Seven Things Travel Advisors Need to Know About EXPLORA II (and I)

Explora Journeys is a luxury cruise line launched by the MSC Group in 2023. The line has six ships planned through 2028, with three already in the water. EXPLORA I debuted in 2023, followed by EXPLORA II in 2024. EXPLORA III launched earlier this year in July and is a little bit different from the first two.

TMR sailed onboard Explora II in early 2026. Here are seven things travel advisors should know.

1. Designed with Space and Choice in Mind

At 63,900 gross tons, 10 passenger decks, and 456 suites, EXPLORA II and its sister ships were designed around space and choice – two of the defining elements of luxury cruising.

There are 14 categories of accommodations, each with a spacious design. Entry-level Ocean Suites are 377 square feet; Ocean Penthouses range from 463 to 732 square feet; Ocean Residences are between 753 and 1,604 square feet; and the two-bedroom Owner’s Residence spans 3,391 square feet.

All suites feature high-end Italian furnishings, Frette linens, espresso machines, fully stocked bars, walk-in wardrobes with Dyson Supersonic hairdryers, heated bathroom floors, binoculars, robes and slippers, and balconies (called terraces on Explora) with dining areas and daybeds.

Higher level suites receive a variety of extra amenities and services. For instance, all Penthouse and above suites receive an additional bottle of wine or spirit in the suite, one-time complimentary pressing service within 24 hours of embarkation, one bag of complimentary laundry per cruise, priority check-in and embarkation, and early access to dining reservations (90 days for Penthouse, 120 days for Residences, 180 days for Owners’ Residence).

Guests staying in Residences further receive enhanced in-suite dining, in-suite full bar setup, unlimited pressing services, priority luggage drop-off, and up to two ground transfers within 50 miles from/to port or hotel and from selected airports. Those in the Owners’ Residence get even more with a welcome bottle of Dom Perignon, a dedicated Residence Manager, up to four ground transfers within a distance of 50 miles, a private driver ashore once per journey, a complimentary The Ritual of Ocean Renewal treatment at the spa, and more.

Word of Advice: Explora’s booking window is about 12 to 18 months out. The 377-square-foot Ocean Suite is one of the largest entry-level accommodations in the luxury segment, and for that reason is typically the first to sell out. Recommend your clients to book early, especially if they are looking for a lead-in price point. At the top end, there is only one Owner’s Residence, and only two Cocoon and Serenity Residences, those will also sell out first, so advise your clients accordingly.

Explora Journeys also understands that luxury clients travel with their children too; therefore, all suites onboard Explora II have sofabeds, and about 80 suites are connecting.

Word of Advice: Clients traveling with infants can request a crib.

2. It Is Mostly Inclusive

All meals, premium beverages, and room service are included, as are crew gratuities and Wi-Fi. The crew-to-guest ratio is 1.25:1, which means service is quick and attentive. Rates also include fitness classes and access to the spa’s thermal suite.

Laundry is only included for higher-tiered loyalty members, but there are two complimentary self-service laundry rooms on Decks 9 and 10, open 24/7.

There are some activities with upcharges: Anthology restaurant and The Chef’s Kitchen cooking classes (more below), wine and spirits tasting, mixology classes, and special pairing events such as cognac and cigar, caviar and vodka, sake and sushi, whisky and chocolate – all of which we think are creative combinations and fun to attend.

3. The Biggie That’s Not Included

Despite its place in the luxury market, Explora Journeys does not include excursions (called Destination Experiences), which might seem a little strange for a luxury brand.

Explora explains it this way: the clientele onboard is international, some of whom prefer to explore independently. So rather than including excursions which drive up the price, Explora has left them as optional, and guests can book what they like, at an extra charge.

Destination Experiences can be pre-reserved up to three days before departure, once a booking is under deposit. All pre-booked excursions must be paid in full in advance. Guests with shipboard credit (called Journey Experience Credit) who want to use it to pay for destination experiences can only do so once onboard. 

Word of Advice: Advise your clients to browse and pre-book destination experiences early, especially if there is something on their must-do list. If they wait until after boarding, they risk popular tours being sold out.

4. Dining for All Taste Buds

Instead of one main dining room, EXPLOA II offers four included themed restaurants and an upscale buffet, plus one specialty venue with an upcharge.  

Word of advice: Advisors with vegetarian or vegan clients, should let them know to skip both Marble & Co. and Sakura. Both lean toward meat and fish and have very limited vegetarian selections (mostly appetizers).

Fil Rouge is open for à la carte breakfast daily and serves the largest and flakiest croissants this side of France. Its dinner menu is French-themed but isn’t only foie gras and escargots. Besides French specialties, you can also order Caesar’s salad, rotisserie chicken, salmon, and even Angus beef short rib. French cheeses and soufflés are among the highlights, but there are also baked tarts and chocolate mousse for dessert.

The dining venue has many plant-based offerings for breakfast, including scrambled tofu. The dinner menu also features plant-based options for all courses.

Med Yacht Club is a dinner venue, with large porthole windows, nautical prints, and maritime décor that lend a relaxed atmosphere. As its name suggests, the Mediterranean menu has tapas, pasta and risotto, seafood, and meats.

Word of Advice: Tell your clients to ask the server about the daily Pintxos (Basque tapas), which changes every day.

Marble & Co. Grill is the steakhouse with USDA prime beef, chops, veal, lamb, and poultry. The Caesar’s salad is prepared tableside, and fish and lobster complement the menu. While vegetarians can make a meal of lots of vegetarian side dishes, there is no vegetarian entrée on the menu.

Asian food lovers can dine at Sakura, which, with its red seating and cherry blossoms hanging overhead, is quite an appealing space. The menu includes sharing sampler plates, dumplings, noodles, sushi and sashimi, and a variety of hot entrées, all made in the open kitchen. Like at Marble & Co. Grill, Sakura is not a great choice for vegetarians with limited appetizers and salads that are meat-free.

Anthology – the only extra-charge dinner experience – serves high-end Italian cuisine and is a seven-course curated menu by Explora Journey’s head of culinary, Franck Garanger.

Emporium Marketplace is Explora Journeys’ version of a buffet and is one of the most beautiful buffet venues we have seen. Surrounded by marble walls and gleaming floors, the food stations are easily navigable, items are clearly labeled, with many plated displays.

The selection is vast, with ceviche, sushi and sashimi, salads, seafood, cheeses, fresh fruit, breads, and desserts. There’s a carvery, grill, and stations serving a variety of international and ethnic cuisine. Fresh pasta is made daily, and standout features include a chicken rotisserie – which we hadn’t seen on a cruise ship buffet before – and a pizza oven.

Save room for the gelato and crêpes station! 

The popular Crema Café offers light bites throughout the day along with specialty coffees and teas. Centrally located on Deck 5, it’s an ideal place to grab a quick snack and afternoon caffeine pick-me-up.

EXPLORA II also offers complimentary in-suite dining, and the impressive menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, poke bowls, sandwiches, pastas, burgers, cheeses, and sweets. The in-suite breakfast includes an extensive list of continental and cold dishes, with hot items from the Fil Rouge menu.

The dress code onboard EXPLORA II is resort casual at all times. The only prohibited items in the evening are sleeveless t-shirts, ball caps, sportswear, and beach wear. Collared shirts or polos for men and sundresses or separates for ladies are fine. Guests do tend to dress up a little for dinner though – we spotted a few cocktail dresses and sports jackets every night.

5. Relaxation & Wellness Are at the Heart of the Onboard Experience

Explora Journeys is all about the “Ocean State of Mind,” promoting wellness and rejuvenation at sea. As such, EXPLORA II has been designed with many outward-facing elements. Aside from all suites having terraces, all pools, whirlpools and loungers face out toward the sea, ensuring ocean views are always part of the experience. The ocean-facing long whirlpools on either side of Deck 11 are especially appealing.

EXPLORA II’s Ocean Wellness Spa includes a complimentary thermal area with a salt cave, hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, heated marble loungers, and an outdoor relaxation area so guests can be at one with the ocean. Beyond standard facials and bodywork, the spa also offers a variety of wellness journeys that incorporate yoga, breath work, meditation, and sound therapy to promote deep relaxation, stress relief, and restful sleep.

All fitness classes are included, with some classes held outdoors in the Open Air Fitness area. We particularly enjoyed the Sound Healing Meditation session, which combined deep-breathing techniques with the soothing sounds from singing bowls and chimes.

Guests booking Ocean Penthouses and higher will also find a Technogym Kit in their suite, with a yoga mat, foam roller, and resistance bands, so they can work out in private.

Our only complaint about the wellness experience was in the thermal suite. The area there is quite small and sound travels. While we were there, two couples in the hydrotherapy pool spoke loudly over the water jets, their voices completely disrupting the otherwise tranquil atmosphere.

Word of advice: If you know your clients like a full thermal suite experience, remind them that the salt cave has only four loungers, so fills up fast. Tell them to get there early on a sea day or carve out time on port days to visit when it’s less crowded.

6. Lots of Public Space for Guests to Spread Out

Despite being a smaller ship, EXPLORA II has 12 bars and lounges, and the standout is the lobby bar with statement floor-to-ceiling display shelves and living-room-like seating. Additional inviting spaces such as The Explora Lounge and Malt Whiskey Bar are elegant venues for relaxation or socializing. There is a small casino, which didn’t see much action on our cruise.

We were impressed to see five pools (including one that is adults-only), each with an adjacent bar. Of the five pools, three are indoor and two are outdoor with whirlpools.

Clients sailing during warm-weather itineraries should expect the main pool decks to fill quickly on sea days. At midday, we couldn’t find an open lounger next to the pool.

Shopping leans towards luxury brands; think Cartier, Panerai, Piaget, Buccellati, high-end French perfumes, and pre-owned Hermès bags.

Because EXPLORA II welcomes families, it has a small children’s facility. The Nautilus Club is for kids aged 3 to 17, but they must be 6 and older to participate in hosted activities.

7. Activities Focus on Enrichment; Entertainment Is Low-Key

While there are plenty of standard daytime activities – trivia, dance classes, guests vs. officers games, and sports tournaments — EXPLORA II features a good enrichment program, with special guests and lecturers called “Luminaries” on every journey. Each Luminary is an expert in destinations, the natural world, creative arts, or other special fields.

The Luminaries on our sailing was Canadian wildlife artist Mathias Horne, who led drawing workshops and painted live in the ship’s lobby every evening, as well as South African-born adventurer Mike Horn, who lectured about his extreme expeditions and ocean conservation, and even led fitness boot camp classes.

Word of advice: If you have foodie clients who like hands-on enrichment, let them know about the cooking classes that are offered in The Chef’s Kitchen. (We found the fee to be a bit hefty — $165 per person.) Space is limited to 12 guests, so spots fill up fast. On our cruise, classes were offered twice per day, and included French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, and Mexican cuisine. Participants also get to dine on their creations at the adjacent Chef’s Table.

Evening entertainment is low-key, with pre- and post-dinner cocktail music in the lobby and lounges by solo musicians. Our sailing had a cellist, pianist, and guitarist. Shows in the Journeys Lounge are also small-scale, mainly comprising solo, duet, or small-cast performances. 

Word of advice: The Journeys Lounge has a slightly raised stage but isn’t a proper theater with tiered level seating, so if you aren’t sitting in the front row, you’ll be looking over people’s heads. The chairs aren’t bolted to the floor though, so they can be moved if you want to make the effort.