My Experience on Explora II : A Thoughtful Take on Accessible Luxury
I’ve received several inquiries from clients curious about Explora Journeys, the new luxury cruise brand launched by global conglomerate MSC. When I noticed an attractive fare on Explora II—departing from one of my favorite cities, Barcelona, with stops in Morocco and the Canary Islands—I decided to experience it firsthand.
Explora II
Overall Impression
Explora II offers excellent value within the luxury (not ultra-luxury) category. The ship is brand-new, beautifully designed, and impeccably maintained. Fares include all meals (except one specialty restaurant), gratuities, Wi-Fi, and nearly all beverages, eliminating the need for confusing drink or dining packages. Launched in July 2024, the vessel feels crisp, contemporary, and thoughtfully laid out. Explora Journeys perfectly executed everything they promised (and then some), without any missteps – a major accomplishment in itself.
Suites and Accommodations
Even the entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite feels upscale and well-proportioned, with about 300 sq ft of interior space plus a 70 sq ft terrace. I especially appreciated the walk-in closet, king-sized bed, and separate sitting area. The terrace is furnished with a table for two and a double chaise, which was ideal for quiet mornings at sea or evenings watching the Spanish coastline drift by. The bathroom is compact, with a single sink but a spacious shower, which I found to be an acceptable trade-off for the closet space.
Larger suites, including the Penthouse and Residence categories, offer significantly more room (up to 1,670 sq ft inside and 1,345 sq ft of terrace) and, in some cases, private hot tubs or plunge pools.
Housekeeping was efficient and polite, though service resembled that of a luxury hotel with twice daily service rather than the highly personalized attention of an ultra-luxury line with butler service. However, the Residence category accommodations do come with butler service.
Dining and Service
Explora II features six restaurants:
Two à-la-carte venues (French and Mediterranean) that typically don’t require reservations.
Two specialty options, a steakhouse and a Japanese restaurant, each available once per voyage with advance reservations at no additional charge.
One fine-dining venue with a €165 per-person surcharge.
The Emporium Marketplace, a polished buffet-style concept where attendants serve guests at various stations.
Explora II, Fil Rouge
I was pleasantly surprised by the 24-hour room service, which was prompt and accurate on both occasions I used it. It is especially nice for late night snacks or in-room breakfast on mornings that we had an early excursion scheduled.
Service throughout the ship was warm and professional. The staff was extremely well trained, and the food and beverage manager at each restaurant closely monitored the tables, anticipating guests’ needs before they needed to ask. While the culinary program provides breadth and volume, there is still room for refinement in presentation and flavor. The Emporium Marketplace was a convenient choice for a quick bite, though it could feel crowded at peak times.
The Explora II also has a standalone coffee cafe, the Crema Cafe, which was a great spot for me to grab a quick cup of coffee and pastry in the morning before starting my day. Service at the Crema Cafe was quick and correct, just what I needed to be on my way.
I also enjoyed the Gelateria & Creperie where I could swing when returning from a shore excursion to take in a refreshing gelato or made-to-order crepe.
Boarding and Pre-Cruise Experience
Embarkation in Barcelona was one of the smoothest I’ve experienced. Our group of four was checked in and aboard within fifteen minutes—no lines, no confusion. Rooms were available at 2 p.m., and the only drawback was the crowd at the Marketplace during that interim lunch hour. My tip: either board after 2 p.m. or eat beforehand and relax at the Astern Lounge on Deck 5 until your suite is ready.
Customer service, both pre- and post-departure, was consistently responsive, courteous, and effective, with all pre-boarding requests executed perfectly.
Public Spaces and Atmosphere
My favorite venues were the Explora Lounge on Deck 11, with panoramic sea views framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Astern Pool & Bar on Deck 5, a serene spot for sunset cocktails or a quiet read. Despite the ship’s size (around 1,000 guests), it was often easy to find a calm corner. Guests in larger suites can enjoy ample privacy on their own terraces.
Entertainment is deliberately understated: live music, intimate concerts, and small social gatherings, which are pleasant options for those who enjoy low-key evenings without the spectacle of big-ship productions.
Luxury vs. Ultra-Luxury
Explora II is a luxury cruise, not an ultra-luxury “yacht-like” experience such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection or Four Seasons Yachts. The ship’s larger scale means you do notice and feel the density of guests in the main shared areas, especially compared with the Ritz-Carlton Ilma. Dining tables are closer together, and occasional loudspeaker announcements can feel intrusive when the app already provides all necessary information. Similarly, well-meaning touches, like servers singing “Happy Birthday” in the restaurants, felt slightly at odds with the otherwise refined ambiance.
Finishes are elegant but not as elevated as those on the Ilma; time will tell how well they age. Still, with four additional Explora ships slated for launch in the coming years, travelers can expect consistently new, well-maintained vessels, a clear advantage in this price tier.
Value and Recommendation
To be clear, Explora II costs roughly one-third of a comparable Ritz-Carlton voyage, so the comparison serves only to define categories, not to fault the product. For travelers prioritizing value, space, and design-forward luxury, Explora II is a compelling choice. Guests seeking more exclusivity and ultra-personalized service will find that reflected in the higher price points of the true ultra-luxury lines such as the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection or Four Seasons Yachts.
Final Thoughts
For the fare we paid, Explora II delivered outstanding value; a polished, design-driven, and well-operated ship that fulfills its promises. It’s ideal for clients seeking a contemporary, all-inclusive ocean experience without the ultra-luxury price tag. I would confidently recommend Explora Journeys as a refined yet approachable entry point into luxury cruising, particularly for those curious to explore the category for the first time.
