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EXPLORA II

Exterior of EXPLORA II (Explora Journeys)
Photo credits

Photo: Jacopo Tofani / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons (resized)

Explora class · Mediterranean, Caribbean & Bahamas, South America & Antarctica

Itineraries on this ship: 3

Regions
Mediterranean, Caribbean & Bahamas, South America & Antarctica
Departure months
Oct 2026Nov 2026Dec 2026Jan 2027Feb 2027Mar 2027Dec 2027Jan 2028Feb 2028
View itineraries

A sister ship launched in September 2024, EXPLORA II has nearly the same design and number of suites as EXPLORA I. Shared features include suites with ocean-facing terraces in every accommodation, several specialty dining venues, and a spacious spa, while interior details and some restaurant layouts have been fine-tuned. Because the ship is large relative to its capacity, decks and restaurants generally feel less crowded, making it easy to relax onboard. It is planned for summer itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean and Adriatic seas, and longer winter routes in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and the Amazon region. The ship often operates destination-focused itineraries of relatively long duration.

Adult-orientedLuxuryAnniversaries and honeymoonsExtended-stay style
63,900 GT
Gross tonnage
922
Guests
640
Crew
11
Decks
461
Cabins
248 m (814 ft)
Length
2024
Year built
9869887
IMO number

Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9869887)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Pitta.

Japanese language support and practical onboard information

A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.

Public bath
Official

Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Japanese food
Official

Japanese food included in the fare

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Japanese language support
Official

Confirmed services

No Japanese language support

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: explorajourneys.com
Payment in yen
Official

Payment in yen not accepted

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: explorajourneys.com
Smoking
Official

Smoking in designated areas only

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Dress code
Official

Smart casual

Line-wide details: There are no formal nights (there are no nights requiring black tie or evening dresses). This is promoted as a point of differentiation from other traditional luxury cruise lines.

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Power outlets
Secondary source

Plug types: B, C

Line-wide details: Supports both 110V and 220V.

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: cruisenation.com

English text in preparation.

Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Pitta / Not stated: no information found in official sources

At a glance

Kids club: YesAdults-only areas: YesCasino: YesTheater and shows: YesSpa: YesAccessible cabins: YesAll-inclusive: YesJapanese support rating (editorial) 1/5Five-point rating of the scope of Japanese-language services

What is included and what costs extra

Included in the fare / extra
  • Meals (main restaurants)Included
  • AlcoholIncluded
  • GratuitiesUnknown
  • Wi‑FiIncluded
  • Specialty diningIncluded
  • Shore excursionsExtra charge

The fare is basically a single all-inclusive plan (including meals, standard drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, shuttle buses from ports and more). However, 4 venues and experiences cost extra: Anthology (Italian fine dining, €165 per person), The Cellar (a wine bar, €15 to 20 per glass), The Chef's Kitchen (a hands-on cooking class) and The Chef's Table (a fully personalized course). Shore excursions (Destination Experiences) are also charged separately. The higher the suite category from Penthouse upward, the more benefits are added in stages, such as 1 free spa treatment, free finished laundry and priority reservations. The structure is the same as on EXPLORA I.

Onboard costs (original currency)
  • Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)Included (included in the fare, no additional charge)
  • Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterSoft drinks Included (included in the fare, no additional charge) / Water Included (included in the fare, no additional charge)
  • Extra chargeDrink packageThe fare includes unlimited wine, champagne, premium spirits (gin/whisky/rum/vodka/tequila/cognac, etc.), cocktails, coffee/tea and soft drinks, and the same applies inside suites. The dividing line is ultra-premium labels (rare cognacs, fine Bordeaux/Burgundy, etc.), which show a surcharge on the menu and are charged separately. On arrival, 1 bottle of champagne and 1 bottle each of wine and spirits are provided in the suite.
  • IncludedWi‑FiIncluded in the fare (no additional charge; unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available on all ships).
  • UnknownGratuities (automatic service charge)There is no fixed daily gratuity, as gratuities are covered by the fare, and no separate service charge line item appears on your onboard account.
  • IncludedLaundryOnboard self-service laundry is included in the fare. Penthouse and higher suites also receive complimentary finished laundry (valet/pressing). Finished laundry for standard suites may incur an additional charge (to be confirmed).
  • Shore excursionsShore excursions, called Destination Experiences, are not included in the fare. They are booked separately by choosing from four categories: Destination Essentials, Overland Immersions, Curated Explorations, and Private Arrangements. The fleet policy is shared with EXPLORA I.

Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.

Boarding, atmosphere, and links

Boarding and logistics
  • Japan departures: No
  • Home ports: Barcelona (Spain), Civitavecchia (Italy, Rome), Dubai (United Arab Emirates; depending on the season)
  • Departure ports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Dubai, Winter 2026-2027 itinerary changes may shift departures to the Mediterranean
Atmosphere and guests
  • All ages
  • A calm, all-suite, all-inclusive luxury ship with the same design and services as EXPLORA I. Children are allowed (the dedicated Nautilus Club is available), but because of the price range and program structure, the actual clientele is mainly honeymooners, anniversary travelers, adult couples, and seniors.
  • Because it mainly departs from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the proportion of European guests is higher than on EXPLORA I, which focuses on the Caribbean. Affluent couples and seniors seeking Mediterranean cruises or tours of the Middle East are particularly noticeable.
Find out more

EXPLORA I and II are conventionally fueled ships, but they have 'cold ironing' equipment that connects to shore power while berthed, and they incorporate environmental measures such as eliminating single-use plastics. From sister ship Explora III onward, LNG (liquefied natural gas) dual-fuel propulsion is being introduced, forming part of the fleet-wide policy of aiming for net zero by 2050.

Ship character

Families
2
Adults
5
Luxury
5
First-time cruisers
3
Entertainment
3
Dining
5
Great for
  • • Adults-only voyages
  • • Travelers avoiding crowds
  • • Guests seeking leisurely itineraries
  • • Travelers valuing food
Less suited to
  • • Families seeking children’s facilities
  • • Short cruises on a budget
  • • Guests seeking lively entertainment
  • • Guests requiring Japanese-language support

Cruise stories and videos on external sites

5 links

These are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Pitta. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.

English text in preparation.

About this data
Ship detail verification: Ship details have not yet been checked against their sources

Sources

View all (10 more sites)

Cabins by category

Ocean Suite

The entry category, accounting for 301 of the 461 cabins, with the same number and specifications as EXPLORA I. It features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a private terrace of about 7 m²; at about 35 m², it is considered one of the largest entry suites in the industry.

Size
35 m² (377 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
—King bed (180 x 200 cm); convertible to twin beds (90 x 200 cm x 2)

301 cabins Decks 6–10

Balcony: YesWindow: Yes

Ocean Terrace Suite (Ocean Grand Terrace)

A 70-cabin type with more outdoor living space than the entry category. The number of cabins and their size are the same as on EXPLORA I. Its terrace is about 11 m² and includes a dining table and daybed.

Size
39 m² (420 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
—King bed (convertible to twins)

70 cabins Decks 6-7

Balcony: YesWindow: Yes

Penthouse

EXPLORA II has 67 cabins, the same number as EXPLORA I. The bedroom and living room are separate, and dedicated dining space is a defining feature. It comprises four subcategories ranging from 43 to 68 m².

Size
43–68 m² (463–732 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
—King bed (convertible to twins)

67 cabins Decks 6–10

Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes

Residence / Owner's Residence

This category combines four Cove, Retreat, Serenity, and Cacoon types (22 cabins in total, 70–149 m²) with the ship’s only top-tier suite, the Owner’s Residence (1 cabin, 280 m²). Cabin counts and sizes are identical to EXPLORA I.

Size
70–280 m² (753–3,014 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
2-3 people (Owner's Residence accommodates up to 3, including up to 1 child)King bed + separate bedroom

23 cabins Decks 6-10 (Owner's Residence at the far aft of Deck 8)

Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes

Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.

Families, adults-only areas, and practical information

Children and families
  • • Nautilus Club — A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. Children aged 3 to 5 can also take part in designated sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian. It offers the latest video games (including VR consoles), table tennis, table soccer, board games and more.
Adults-only areas
  • • Helios Pool — An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. A quiet area with sunbeds, lounge chairs, bar seats, and more.
  • • Casino — A small casino open only while sailing, with a quieter atmosphere than casinos on large ships; guests must be aged 18 or over.
Practical information (line-wide)
Onboard currency
EUR
Gratuities
Gratuities for crew, restaurant staff, bartenders and others are included in the base fare as part of the all-inclusive offer, so there is no need to tip extra. There is also no particular custom of adding extra tips. However, tips for shore excursion guides and drivers are not included in the fare and are given at your discretion.
Payment
Cashless onboard
Medical facilities
There is a 24-hour medical center with nurses and doctors on staff, but it is not equivalent to a hospital on land and mainly handles first aid and minor conditions. Consultation and treatment costs are not included in the fare and are charged separately (the specific fee structure is not public).
Bringing items onboard
The official boarding terms explicitly state that bringing alcohol on board is prohibited. On the other hand, there are also multiple reports from actual passengers that bringing wine and the like was tolerated, so handling on the spot appears to vary. It is safest to check with the cruise line in advance.
Mobile and connectivity
No information on cruise-line-specific mobile roaming charges or partner plans could be confirmed. Because unlimited Wi-Fi is included in the fare, the usual approach at sea is to switch to airplane mode and use the onboard Wi-Fi.
Japanese support
Staff UnknownMenus UnknownAnnouncements Unknown

Dining

Included Included in the fare (no extra charge)
Emporium MarketplaceMarket-style global cuisine (sushi, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and other live stations)

A market-style restaurant with live stations where chefs finish dishes to order rather than offering a self-service buffet. Positioned as the ship's upscale food hall and included in the fare as basic dining.

Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served continuously

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

SakuraPan-Asian cuisine

An Asian restaurant featuring signature dishes such as miso-glazed white fish and sashimi platters. One of the basic dining venues included in the fare.

Hours: Port-day lunch and dinner

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Marble & Co. GrillEuropean-style steakhouse and grill

A steakhouse offering dry-aged beef along with fish, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. Located centrally on Deck 5 and included as basic dining in the fare.

Hours: Dinner only

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Med Yacht ClubMediterranean cuisine (Italian, Spanish, Greek, North African, and other styles)

Fare-included basic dining serving cuisine from Mediterranean countries in a bright space at the aft of Deck 4. Reservations are not required.

Hours: Lunch and dinner

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Fil RougeFrench cuisine

An elegant French restaurant with white tablecloths. Fare-included basic dining distinguished by its dessert wagon service.

Hours: Breakfast and dinner

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Crema CaféSpecialty coffee and light snacks

A fare-included cafe serving specialty coffee and light meals.

Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Explora LoungeLight snacks and drinks (lounge)

A central social space filled with natural light. Used as a lounge for reading, relaxing, and enjoying light meals and drinks.

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

In-Suite DiningIn-room dining

24-hour room service. Enjoy charcuterie, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches in your suite or on the terrace.

Hours: 24 hours

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Gelateria & Crêperie at The ConservatoryGelato and crepes

A gelato and crepe stand on deck. Fare-included dessert-style light meals.

Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Extra charge Specialty dining (prices in the onboard currency)
Anthology€165/person (reservation required); wine pairing +€70 extra
Italian cuisine (fine dining)• Dinner only; reservations required

EXPLORA II's only fully surcharge restaurant. It offers a 7-course Italian tasting menu supervised by Culinary Director Frank Garanger. Pricing and composition are the same as on EXPLORA I.

  • Tasting menu (7-course)€165
  • Wine pairing€70

Beer Included (the standard beverage portion is included in the fare; the only additional charge is the course price) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

The CellarCharged by the glass (rare vintages cost extra)
Wine bar

A paid wine bar where sommeliers' selections can be enjoyed by the glass. Rare and premium vintages can be purchased for an additional charge.

  • Wine (depending on label)€15 to €20
The Chef's Kitchen
Interactive cooking classes

A small-group hands-on cooking class for up to 12 people. An additional experience not included in the fare, although the specific price could not be confirmed.

The Chef's Table
Fully private dining

A bespoke special dining experience created in consultation with the chef. Not included in the fare, although the specific price could not be confirmed.

Facilities and activities

Highlights
All 461 rooms are suites with ocean-facing terraces, and there are no inside or ocean-view (window only) categories at all; every room is a suite. Same design as EXPLORA IPersonal service backed by a generous guest-to-crew ratio of about 1.4 to 1 (capacity of 922 guests, 640 crew)The second sister ship from Explora Journeys, which entered service in Civitavecchia (Italy) in September 2024The same distinctive vocabulary as EXPLORA I, calling cruises Journeys, shore excursions Destination Experiences, and crew HostsA calm, adult-oriented design throughout, including the adults-only Helios Pool area on Deck 12 and a Wellness area limited to guests aged 16 and overThe Mediterranean and the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and others) are its main areas of operation, and the seasonal emphasis of its deployments differs from EXPLORA I (focused on the Caribbean)
Helios PoolIncluded
PoolAdults only: Yes

An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. A quiet area with sunbeds, lounge chairs, bar seats, and more.

PoolsIncluded
Pool

Five heated pools distributed throughout the ship. All are available to everyone except the adults-only Helios Pool.

Ocean Wellness - The SpaExtra charge
Spa

The thermal suite (hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, salt room, and more) is included in the fare, while individual treatments cost extra. The wellness area is restricted to guests aged 16 and over; treatments are available to guests aged 12 and over (guardian accompaniment required).

Sports CourtIncluded
Sports

A multipurpose sports court near the Sky Bar on Deck 14. Guests can enjoy basketball, pickleball, touch tennis, and more.

Jogging TrackIncluded
Jogging

An outdoor running track circling the ship. Each lap is about 250 m, with unobstructed ocean views.

CasinoExtra charge
CasinoAdults only: Yes

A small casino open only while sailing, with a quieter atmosphere than casinos on large ships; guests must be aged 18 or over.

Journeys LoungeIncluded
Theater

The main entertainment venue, presenting shows by performers from Broadway and the West End.

LibraryIncluded
Library

A library space for quiet reading and writing.

Galleria d'ArteIncluded
Other

An onboard art gallery displaying works from masters to contemporary artists, operated under the same concept as EXPLORA I.

Nautilus ClubIncluded
KidsFor children: YesFree

A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. Children aged 3 to 5 can also take part in designated sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian. It offers the latest video games (including VR consoles), table tennis, table soccer, board games and more.

Bars & LoungesIncluded
Bar

A total of 12 bars and lounges, including the Sky Bar on Deck 14. Standard beer, wine, cocktails and similar drinks are included in the fare; only rare and premium brands cost extra.

BoutiquesExtra charge
Shop

Boutique area selling luxury branded goods and original ship merchandise.

Itineraries on this ship

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