Explora II is the second ship in Explora Journeys’ luxurious fleet and a vessel boasting all the opulent amenities of its sister ship – the aptly named Explora I. From the sensational spa offering a wide variety of sumptuous treatments to the mouth-watering dining experience on offer, you’re guaranteed a fantastic time onboard. And, with voyages sailing to a variety of stunningly-beautiful destinations around the world, you’ll have an unforgettable cruise holiday with Explora II. The extensive itineraries and tailored experiences available are bound to please.
Top Explora II Deals
The ship in numbers
- Launched 2024
- Tonnage 63,900
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 10
- Decks 14
- Lifts 10
- Pools 4
- Restaurants 6
- Formal nights Yes
- Maximum capacity 922
- Crew 700
- Refurbished 2024
What's onboard
Dining
Dining with Explora Journeys is always a delight and mealtime aboard Explora II promises to take you on a culinary adventure with international cuisine and fantastic flavours aplenty. From decadent dishes with bespoke wine pairings to elegant French fine dining, there’s something for everyone onboard. While sailing, you can take advantage of the following restaurants throughout your voyage:
- Anthology – a refined dining experience offering a unique menu of flavours from around the world with rare ingredients and carefully selected wine pairings
- Sakura – an immersive dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine, with a focus on flavours from Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan
- Marble & Co. Grill – a redefined European steakhouse experience with a luxurious menu featuring the finest cuts of meat and unique wine pairings for each dish
- Med Yacht Club – a Mediterranean-themed restaurant boasting a relaxed atmosphere, spaces for live music, and a menu bursting with fantastic flavours
- Emporium Marketplace – an effortless all-day dining experience offering a range of cuisines from around the world and some truly fantastic flavours anytime
- Fil Rouge – a refined dinner venue offering a global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine and a unique culinary adventure using only the finest food
On top of all this, guests on Explora II can also enjoy in-suite dining 24 hours a day; the unique menu you can order from features a selection of the finest dishes from all the venues onboard and is a fantastic way to experience the full suite of flavours on offer during your voyage.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, though, you can always visit the Chef’s Kitchen while onboard. This immersive dining experience, which is hosted in an ocean-front open kitchen with space for 12 guests at a time, sees a team of culinary experts guide you through a culinary adventure of your own making. With destination-inspired cuisine, your experience here will extend ashore with trips to local markets and carefully-chosen producers.
Entertainment
You’ll never have a dull moment aboard Explora II, with Explora Journeys’ sensational ship offering a fantastic array of entertainment venues and exciting experiences throughout your trip. Whether you’re looking for an enriching immersive activity or simply somewhere to unwind with a good book (and stunning sea views, of course), there’s space on board to suit. The top entertainment venues on Explora II include:
- Astern Lounge – a social hub venue with live music, the chance for a game or two of pool, and stunning sea views as the sun sets
- The Casino – an elegant space where you can try your hand at an array of exciting table games or chance your luck on one of several progressive slot machines
- Gallery d’Arte – this venue transcends traditional gallery boundaries, giving you a captivating visual experience and the chance to hone your own artistic skills
- Journeys Lounge – an entertainment venue that evolves throughout the day, you can expect to enjoy cabaret-style entertainment, the talents of expert mixologists, and enrichment activities here
Throughout your voyage with Explora II, you will have the opportunity to involve yourself in several events and experiences – each one offering a unique experience and an evening of exciting entertainment.
From An Evening by Candlelight (an event where guests can enjoy an evening of fantastic performances in the main lounges softly lit by candlelight) to Let the Good Times Roll (where you can jive to a New Orleans cabaret with a Creole menu, unique cocktails, and some sensational showmanship), there’s something for everyone to enjoy while onboard. You’ll be able to find out more about your ship’s specific schedule before sailing, and there will always be somewhere to escape the action onboard if you so wish.
Things to do
Despite the intimate size of Explora II, there’s still a whole host of activities for you to enjoy while you’re onboard. So, whether you’re sailing to and through the beautiful Mediterranean – or somewhere further afield – your days at sea will be just as unforgettable as your days ashore.
If you want to pamper yourself a little, the Spa is the perfect place to achieve an Ocean State of Mind with Explora II. Not only will you find a fantastic array of sumptuous wellness treatments here, but you’ll also find a Finnish Sauna, Heated Marble Loungers, a Salt Cave, and a Hydrotherapy Pool too. And, to top it all off, there’s also a beauty salon and barbers onboard – so, you’ll feel both refreshed and rejuvenated after a day of pampering onboard.
You’ll also find four pools onboard, with one an adults-only option offering breathtaking ocean views and another an inside pool with a retractable roof. And, there’s a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre with outdoor equipment and a Running Track – both of which are the perfect compliment to your fitness regime.
As for all the other events and activities onboard, there’s a fantastic array of options. You can enjoy a guided whisky tasting and mixology session, a Melodic Master Class from Explora II’s resident musicians, simple daily guided Ocean Meditation, and even a Book Club. It might not seem like it at a glance, but you really can do something different every day you’re onboard.
Useful Information
Sustainability at Sea
Just like Explora I, Explora Journeys’ Explora II employs several eco-friendly technologies and features to ensure it’s a more sustainable option for sea-bound sailors. Of all the unique tech and tactics available, here are some that Explora II takes advantage of:
- BSA (Baltic Standard Advanced) wastewater management system
- RINA Dolphin certification, ensuring low underwater noise emissions
- Smart heating, ventilation, and HVAC air conditioning systems
- USCD-approved ballast water treatment systems
- Shore-to-ship power capabilities, with LED lighting and high-efficiency appliances
Explora the web with Starlink
When you sail with Explora II, you’ll be pleased to know that you will be able to take full advantage of SpaceX’s Starlink – a high-speed internet service that boasts lower latency when streaming and improved Wi-Fi connectivity (both in public spaces and your cabin). This will be available in one of two tailored packages: the Browse Internet Cruise Package and the Browse & Stream Internet Package.
You can find out even more about Explora II (and all the other brand new cruise ships sailing) on our page dedicated to New Cruise Ships Coming in 2025 and Beyond right here.
Explora II Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Explora II
Fantastic cruise, the ship was spectacular in every way. All the staff were incredible, so friendly and helpful and always with a smile on their face. Meals in all the restaurants were beautifully presented with great choices. The itinerary was well thought out with interesting things to do at every stop. Overall we had an amazing time on board Explora 2, This is the way cruising should be.
ExploraII is a truly magnificent ship. Everything about our experience was memorable. Every area is kept spotlessly clean. Plenty of staff and they couldn’t have been pleasanter or more courteous. Our cabin was first class and our cabin steward was amazing. Nothing was any trouble for him. Food was world class. Every restaurant was great with top service. Embarkation and disembarkation were absolutely flawless. Top marks all round for this ship.
Have rated Cabin Service & dining with maximum scores. However, when one books a cruise at this level you don’t expect families with babies, and numerous people between the ages of, say, 20-35 who didn’t adhere to the evening dress code and seemed to take over the bar area in the evening in their shorts and flip flops! We were reliably informed that the original itinerary (which we didn’t know about) was changed and consequently there were numerous cancellations. We wonder whether price drops were offered which made it tempting for everybody and anybody to book.
This is by far the best cruise ship I have been on. The lowest grade stateroom is a suite with a balcony and included a welcome bottle of champagne and a bottle of spirit of your choice . The shower was huge with the bathroom having a heated floor and the bed was one of the most comfortable beds I have slept on. The food was astonishing at all the restaurants and even at the ‘buffet’ the food was made fresh for you with oysters and champagne on tap if that is your thing . The pool and hot tub areas were plentiful and never crowded and the ship never felt crowded at all . It felt like we had our own private yacht at times, never having to worry about finding a lounger or seating area to relax without crowds. However the main thing that made this cruise the most fantastic experience for us was the service. Being only a ship of a maximum of 900 guests with 700 staff or ‘hosts’ we received the best service I have received on land or sea . Genuinely friendly and extremely accommodating . I’m reluctant to give this review as I don’t want the world to know about this gem of a cruise company . Explora Jouneys have cracks it with affordable luxury cruising without the stuffiness . Can’t wait to holiday again on their Explora III, IV, V & VI when they are built over the coming years .
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on Explora II?
Explora II features 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, with no interior cabins. Every cabin includes a furnished terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Families and Kids
Is Explora II family-friendly?
Although the ship warmly welcomes families with children, guests should be aware that the onboard experience lacks structured youth programming, supervised kids' clubs, or any major dedicated facilities for younger travelers.
Does Explora II have waterslides?
No, this ship does not have major waterslides, though it offers swimming pools and relaxation areas.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on Explora II?
Main dining options include the Med Yacht Club a Mediterranean inspired restraunt, Emprium Marketplace an all-day dining food hall with global food stations and the Fil Rouge a elegant, relaxed venue offering French-inspired and international dishes.
What speciality dining is there on Explora II?
There are three speciality dining options onboard. Anthology is a fine dining restraunt featuring a tasting menu curated by guest and master chefs, Sakura is a Pan-Asian venue offering sushi, sashimi and creative Asian-inspired dishes and Marble & Co. Grill which is a sophisticated European steakhouse.
Itineraries
Which ports does Explora II usually sail out of?
This ship sails from various global ports depending on the season. Please check specific itineraries for exact departure locations.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard Explora II?
Top highlights onboard are six distinct restaurants, a luxury spa and relaxation areas, multiple distinct pools, and 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces.
