10 nights | A Journey Bridging the Big Easy and Mystical Ancient Maya

Cruise Ship

Worldwide | Explora Journeys - Explora II

Departure Dates:

Year-Round

Ports of Call:

Miami, Florida | Key West, Florida | New Orleans, Louisiana | Merida, Mexico | Cozumel, Mexico

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

Begin with the swaying palms and art deco design on Miami and the Keys as you head to New Orleans for good times, street jamborees, gumbo and jazz playing along the Mississippi. Continue to the Yucatan visiting ancient Mayan ruins, swimming through spectacular cenotes and enjoying an island with soft-sand beaches and surrounded by colorful coral reefs.
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. Bon Voyage!
DAY 2 | KEY WEST | Florida's most southern point, a laid-back lifestyle, coral feed islands fames for fishing, surfing, snorkeling, exquisite seafood and candy-colored homes awaits. Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley, visit Hemingways' quirky former house, explore the Butterfly & Nature Conservator or watch the pink flamingos strolling the beaches. This Floridian beach town is the ideal beach getaway.
DAY 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.
DAY 4 - 5 | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA | Deep in the heart of the South along the Mississippi River, uncover a blend of French, Spanish and Caribbean architecture. Sample a Hurricane cocktail, taste creole and cajun flavors, listen to the brass bands playing jazz tunes and stroll the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter. With a rich history, discover grand architecture, art regions, southern plantations, swamp land and incredible festivals influenced by a colorful heritage.
DAY 6 | 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.
DAYS 7 - 8 | MERIDA, MEXICO | Discover rich Mayan history and colonial heritage in this vibrant Yucatan capital city. Explore the archaeological ruins of Uxmal, uncover the Temple of Seven Dolls or cool off in the sacred waters of a sparkling cenote. From the Plaza de la Independencia and fortress-like Merida Cathedral to the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden and abundant cultural experiences, for a quintessential Mexican escape.
DAYS 9 - 10 | Cozumel, Mexico | A tropical island utopia, discover translucent turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, lush jungles and lagoons with countless bird species. Indulge in wellness spas and delectable dining, scuba dive amid five coral reefs and more than 100 dive sites, swim with dolphins at Chankanaab Park or explore the ancient archaeological site of Castillo Real among others. The following day, enjoy a pampering day at sea.
DAY 11 | MIAMI, FLORIDA | Returning to your starting port, savor a delicious breakfast onboard before disembarking to enjoy a day in the sunshine in Miami. Consider adding a post-cruise stay in Miami or continue on to other Southern cities, from the family fun theme parks in Orlando and the charm of Savannah, Georgia to the fascinating history in Charleston, South Carolina for a more immersive vacation.

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 centre 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 Voyage to Snorkel at El Cielo and Colombia Reef, Into the Heart of Mayan Civilization at Chichen Itza, Flamingo Watching and a Mangrove Boat Ride, Everglades Airport Adventure, Cave Snorkeling and Mayan Jungle 4x4 Adventure, Key West Exploration, A Taste of Cuba: Little Havana Food Experience, Behind the Scenes at Mardi Gras World, Encounter the Allure of the French Quarter 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