In late October, at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, a handful of commemorative coins were placed inside the ship that will become Explora VI, a long-held shipbuilding gesture meant to bring good fortune during construction and through every year she spends at sea. On the same day, Explora V floated for the first time. Together they mark the final stretch of an ambitious idea from Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean brand of MSC Group: a six-ship fleet that sails like a collection of boutique hotels.
Explora I and Explora II have been at sea since 2023 and 2024, and Explora III joined them this summer as the first in the fleet to run on LNG. The remaining three follow in quick succession, with Explora IV in spring 2027, Explora V towards the end of that year and Explora VI in summer 2028. The map is already wide, spanning the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska and Asia, with Explora I returning to Port Hercule for the Monaco Grand Prix in 2027 and a 128-day inaugural World Journey planned for 2029.
Why Explora Journeys feels more hotel than cruise
Every Suite, Penthouse and Residence faces the ocean, with generous outdoor space and plenty of natural light, and the ships are planned around a sense of calm and room to breathe, finished with the understated European polish of a fine boutique hotel. It is a quieter, more personal way to travel by sea.
Much of what would usually appear on the final bill is simply part of the stay. Fine wines, champagne and premium spirits are included throughout, a bottle of champagne waits in the suite on arrival alongside a wine and a spirit of the guest’s choosing, and gratuities and Wi-Fi are covered. Nine distinct culinary experiences, from the restaurants to in-suite dining, let an evening move from a long dinner to a quiet supper on the terrace, while Ocean Wellness brings a thermal spa, fitness and mindfulness sessions, and heated pools designed for every season.
Cleaner power and a winter close to home
The newest ships also change how the fleet is powered. Explora V and Explora VI will follow Explora III onto LNG and are being built for renewable and next-generation fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, with Explora VI adding fuel cell technology. Every ship can also plug into shore power, so engines fall silent while the ship sits in port.
For readers in the Gulf, the timing is apt. Explora’s Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula season runs from October through May with Explora I, II and III, tracing the old Incense Route towards the edges of the Empty Quarter, Wadi Rum and the ancient tombs of Egypt, which means the fleet is spending this winter remarkably close to home.
Six ships, and only the first chapter
“Explora VI may mark the completion of our first six ships, but it is by no means the final chapter,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, who served as one of the ship’s godmothers in Genoa. The brand has already signed a letter of intent for a new fleet of European river ships, with sales due to open in 2027.
By summer 2028, Explora Journeys will have six ships at sea, giving travellers who would rather check in than cruise a far wider choice of where the ocean can take them.
Quick summary – Explora Journeys
- Brand: the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group
- Fleet: Explora I to III at sea now, Explora IV in spring 2027, Explora V in late 2027 and Explora VI in summer 2028
- Suites: every Suite, Penthouse and Residence faces the ocean
- Included: fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, gratuities and Wi-Fi
- In the region: Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula sailings from October to May
- Ideal for: travellers who prefer the feel of a boutique hotel to a traditional cruise
