EXPLORA II
Explora class · Mediterranean, Caribbean & Bahamas, Other
A sister ship launched in September 2024, EXPLORA II has nearly the same design and number of suites as EXPLORA I. Shared features include suites with ocean-facing terraces in every accommodation, several specialty dining venues, and a spacious spa, while interior details and some restaurant layouts have been fine-tuned. Because the ship is large relative to its capacity, decks and restaurants generally feel less crowded, making it easy to relax onboard. It is planned for summer itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Aegean and Adriatic seas, and longer winter routes in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and the Amazon region. The ship often operates destination-focused itineraries of relatively long duration.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9869887)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Japanese food included in the fare
No Japanese language support
Payment in yen not accepted
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholIncluded
- GratuitiesIncluded
- Wi‑FiIncluded
- Specialty diningIncluded
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
The fare is basically a single all-inclusive plan (including meals, standard drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, shuttle buses from ports and more). However, 4 venues and experiences cost extra: Anthology (Italian fine dining, €165 per person), The Cellar (a wine bar, €15 to 20 per glass), The Chef's Kitchen (a hands-on cooking class) and The Chef's Table (a fully personalized course). Shore excursions (Destination Experiences) are also charged separately. The higher the suite category from Penthouse upward, the more benefits are added in stages, such as 1 free spa treatment, free finished laundry and priority reservations. The structure is the same as on EXPLORA I.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)Included (included in the fare, no additional charge)
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterIncluded (included in the fare, no additional charge)
- Extra chargeDrink packageThe fare includes unlimited wine, champagne, premium spirits (gin/whisky/rum/vodka/tequila/cognac, etc.), cocktails, coffee/tea and soft drinks, and the same applies inside suites. The dividing line is ultra-premium labels (rare cognacs, fine Bordeaux/Burgundy, etc.), which show a surcharge on the menu and are charged separately. On arrival, 1 bottle of champagne and 1 bottle each of wine and spirits are provided in the suite.
- IncludedWi‑FiIncluded in the fare (no additional charge; unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available on all ships).
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)There is no fixed daily gratuity, as gratuities are covered by the fare, and no separate service charge line item appears on your onboard account.
- IncludedLaundryOnboard self-service laundry is included in the fare. Penthouse and higher suites also receive complimentary finished laundry (valet/pressing). Finished laundry for standard suites may incur an additional charge (to be confirmed).
- Shore excursionsShore excursions, called Destination Experiences, are not included in the fare. They are booked separately by choosing from four categories: Destination Essentials, Overland Immersions, Curated Explorations, and Private Arrangements. The fleet policy is shared with EXPLORA I.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Barcelona (Spain), Civitavecchia (Italy, Rome), Dubai (United Arab Emirates; depending on the season)
- Departure ports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Dubai, Winter 2026-2027 itinerary changes may shift departures to the Mediterranean
- All ages
- A calm, all-suite, all-inclusive luxury ship with the same design and services as EXPLORA I. Children are allowed (the dedicated Nautilus Club is available), but because of the price range and program structure, the actual clientele is mainly honeymooners, anniversary travelers, adult couples, and seniors.
- Because it mainly departs from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the proportion of European guests is higher than on EXPLORA I, which focuses on the Caribbean. Affluent couples and seniors seeking Mediterranean cruises or tours of the Middle East are particularly noticeable.
EXPLORA I and II are conventionally fueled ships, but they have 'cold ironing' equipment that connects to shore power while berthed, and they incorporate environmental measures such as eliminating single-use plastics. From sister ship Explora III onward, LNG (liquefied natural gas) dual-fuel propulsion is being introduced, forming part of the fleet-wide policy of aiming for net zero by 2050.
Ship character
- • Adults-only voyages
- • Travelers avoiding crowds
- • Guests seeking leisurely itineraries
- • Travelers valuing food
- • Families seeking children’s facilities
- • Short cruises on a budget
- • Guests seeking lively entertainment
- • Guests requiring Japanese-language support
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- ArticleJapanesewastours.jp
wastours.jp · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishExplora II Cruise Review: The Luxury Ship That Changed My Mind - Kym Illman
kymillman.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- ArticleEnglishCruise Report: Claire on Explora II – San Juan to Miami
deluxecruises.co.uk · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishThe Ultimate Ultra-Luxury Cruise Ship Tour: Inside Explora II
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishAffiliate links disclosedOur Explora II Cruise • Kath Eats
katheats.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
English text in preparation.
Sources
- Officialexplorajourneys.com
- Secondary sourcevesselfinder.com
- Secondary sourceship-technology.com
- Secondary sourcemarinelink.com
- Officialexplorajourneys.com (2)
- Secondary sourcetravelweekly.com
- Secondary sourcecruiseline.com
- Secondary sourcecruisedeckplans.com
- Secondary sourcenauticalflock.com
- Officialexplorajourneys.com (3)
- Secondary sourcebucketlistguides.com
- Secondary sourceharrtravel.com
- Secondary sourcespecialneedsatsea.com
- Secondary sourcestarsdesk.com
- Secondary sourcecruisedig.com
- Secondary sourcecruise.us
- Secondary sourcetravelagewest.com
- Officialexplorajourneys.com (4)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Suite The entry category, accounting for 301 of the 461 cabins, with the same number and specifications as EXPLORA I. It features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a private terrace of about 7 m²; at about 35 m², it is considered one of the largest entry suites in the industry. 301 cabins / Decks 6–10 | 35 m² (377 ft²) | — King bed (180 x 200 cm); convertible to twin beds (90 x 200 cm x 2) | Balcony | Explora Journeys official EXPLORA II |
Ocean Terrace Suite (Ocean Grand Terrace) A 70-cabin type with more outdoor living space than the entry category. The number of cabins and their size are the same as on EXPLORA I. Its terrace is about 11 m² and includes a dining table and daybed. 70 cabins / Decks 6-7 | 39 m² (420 ft²) | — King bed (convertible to twins) | Balcony | Explora Journeys official EXPLORA II |
Penthouse EXPLORA II has 67 cabins, the same number as EXPLORA I. The bedroom and living room are separate, and dedicated dining space is a defining feature. It comprises four subcategories ranging from 43 to 68 m². 67 cabins / Decks 6–10 | 43–68 m² (463–732 ft²) | — King bed (convertible to twins) | BalconyConcierge | Explora Journeys official EXPLORA II |
Residence / Owner's Residence This category combines four Cove, Retreat, Serenity, and Cacoon types (22 cabins in total, 70–149 m²) with the ship’s only top-tier suite, the Owner’s Residence (1 cabin, 280 m²). Cabin counts and sizes are identical to EXPLORA I. 23 cabins / Decks 6-10 (Owner's Residence at the far aft of Deck 8) | 70–280 m² (753–3,014 ft²) | 2-3 people (Owner's Residence accommodates up to 3, including up to 1 child) King bed + separate bedroom | BalconyConcierge | Explora Journeys official Owner's Residence |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Nautilus Club — A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. Children aged 3 to 5 can also take part in designated sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian. It offers the latest video games (including VR consoles), table tennis, table soccer, board games and more.
- • Helios Pool — An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. A quiet area with sunbeds, lounge chairs, bar seats, and more.
- • Casino — A small casino open only while sailing, with a quieter atmosphere than casinos on large ships; guests must be aged 18 or over.
- Onboard currency
- EUR
- Gratuities
- Gratuities for crew, restaurant staff, bartenders and others are included in the base fare as part of the all-inclusive offer, so there is no need to tip extra. There is also no particular custom of adding extra tips. However, tips for shore excursion guides and drivers are not included in the fare and are given at your discretion.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Supports both 110V and 220V.
- Formal nights
- There are no formal nights (there are no nights requiring black tie or evening dresses). This is promoted as a point of differentiation from other traditional luxury cruise lines.
- Medical facilities
- There is a 24-hour medical center with nurses and doctors on staff, but it is not equivalent to a hospital on land and mainly handles first aid and minor conditions. Consultation and treatment costs are not included in the fare and are charged separately (the specific fee structure is not public).
- Bringing items onboard
- The official boarding terms explicitly state that bringing alcohol on board is prohibited. On the other hand, there are also multiple reports from actual passengers that bringing wine and the like was tolerated, so handling on the spot appears to vary. It is safest to check with the cruise line in advance.
- Mobile and connectivity
- No information on cruise-line-specific mobile roaming charges or partner plans could be confirmed. Because unlimited Wi-Fi is included in the fare, the usual approach at sea is to switch to airplane mode and use the onboard Wi-Fi.
- Japanese support
- Staff —Menus —Announcements —
Dining
A market-style restaurant with live stations where chefs finish dishes to order rather than offering a self-service buffet. Positioned as the ship's upscale food hall and included in the fare as basic dining.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served continuously
An Asian restaurant featuring signature dishes such as miso-glazed white fish and sashimi platters. One of the basic dining venues included in the fare.
Hours: Port-day lunch and dinner
A steakhouse offering dry-aged beef along with fish, poultry, and vegetarian dishes. Located centrally on Deck 5 and included as basic dining in the fare.
Hours: Dinner only
Fare-included basic dining serving cuisine from Mediterranean countries in a bright space at the aft of Deck 4. Reservations are not required.
Hours: Lunch and dinner
An elegant French restaurant with white tablecloths. Fare-included basic dining distinguished by its dessert wagon service.
Hours: Breakfast and dinner
A fare-included cafe serving specialty coffee and light meals.
A central social space filled with natural light. Used as a lounge for reading, relaxing, and enjoying light meals and drinks.
24-hour room service. Enjoy charcuterie, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches in your suite or on the terrace.
Hours: 24 hours
A gelato and crepe stand on deck. Fare-included dessert-style light meals.
EXPLORA II's only fully surcharge restaurant. It offers a 7-course Italian tasting menu supervised by Culinary Director Frank Garanger. Pricing and composition are the same as on EXPLORA I.
- Tasting menu (7-course)€165
- Wine pairing€70
A paid wine bar where sommeliers' selections can be enjoyed by the glass. Rare and premium vintages can be purchased for an additional charge.
- Wine (depending on label)€15 to €20
A small-group hands-on cooking class for up to 12 people. An additional experience not included in the fare, although the specific price could not be confirmed.
A bespoke special dining experience created in consultation with the chef. Not included in the fare, although the specific price could not be confirmed.
Facilities and activities
An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. A quiet area with sunbeds, lounge chairs, bar seats, and more.
Five heated pools distributed throughout the ship. All are available to everyone except the adults-only Helios Pool.
The thermal suite (hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, salt room, and more) is included in the fare, while individual treatments cost extra. The wellness area is restricted to guests aged 16 and over; treatments are available to guests aged 12 and over (guardian accompaniment required).
A multipurpose sports court near the Sky Bar on Deck 14. Guests can enjoy basketball, pickleball, touch tennis, and more.
An outdoor running track circling the ship. Each lap is about 250 m, with unobstructed ocean views.
A small casino open only while sailing, with a quieter atmosphere than casinos on large ships; guests must be aged 18 or over.
The main entertainment venue, presenting shows by performers from Broadway and the West End.
A library space for quiet reading and writing.
An onboard art gallery displaying works from masters to contemporary artists, operated under the same concept as EXPLORA I.
A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. Children aged 3 to 5 can also take part in designated sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian. It offers the latest video games (including VR consoles), table tennis, table soccer, board games and more.
A total of 12 bars and lounges, including the Sky Bar on Deck 14. Standard beer, wine, cocktails and similar drinks are included in the fare; only rare and premium brands cost extra.
Boutique area selling luxury branded goods and original ship merchandise.