lounges, linger over dinner in your restaurant of choice or head to the Discovery Lounge for live music, performances and cabaret-style entertainment. As the evening progresses, the Sky Bar on Deck 14 becomes one of the ship’s most popular gathering places, with resident DJs, expertly mixed cocktails and uninterrupted sea views creating a sophisticated atmosphere beneath the stars. Guests seeking something a little quieter will find the Astern Lounge equally inviting, with its live musicians and intimate setting providing the perfect place to round off the day.

Explora II lends itself naturally to multi-generational holidays, combining spacious suites, connecting accommodation and flexible dining with an atmosphere that encourages families to spend quality time together. Rather than revolving around children’s entertainment, the experience has been designed so every generation can enjoy the voyage in their own way. Family-friendly Destination Experiences ashore complement life on board, with carefully selected excursions that are easy to enjoy together. From cultural discoveries and wildlife encounters to hands-on educational experiences, Explora Journeys has created an environment where grandparents, parents and younger travellers can all share the same adventure.

Families travelling aboard Explora II during the school holidays will find younger guests well catered for through the Nautilus Club. Designed for children and teenagers aged 6 to 17, the club offers a programme of supervised activities, creative sessions, gaming and entertainment tailored to different age groups. Beyond the dedicated club, younger travellers can also take part in selected family activities around the ship, giving them opportunities to make friends while allowing parents to relax and enjoy everything else Explora II has to offer