Responding to feedback from passengers, Explora Journeys has unveiled new sailings for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through April 2026. Plus winter 2024 will see two ships in the Caribbean to support the brand’s growth in North America.

The luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group is offering carefully curated journeys to appeal to an array of different lengthy sailings. Journeys range from shorter cruises of between six to eight nights through longer voyages of 19 to 21 nights.

Explora also is offering accessible homeports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Miami and Bridgetown.

“We have received incredibly high levels of satisfaction from the guests that have sailed with us so far,” Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman cruise division of MSC Group, said in a news release. “As the brand continues to grow and expand, it is important that we listen to feedback and respond.”

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. That includes overnight stays while in port to allow time to be fully immersed in the local culture and environment.

“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,” Vago said.

“We now have regular, shorter seven-night journeys that are convenient for those who have limited time and we have ensured that we feature easily accessible homeports,” he said. “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 while discovering a medley of cultural, historical and culinary delights.

Passengers can 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 feature an incredible richness of experiences, all while maintaining a feeling of intimacy and exclusivity.

With six diverse restaurants serving delicious food, with inspiration from around the world, and 11 different bars and lounges – guests will be transported on a culinary journey of discovery.

Guests can relax by one of the four beautiful swimming pools or unwind with the ocean-inspired wellness facilities all while enjoying spacious suites created to offer a real “Home at Sea.”

Photos courtesy of MSC Group

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