Explora Journeys 2025: Mediterranean & Caribbean Itineraries

Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise line brand from MSC Group, is set to dazzle travelers with its 2025 itineraries. After completing a winter season in the Caribbean, the 922-guest vessel Explora I embarked on a 16‐night trans-Atlantic repositioning voyage from Miami to Barcelona on April 2, 2025, with stops in Bermuda, the Azores, Portugal, and Spain. Once in Barcelona, the ship begins a series of seven- to 21-night cruises, blending iconic destinations with hidden gems.

Explora I’s Mediterranean Summer Deployment

Upon arrival at its Spanish homeport, Explora I launches into summer cruising across Southern Europe. A highlighted itinerary is a 14‐night voyage from Piraeus in July 2025, featuring Eastern Mediterranean stops including Kavala, Marmaris, Rovinj, Istanbul, and Kotor. Additional off-the-beaten-path ports such as Nydri and Fiskardo in Greece offer unique cultural insights. The Western Mediterranean program visits Italy’s Puerto Santo Stefano in the Toscana region, Monte Carlo in Monaco, Malta, and select ports in Spain and France.

Expandability Options with Explora II

Joining the fleet in 2024, Explora II is also set to cruise the Mediterranean from April through November 2025, with departures from ports including Civitavecchia, Barcelona, Monaco, and Valencia. Its itineraries spotlight emerging destinations such as Milos, Paros, Skiathos, and Monemvasia in Greece; Portofino and Sardinia in Italy; alongside new stops in St. Tropez in France and Mahón in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Flexible scheduling allows passengers to combine shorter cruises into extended, non-repetitive journeys.

Future Plans: Expansion and New Regions

As Explora Journeys strengthens its ultra-luxury market presence, future plans include further fleet expansion and global itinerary diversification. After its European season, Explora I will reposition to Miami in late October for a winter Caribbean season. In 2026, the fleet will welcome Explora III, which is set to open routes to Northern Europe – including voyages to Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Maritimes – as well as extended journeys in South America, the Middle East, and along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Chris Austin, President of North and Central America, emphasized the importance of combining accessible embarkation ports with off-the-beaten-path destinations during a recent industry event in Miami.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What itineraries does Explora Journeys offer?

Explora Journeys provides a range of seven- to 21-night cruises, with flexible options that allow guests to combine sailings into extended itineraries. These voyages span the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond, with each journey designed to avoid repeating ports.

How does Explora I differentiate its routes?

Explora I sails from its Barcelona base, offering diverse experiences that include both famed destinations and lesser-known ports – from a 14-night cruise originating in Piraeus that visits Eastern Mediterranean gems like Kavala, Marmaris, Istanbul, and Kotor, to Western Mediterranean stops in Italy, Monaco, Malta, Spain, and France.

What new destinations can travelers expect with Explora II?

Explora II sets sail from multiple European ports and introduces emerging ports such as Milos, Paros, Skiathos, and Monemvasia in Greece, along with Italian favorites like Portofino and Sardinia, and new stops including St. Tropez and Mahón.

What does the future hold for Explora Journeys?

Looking ahead, Explora Journeys plans to expand its fleet with Explora III in 2026. The new ship will provide itineraries to Northern Europe – including Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Maritimes – and support extended voyages through South America, the Middle East, and the Eastern Seaboard, ensuring a dynamic and growing portfolio of global luxury travel experiences.