Explora I
Explora Journeys ship guide
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Explora I moored in Rhodes, August 2024 · Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Explora I
Explora I is an Explora Journeys cruise ship of the Explora class, in service since 2023. She measures 63,621 gross tons and carries 996 guests with a crew of 640. She sails Mediterranean, Caribbean, Transatlantic, South America itineraries. We rate her 4.3 out of 5.
Explora I is the first ship of Explora Journeys, MSC Group's luxury brand, built by Fincantieri at Monfalcone and delivered in July 2023 after a delay over fire-safety certification. She began sailing on 1 August 2023 from Copenhagen and was named in New York that October by marine biologist Sylvia Earle. The 63,621-ton ship has only ocean-front suites with terraces, 456 today, including Owner's Residences across the stern, plus six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges and five heated pools. She sails the Mediterranean in summer, crosses to Miami for a Caribbean season in winter 2026-27, and is scheduled for South America in winter 2027-28.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 996
- Crew 640 · 1:1.6
- Entered service
- 2023
- Maiden voyage August 2023
- Length
- 249 m
- Longer than 65% of 575 ships
Explora I is bigger than 50% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 63%. At 63.9 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 91% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Dining
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Entertainment
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Service
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Pools & decks
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Value
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Explora Journeys fleet average across 3 rated ships in service.
Sister ships: Explora class
Explora I is one of 6 Explora class ships. Explora III (2026) and Explora II (2024) are in service, and Explora IV (due 2027), Explora V (due December 2027) and Explora VI (due August 2028) are on the way.
| Ship | Year | Gross tons | Guests | Space | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explora I this ship | 2023 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora III | 2026 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora II | 2024 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora IV | Coming 2027 | — | |||
| Explora V | Debuts Dec 2027 | — | |||
| Explora VI | Debuts Aug 2028 | — |
Official deck plans
Photos
Explora I moored in Rhodes, August 2024Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Transatlanticcrossings between Europe and the Americas, mostly in spring and autumn
- South AmericaCape Horn, Patagonia and the Amazon, in the southern summer
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Explora I?
Explora I is operated by Explora Journeys and belongs to its Explora class.
What are Explora I's sister ships?
Explora I is one of 6 Explora class ships. Explora III (2026) and Explora II (2024) are in service, and Explora IV (due 2027), Explora V (due December 2027) and Explora VI (due August 2028) are on the way.
How big is Explora I?
Explora I measures 63,621 gross tons and 249 metres in length.
How does Explora I compare in size with other cruise ships?
Explora I is bigger than 50% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 63%. At 63.9 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 91% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Explora I feel?
Explora I has a passenger space ratio of 63.9: 63,621 gross tons for 996 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Explora I feels spacious for her size.
How many passengers does Explora I carry?
Explora I carries 996 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 640 (about 1.6 guests per crew member).
When did Explora I enter service?
Explora I entered service in 2023.
Where does Explora I sail?
Explora I sails Mediterranean, Caribbean, Transatlantic and South America itineraries.
Where can I find the deck plans for Explora I?
Explora Journeys publishes the deck plans for Explora I; this page links to Deck plans and Deck plans (PDF).
How is Explora I rated?
Cruise Frog rates Explora I 4.3 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on cabins (5/5) and lowest on value (3/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
Related news about Explora I
- Solo cruising with Explora Journeys: a suite to yourself from a 0 percent supplement
Explora's "A Journey of One" offer puts solo guests in an Ocean Terrace Suite or penthouse for little or nothing over the per-person fare. Here is how it works.
Cruise lines
- Sisley Paris brings its first spa at sea to Explora III, with Explora I and II to follow in 2027
The French skincare brand gets a dedicated treatment suite and two signature facials in Explora III's Ocean Wellness spa.
Ships