MSC Cruises’ first foray into the luxury market is a very impressive product. Take a tour of the vessel to see what it’s all about.
Welcome aboard the Explora II, a ship that blends cutting-edge yacht-inspired design with a storied maritime history belonging to the world’s largest shipowner. The Explora-class was conceived with the ambition to offer a luxurious yet adventurous cruise experience, focusing on immersive exploration of various ports of call. This modern vessel, launched in 2024, is part of Explora Journeys, a luxury cruise line that is redefining the art of ocean exploration.
Built to the high standards of modern luxury, and inspired by sister company MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club concept, the Explora II incorporates sleek, contemporary design elements that evoke the spirit of adventure while prioritizing comfort. The bold, striking exterior lines were inspired by the various yachts seen plying the waters around the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Inside, the design marries European elegance with global influences, creating a welcoming environment where every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
The ship’s impressive history begins with its vision: to cater to a new generation of travelers seeking more than just a vacation, but an experience that connects them to the nature, culture, and awe-inspiring locales that their ships call at. I found that with the Explora-class design, it succeeds in offering just what the creators set out to do.
EXPLORA II DECK PLANS
As per usual, we start with the obligatory photos to give us an idea of the ship. Note the use or marble, simple patters and neutral colors throughout.
Interior Elevator photo
The forward stairwell (left photo) features a very large. deep landing between decks.
Random hallway
Elevator lobby
And lastly, the builders plate.
Deck 03
The bottommost deck accessible to passengers is where the ship’s medical center is as well as the tender embarkation area.
Deck 04
The front of deck 04 is the Journey’s Lounge. It’s the main theater onboard and used for any events where there needs to be a large gathering of guests.
Just aft of that on the port side is the casino.
Walking past that, and accessible from both port and starboard walkways aft of the forward lounge, is the main Lobby area. But before you get there there’s the guest services area. Note there is not a traditional stand desk but rather individual desks with seats for guests.
There’s also the Destinations Experiences desk as well.
And opposite the stairs is the Lobby Bar. My pick for the best Martini Bar on the ship.
The main stairwell descends from the deck above. Surrounding the lobby are the onboard shops. The Journey, located on the port side is for Explora branded gear as well as other souvenirs. On the starboard side are the high-end luxury shops including Cartier, Buccellati, and Piaget.
Past the lobby and the shops are two restaurants. On the portside is the Med Yacht Club. This is a seafood and Mediterranean themed restaurant. This one does not need to be booked ahead and can be booked in the app when onboard, or you can just show up.
On the starboard side is the Fil Rouge restaurant for French cuisine. As with the above restaurant, the booking and reservation setup is the same.
Deck 05
This deck is where the rest of the public rooms are located. At the very front is the Ocean Wellness Spa.
Aft of that is the top of the Lobby.
On the portside is the future cruise office.
Next to that is the Anthology Restaurant. (The only restaurant not included in the cruise fare).
On the starboard side is the Crema Cafe for craft coffees as well as pastries. There’s also an outdoor area on the starboard side but note that this is a smoking area.
Past that the deck continues on the starboard side. Here there’s a small staircase that descends down to the deck below (where the restaurants are).
The entrance to the Marble & Co. steakhouse is here.
Walking past that is the shipboard art gallery.
At the end of that is the MSC Foundation desk and displays about wildlife and conservation.
Walking past that is the Sakura Asian restaurant.
Opposite that is the Astern lounge. This is a smaller venue and used for more intimate lectures.
At the very aft of the deck is the Astern Pool. The Astern Bar is here as well.
Deck 06
Deck 06 is all balcony cabins. There is a small hidden sitting area here that actually overlooks the lobby below. All the cabins onboard are suites and they all have balconies.
Deck 07
This deck is also all suites. My room was located here. You can get a tour of it here if you’d like to see what a typical suite looks like.
Deck 08
This deck is all balcony suites.
Deck 09
This deck is all balcony suites.
Deck 10
This deck is all balcony suites with the bridge forward. At the very aft of the deck is onboard gym on the starboard aft quarter.
The Atoll Pool is here too at the very end.
The Atoll bar is also here adjacent to the pool.
Deck 11
The forward part contains the Explora lounge. This impressive room features an outdoor area right above the bridge.
Just inside that is a glass enclosed solarium.
Next to that is the main lounge area with impressive sea views.
At the end of the lounge on the portside is the Malt Whisky bar. This is where you can get the famed Smoky Old Fashioned.
They also have a cigar bar just past it.
On the starboard side is the Chefs Kitchen and its accompanying private dining room.
After the private dining area, is the sold kids/teens room called the Nautilus Club.
This area concludes at the stairwell where it transitions to the Conservatory, a retractable glass enclosed and climate controlled pool area.
Surrounding the pool are indoor whirlpools on either side that are slightly cantilevered over the side.
At the end on port is the bar.
On the starboard side is the Gelato and Crepe bar.
Past that, back inside, is the Emporium Marketplace. But first, the handwashing station. Note the lack of paper napkins and utilization of terrycloth hand towels.
At the very end of the deck is all too underutilized outdoor dining area.
Deck 12
At the front is another pool area. This one is adults only. Insider note: standing at the top of the stairs up to enter the pool provides you with unimpeded views surrounding the ship since the forward areas have a rather high glass partition.
There’s a bar to support the forward pool area on the portside.
Aft of that is the surrounding outdoor deck that encircles the glass dome for the pool below. A jogging track also follows this area.
The rest of the deck is a sundeck as it surrounds the funnel. There are port and starboard whirlpools as well as some cabanas too.
Deck 14
This deck is really only aft of the funnel. This is where the sports court is. Both basketball and pickleball can be played here.
On the starboard side there is a whirlpool.
On the port side, there is an outdoor fitness area.
There’s also a very quiet bar here at the aft of the deck with views that overlook the stern.
