Explora II
Explora Journeys ship guide
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Explora II, 2024 · Photo: Jacopo Tofani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Explora II
Explora II is an Explora Journeys cruise ship of the Explora class, in service since 2024. She measures 63,900 gross tons and carries 996 guests with a crew of 640. She sails Mediterranean, Caribbean itineraries. We rate her 4.3 out of 5.
Explora II is the second Explora-class ship, built by Fincantieri at Sestri Ponente near Genoa and delivered on 12 September 2024. Marine environmentalist Rosalba Giugni named her in Civitavecchia that month. She shares Explora I's layout, with 456 ocean-front suites, six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges and five heated pools. She has concentrated on the Mediterranean, including stays in Monaco for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and her winter 2026-27 program, A Serene Mediterranean, keeps her there with new dining, wellness and enrichment additions. She is scheduled to sail the Caribbean in winter 2027-28.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 996
- Crew 640 · 1:1.6
- Entered service
- 2024
- Length
- 249 m
- Longer than 65% of 575 ships
Explora II is bigger than 51% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 63%. At 64.2 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 II is one of 6 Explora class ships. Explora III (2026) and Explora I (2023) 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 II this ship | 2024 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora III | 2026 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora I | 2023 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora IV | Coming 2027 | — | |||
| Explora V | Debuts Dec 2027 | — | |||
| Explora VI | Debuts Aug 2028 | — |
Official deck plans
Photos
Explora II, 2024Photo: Jacopo Tofani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Explora II?
Explora II is operated by Explora Journeys and belongs to its Explora class.
What are Explora II's sister ships?
Explora II is one of 6 Explora class ships. Explora III (2026) and Explora I (2023) 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 II?
Explora II measures 63,900 gross tons and 249 metres in length.
How does Explora II compare in size with other cruise ships?
Explora II is bigger than 51% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 63%. At 64.2 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 91% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Explora II feel?
Explora II has a passenger space ratio of 64.2: 63,900 gross tons for 996 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Explora II feels spacious for her size.
How many passengers does Explora II carry?
Explora II carries 996 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 640 (about 1.6 guests per crew member).
When did Explora II enter service?
Explora II entered service in 2024.
Where does Explora II sail?
Explora II sails Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries.
Where can I find the deck plans for Explora II?
Explora Journeys publishes the deck plans for Explora II; this page links to Deck plans and Deck plans (PDF).
How is Explora II rated?
Cruises Frog rates Explora II 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 II
- 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