WHY IT RATES: From 2024-2026 Explora Journeys’ ships, Explora I and II, will offer newly devised voyages, featuring slower-paced travel and port overnights, in such diverse regions as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Aegean, and the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula. — Laurie Baratti
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, unveiled sailings for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through to April 2026.
The carefully curated journeys offer an appealing of array of different length sailings ranging from shorter journeys of between 6 to 8 nights, through to longer voyages of 19 to 21 nights and offer accessible homeports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Miami or Bridgetown.
The journeys are thoughtfully designed to allow for a slower pace of travel, and to give travelers the opportunity to spend more time in each destination with overnight stays while in port to allow time to be fully immersed in the local culture and environment. At every destination, Explora Journeys will provide inspiring opportunities for guests to discover authentic cultural, historical, and culinary delights from an extraordinary perspective.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: “We have received incredibly high levels of satisfaction from the guests that have sailed with us so far. As the brand continues to grow and expand, it is important that we listen to feedback and respond. As such, we have decided to refine our journey planning and I have been involved in designing the new journeys, drawing on my own travel experiences, bringing the personal touch that is at the heart of Explora Journeys.
“We now have regular, shorter 7-night journeys that are convenient for those who have limited time and we have ensured that we feature easily accessible homeports. We know that time is precious and true luxury is about making memories and meaningful connections—this is the Ocean State of Mind.”
EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I’s journeys from October 2024 to April 2025 have been revised so that the ship will sail in the Caribbean in order to support the growth of the brand in North America. Her winter 2024-2025 season starts with a Grand Journey from Barcelona to the Caribbean featuring Bridgetown, Pointe-à-Pitre, St John’s and San Juan.
From April and November 2025, EXPLORA I will sail in the Mediterranean where guests will enjoy the effortless style of Mediterranean living, taking in the aromas of sea air, aromatic herbs and citrus notes all whilst discovering a medley of cultural, historical and culinary delights. Revel in the untamed beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean with the striking azure of the Aegean Sea islands and the idyllic Dalmatian coast.
In winter 2025-2026, EXPLORA I will sail the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula – a region steeped in history and culture, with fragrant foods, bustling souks or escape to the tranquility of a desert oasis.
EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II will sail her maiden journey from Barcelona, Spain to Civitavecchia (Rome) – visiting Ibiza, Spain; Port-Vendres, France, encompassing the spirit of a charming waterfront village; picturesque Portofino, Italy; nestled among olive-covered slopes; Monte-Carlo, Monaco and Port Santo Stefano in Italy, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets fringed with hidden coves and lighthouses.
She will then continue to sail in the West Mediterranean until November 2024 when she will cross the Atlantic to offer sun drenched Caribbean journeys during the winter months.
In May 2025 EXPLORA II will spend the summer sailing an enchanting collection of journeys filled with stops in culturally rich locales with convenient embarkation in Barcelona or Civitavecchia/Rome.
Winter 2025-2026 will be spent in the Eastern Caribbean with warm breezes, white sands and the glittering blues of the Caribbean Sea, journey to Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe; Roseau, Dominica; Little Bay, Montserrat and Marigot, St. Martin.
Explora Journeys ships offer refined yet effortless luxury and thanks to their size, they offer an incredible richness of experiences, all whilst maintaining a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity. With six diverse restaurants serving the most incredible food, with inspiration from around the world. And 11 different bars and lounges – guests will be transported on a culinary journey of discovery. Relax by one of the four beautiful swimming pool or unwind with the ocean-inspired wellness facilities all whilst enjoying spacious suites created to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’.
SOURCE: Explora Journeys press release.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
