Explora Journeys’ New Ship Now Sailing in the Caribbean

The Explora II, sister ship to Explora I, offers diverse itineraries and an impressive array of food and beverage venues, including Asian and French restaurants.

Explora Journeys’ new ship, the Explora II, was officially named and christened on September 16, 2024 in Civitavecchia, Italy. Her 7-night maiden voyage from Civitavecchia visited Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani and Siracusa, Italy; Valletta, Malta; and Tarragona, Spain. After finishing her maiden season in the Western Mediterranean, the Explora II arrived at PortMiami on November 22, where she began 7- to 14-night Caribbean sailings.

More About Explora II’s Naming Ceremony

At the naming ceremony for the second of Explora Journeys’ luxury ships was Explora II’s godmother, Rosalba Giugni, founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, a non-profit environmental conservation organization committed to the preservation of marine environments. She is a friend and partner of the MSC Foundation.

The naming ceremony brought together distinguished guests from across the globe as well as senior MSC Group representatives, including founder and group chairman Gianluigi Aponte. Italian actress and TV personality Lorella Cuccarini hosted the event, which concluded with the traditional parade of ship officers.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a gala dinner. It included a captivating musical performance by English pop singer Tony Hadley, plus a breathtaking drone show that narrated the story of Explora Journeys.

Sakura restaurant dishes up pan-Asian dining delights.

Onboard Explora II

Explora II is a sister ship to the Explora I, which debuted in July 2023. Accommodating 922 guests, she has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, and diverse restaurants providing different culinary experiences. In addition, the Explora II has more than 12 bars and lounges, five heated pools, and restorative ocean-wellness offerings at the spa and fitness center.

Explora II has distinctive dining experiences for guests to enjoy as well as in-suite dining. In addition to celebrating global cultures, dining focuses on healthy eating and wholesome ingredients sourced by local partners. Options include:

Med Yacht Club – A relaxed celebration of flavors, ambiances and “dolce vita” of the Mediterranean
Emporium Marketplace – All-day dining, inspired by cuisines and flavors across the globe, with 18 separate cooking stations
Fil Rouge – A sophisticated and intimate restaurant that offers French- inspired cuisine
Marble & Co. Grill – This European steakhouse experience, inspired by the marbling found only in the finest beef, serves exceptional cuts of personally
sourced and sustainably farmed meats.
Sakura – This immersive, authentic dining experience offers the finest pan- Asian cuisine.
Anthology – Offers exquisite cuisine, celebrating the talents and masterpiece specialties of guest chefs from around the world (fee applies)
Chef’s Kitchen – Immersive experience in an oceanfront private kitchen setting (fee applies)
In-Suite Dining is also available

Journeys Lounge

Lounges, Bars and Entertainment

Explora II provides an elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere for guests to enjoy with more than 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges. These include:

Crema Cafe – European-style Cafe with pastries, cakes and desserts
Explora Lounge – This luminous lounge offers spectacular 270-degree views of the ocean
Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory – Provides authentic French and Italian fare
Lobby Bar – A centrally-located social bar and lounge serving refreshments ved throughout the day and night.
Sky Bar on 14 – This panoramic outdoor lounge is ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views
Astern Lounge – This all-day lounge hosts live music, DJ sessions and enrichment programs
Journeys Lounge – Provides mixology, enrichment and entertainment throughout the day
Malt Whisky Bar – Offers rare whiskeys and a refined tour of global whisky regions. Complete with a walk-in humidor, cigar expert and a dedicated outdoor cigar-smoking terrace

In addition, there are pool bars – Astern Pool & Bar, Atoll Pool & Bar, Helios Pool & Bar and The Conservatory Pool & Bar

The Conservatory Pool

Explora II’s Inaugural Caribbean Sailings

Explora II is now sailing on Caribbean cruises for the winter season. Itineraries include:

A Journey to Sainted Shores and Volcanic Islands: From December 13-20, 2024, the Explora II will sail to St. Vincent, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Virgin Gorda.
A Journey into a Sizzling New Year and Enchanted Isles: From December 27, 2024-January 5, 2025, guests can celebrate the New Year with a sailing from Charlotte Amalie and the cerulean shallows of Antigua to the beautiful shores of St. Kitts. Guests can ring in 2025 as they forage for seashells on the boulder-strewn shores of Virgin Gorda and party into the early hours in San Juan during an enchanting New Year celebration before visiting Dominican Republic landscapes lost in time.
A Journey to the Forgotten Worlds of the Riviera Maya: From February 4-14, 2025, the Explora II will visit Florida’s Keys and unlock adventure in limestone caverns and coral walls off Cayman Brac. Guests will then sail to the jungles of Cozumel, gateway to kaleidoscopic coral reefs, before venturing into the fathomless jade cenotes of Costa Maya and charming colonial towns of Merida.

About Explora Journeys

A privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Explora Journeys started in 2023 with the debut of the Explora I. With the Explora I’s debut, Explora Journeys introduced a new style of transformative ocean travel. Collaborating with leading superyacht and hospitality designers, Explora Journeys’ ships have been designed to evoke an “Ocean State of Mind” reflecting their approach to luxury.