16 nights | Grand Journey to Atlantic Blues and Iberian Shores

Cruise Ship

Worldwide | Explora Journeys - Explora II

Departure Dates:

Year-Round

Ports of Call:

Miami, Florida | King's Wharf, Bermuda | Horta (Faial Island), Portugal | Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel), Portugal | Cadiz, Spain | Malaga, Spain | Barcelona, Spain

General Info:

Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched by the MSC Group with the ambition to redefine the luxury cruise category. The concept is vibrant, cosmopolitan, relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises, they create journeys of the mind, and across the oceans of the world, to destinations on and off the beaten track. On board are spaces that offer guests relaxed luxury, creating a home at sea. Restoring life's essential balance with a combination of discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature. This is what our new discerning travelers have asked for and this is what they will enjoy on Explora Journeys.

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Type of Vessel

Designed to feel like your own private yacht.

Itinerary

Warm tides and starlit skies serenade an enchanting overnight in Bermuda, before embracing the stunning blue of the Atlantic. Every dawn brings new indulgence aboard Explora II, take care of your mind, body and soul with the Ocean State of Mind. Delight in spellbinding pools, enriching shore excursions, lively entertainment and unparalleled culinary riches. Delve into stunning landscapes, leisurely days and elegant architecture across breathtaking coastlines and port cities.

DAY 1 | MIAMI, FLORIDA | Your enchanting voyage begins in sun-soaked Miami. Take in the golden sands of South Beach, the Latino lifestyle of Little Havana and the designer boutiques of downtown. Then, board Explora II and settle in to your spacious oceanfront suite as you set sail to the Caribbean. Bon Voyage!
DAYS 2 - 3 | AT SEA | Following a delicious breakfast, explore all the ship has to offer including indoor and outdoor shimmering pools, curated entertainment options, a wellness program with fitness studio, relaxation area, private spa suites, hydrotherapy and classes.
DAYS 4 - 5 | KING'S WHARF, BERMUDA | A picturesque, charming little island awash in peaceful pastels. Bermuda showcases heavenly pink-sand beaches and and endless turquoise ocean waters. Explore the colorful shallow reefs, discover its Atlantic maritime history, dive along shipwrecks and coral atolls or relax on sun-bathed swaying palmed beaches.
DAYS 6 - 9 | AT SEA | Pampering days, relaxing evenings, exquisite dining experiences and more await. Visit the captain in the bridge, enjoy storytelling under the stars, dance the night away at the disco, partake in a photography class, renew with an ocean meditation or partake in destination-themed crafts ... the possibilities are endless.
DAY 10 | HORTA (FAIAL ISLAND), PORTUGAL | A beautiful island in the Azores with a curvy coastline and formidable cliffs. Blue hydrangeas and beech trees drape the hillsides alongside terra cotta roofs and majestic churches. Climb to the top of the volcanic calder and Espalamaca Belvedere for stunning vistas or linger on black-sand beaches watching the whales in the distance.
DAY 11 | PONTA DELGADA (SAO MIGUEL), PORTUGAL | The gothic facade of Igreja de Sao Sebastiao and the gilded carvings of Igreja de Sao Jose await. Venture in to the village of Furnas with its volcanic caalder, steaming geysers and mineral-rich springs, explore the Azorean cloud forest and misty waterfalls or uncover the epic landscape of Sete Cidades' crater lakes and pine-covered slopes, where the los city of Atlantis lies submerged.
DAYS 12 - 13 | AT SEA | Enjoy the casino, art gallery or piano bar, dine on delectable cuisine, toast to your loved one at the lobby lounge while the children enjoy the Nautilus Club or keep up your fitness routine with a Pilates class, with a plethora of onboard activities and entertainment, your days can be as busy or relaxing as you desire.
DAY 14 | CADIZ, SPAIN | Travel back in time to cobbled streets, horse drawn carriages and historic buildings in this Spanish city. Savor authentic tapas, admire the iconic Andalusian horses, relish a tasting at the sherry wineries in Jerez or try your hand at a flamenco dance. Plus, explore Seville's baroque churches, gothic cathedrals and aristocratic mansions,, three UNESCO World Heritage sites and the inspirational city of Cadiz.
DAYS 15 - 16 | MALAGA, SPAIN / AT SEA | The epitome of Spanish charm, discover Andalusian riches, Picasso's birthplace, the Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Cordoba and the Ronda Valley. Explore ancient heritage sites, hike the Caminito del Rey trail or enjoy the white villages sprinkled amid mango groves and avocado orchards. In the evening, sip a sangria as the sun slips below the sea. The following day, enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
DAY 17 | BARCELONA, SPAIN | After your last delicious breakfast onboard, explore Barcelona. The cultural heart of Catalan, the city blends high energy with undisturbed traditions. Immerse in the captivating architecture of Gaudi and the Gothic Quarter, delight in the lively cafes and beach clubs with endless sea views, visit the peaceful Passeig de Gracia with its modernist buildings or swing by an energetic bohemian bar on La Rambla as you celebrate this colorful city.

All Inclusive

LIFE ON EXPLORA INCLUSIONS | Authentic and intuitive service, in-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats; nine culinary experiences, unlimited fine beverages, thermal spa access, wellbeing and fitness programs, all on-board gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi, shuttle services from port to city center. Select suites, penthouses and residences may also include priority embarkation and reservations for Destination Experiences, complimentary pressing, enhanced in-suite dining and personalized butler service.

Food and Dining

The culinary riches aboard Explora Journeys take their influences from across the globe, bringing personality, sophistication and a dash of soul to dining at sea whether in one of the elegant restaurants, by a pool or on a private terrace.
ANTHOLOGY | An Italian fine dining experience celebrating a rich tapestry of authentic flavors.
SAKURA | Immersive Pan-Asian dining.
MARBLE & CO. GRILL | A redefined European steakhouse experience.
EMPORIUM MARKETPLACE | Effortless all-day dining restaurant.
MED YACHT CLUB | Celebrating the flavors of the Mediterranean.
FIL ROUGE | French-inspired international cuisine.
EXPLORA LOUNGE | A luminous lounge offering stunning 270-degree views, a spectacular backdrop to informal drinking and dining.
CREMA CAFE | Bustling European all-day cafe with infinite sea views.
GELATERIA & CREPERIE AT THE CONSERVATORY | Authentic French and Italian indulgences. |
CHEF'S KITCHEN | An immersive experience offering culinary classes.
IN-SUITE DINING | Refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace, available 24 hours.

Onboard Activities/Events

Offering three heated outdoor pools, including one for adults-only and one heated, weather-protected indoor pool with a retractable glass roof. Enjoy 64 private cabanas at no additional fee, indoor hydrotherapy pool, five indoor and outdoor whirlpools and several poolside and outdoor bars and lounges. Discover bespoke shopping experiences inspired by the Ocean State of Mind and influenced by the destinations we visit. Step into a world of opulence as you explore dedicated spaces for Rolex, Cartier, Panerai, Piaget, and Buccellati.
A series of Destination Experiences have been curated to be enjoyed by the whole family, ensuring that you create the most unforgettable moments together. The exciting experiences feature easily accessible and fun edu-tainment activities such as sa day at a farm or a visit to a space center where children will get to meet and hear stories from a real astronaut.

Shore Excursions

Intimate, smaller groups with like-minded guests, for immersion to local culture, connect with locals and feel the real vibe of the places visited. Seamless and worry-free experiences with everything taken care of, no hidden fees, fully insured partners, transportation arrangements and flexibility in change of plans. Crafted experiences curated in collaboration with expert partners and ambassadors such as explorer Mike Horn.

Sample Destination Experiences include Discover the Delicious Tastes of Malaga, Experience a Genuine Flamenco Performance, The Heavenly Jamon of Andalucia and more.

Staterooms or Cabins

Each of the 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences all designed with a refined, European elegance are created to bring guests closer to the ocean itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. All suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private sun terraces with a dining area and a sunbed or sun loungers, arriving to find luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting, walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity area and Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, heated bathroom floors, individual climate and lighting control in each suite, gentle motion-activated bedroom night lights, infotainment system with on-demand TV options, wireless bedside device charging stations, mini-bar replenished according to each guest's preferences, espresso machine with biodegradable pods; a kettle and teapot, complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest, Mandala Blue custom bath toiletries and amenities and a pair of binoculars for guests use during their journey.

Spa

OCEAN WELLNESS | Encompasses the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of guests, ensuring an enriching and fulfilling experience. It is an ocean-inspired experience deeply rooted in the origins of Explora Journeys. Delight in 7,500 square-feet of space dedicated to relaxation and rejuvination, 11 serene treatment rooms including private spa suites with dedicated outdoor relaxation areas, multisensorial experience areas like hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, ice all and salt cave.

Fitness

THE FITNESS CENTRE & STUDIO |Designed in partnership with Technogym. Enjoy Pilates reformers, outdoor cycling and rowing, Technogym Artis line equipment for functional and strength training and bespoke fitness classes.

Kids Programs

NAUTILUS CLUB | Dedicated to younger guests, where a team of expert hosts will make sure they will be entertained and enriched in the company of other guests their own age. Nautilus Club offers the latest generation of video games and VR consoles, such as PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iPads and Oculus Pro. The space also offers other activities such as sports sessions, technology tournaments, paint art, and craft play, along with games in locations throughout the ship.

Distinguished Recognitions, Pleasant Holidays Family of Brands