EXPLORA IV
Explora class · Northern Europe & Fjords
The fourth ship is scheduled to enter service in spring 2027. In March 2026, it reached float-out at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, and construction has entered its final stage. Its dimensions and suite layout follow an enlarged version of the EXPLORA III design, with next-generation specifications including LNG fuel and a fuel-cell hybrid system. The maiden voyage is scheduled for April 15, 2027, from Genoa to Lisbon. In its first summer season, it is planned to operate from Western Europe, Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland to the U.S. and Canadian East Coast and New England, then cross the Atlantic in autumn before heading to the Caribbean and South America in winter. Equipment details and the final itinerary may change before launch.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9869904)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
Smoking in designated areas only
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, Anthology (Italian fine dining, €165 per person), The Cellar (a wine bar, €15 to 20 per glass) and others cost extra.
- 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).
- 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.
- IncludedLaundrySelf-service laundry is included in the fare. Higher suites also receive complimentary finished laundry.
- Shore excursionsShore excursions, called Destination Experiences, are not included in the fare. They are booked separately by choosing from several categories.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Departure ports: Genoa (Italy, maiden voyage departure)
- All ages
- A calm, all-suite, all-inclusive luxury ship. Children are allowed, but the actual clientele is mainly honeymooners, anniversary travelers, adult couples, and seniors because of its pricing and program structure.
- Primarily affluent couples and seniors from North America and Europe. Mediterranean cruise enthusiasts are the main target.
Explora IV is a newbuild ship with LNG (liquefied natural gas) dual-fuel propulsion. It has cold-ironing equipment for connecting to shore power while berthed. LNG has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by about 25% compared with conventional fuel, and the design can eventually switch to bio-LNG or synthetic LNG. This forms part of the fleet-wide policy targeting net zero by 2050.
Ship character
- • Travelers seeking the newest ship
- • Northern Europe, Iceland, or Greenland
- • Fall foliage cruises in Eastern Canada and New England
- • Traveling with children
- • Price-conscious travelers
- • Travelers prioritizing confirmed information before launch
Sources
- Officialexplorajourneys.com
- Secondary sourceprnewswire.com
- Secondary sourceprnewswire.com (2)
- Officialexplorajourneys.com (2)
- Secondary sourcecruiseindustrynews.com
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Suite The entry category. 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, with the same specifications as sister ships Explora I and Explora II. 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 IV |
Ocean Terrace Suite (Ocean Grand Terrace) A type with more outdoor living space than the entry category. Its terrace is about 11 m², larger than the Ocean Suite's, and includes a dining table and daybed. Decks 6-7 | 39 m² (420 ft²) | — King bed (convertible to twins) | Balcony | Explora Journeys official EXPLORA IV |
Penthouse The bedroom and living room are separate, and dedicated dining space is a defining feature. A private concierge is included, along with benefits such as priority boarding and complimentary laundry. It comprises four subcategories ranging from 43 to 68 m². Decks 6–10 | 43–68 m² (463–732 ft²) | — King bed (convertible to twins) | BalconyConcierge | Explora Journeys official EXPLORA IV |
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). 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 EXPLORA IV |
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. It offers video games, 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. It is smoke-free, and 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 large market-style restaurant with live stations where chefs finish dishes before you, serving sushi, pasta, pizza, and other dishes as fare-included basic dining.
Hours: 24-hour service (breakfast, lunch, and dinner served continuously)
An Asian restaurant. One of the basic dining venues included in the fare.
Hours: Dinner-focused
A steakhouse with a stately feel, centered on aged beef. Open only for dinner, but a basic dining venue included in the fare.
Hours: Dinner only
Outdoor-focused dining themed around the Mediterranean Riviera. Fare-included basic dining.
Hours: Lunch and dinner
An elegant French restaurant with white tablecloths. It serves eggs Benedict at breakfast and premium dishes at dinner.
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, creme brulee, 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.
A restaurant that is entirely extra-charge, offering an Italian tasting menu supervised by the Culinary Director.
- Tasting menu (course format)€165
- Wine pairing€70
A paid wine bar where sommeliers' selections can be enjoyed by the glass.
- 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.
A bespoke special dining experience created in consultation with the chef.
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.
The thermal suite is included in the fare, but individual treatments cost extra.
A multipurpose sports court near the Sky Bar on Deck 14.
An outdoor running track that goes all the way around the ship. About 250 m per lap.
A small casino. It is smoke-free, and 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 such as Dalí and Chagall to contemporary artists.
A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. It offers video games, 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.
Boutique area selling luxury branded goods and original ship merchandise.