I’d estimate the average age on board was mid to late 50s.
Life has truly started – not slowed down – for the fortunate travellers aboard Explora II.
You can see it on their faces as they step seamlessly through the exclusive MSC terminal in Barcelona, luggage lifted from taxi boots by porters, tagged instantly and whisked away. Boarding passes are scanned from Apple Wallet, passports checked, a quick security scan – and within five minutes you’re aboard, welcomed with chilled champagne and an ocean of genuine smiles.
Those smiles never faded. Not once in 28 days.
And I’ve experienced hundreds of hospitality offerings over the decades. This, without hesitation, ranks among the very best.
A small ship with big impact
Explora II, launched in 2024, is the newest ship in MSC’s luxury line. At 248 metres long and carrying a maximum of just over 900 guests, it feels intimate rather than imposing. On our sailing, with many solo travellers, there were around 700 passengers – and it never felt crowded.
No queues. No scrambling for sun lounges. No waiting for tables or bar service.
We sailed from Spain to Tangiers, Portugal, the Canary Islands, across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, finishing in Miami. An extended voyage that never felt long enough.
The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. Solo meet-ups were hosted, LGBTIQ gatherings encouraged connection, and guests naturally struck up conversations in beautifully designed lounges and dining spaces.
Where the little things matter
In hospitality, it’s often the smallest details that define excellence. Explora II understands this completely.
Our entry-level suite felt indulgent: heated bathroom floors to prevent condensation, soft-close drawers, generous wardrobe space, thoughtful lighting, a proper daybed and table setting on the balcony. Everything designed for comfort.
Even the lifts were fast, spotless and often empty.
The Emporium Marketplace – technically the buffet – was anything but ordinary. Food stations were protected by glass, with staff plating dishes for guests. No communal tongs here.
There was a 20-foot sushi and sashimi station, daily seafood selections, fresh oysters, handmade pasta with custom sauces (add lobster tail, salmon or chilli to your liking), build-your-own pizzas, vibrant salads, Asian stir-fries cooked to order and a gelateria that became a daily ritual.
The pasta alone was among the best I’ve ever eaten – at sea or on land.
Dining, design and decadence
Specialty restaurants were easy to book. Our favourite was Med Yacht, offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes from an expansive à la carte menu. Marble & Co focused on premium meats, Sakura delivered refined Asian flavours, and Fils Rouge offered French classics. Anthology is the only venue with an additional charge – and we never felt the need.
Suites are stocked with your preferred wines and spirits, refreshed as needed, with ice on request. Yes – included in the fare.
The Malt Whisky Bar became a late-night favourite, adjacent to a cigar lounge cleverly designed so smoke never drifted beyond its doors. The Astern Lounge hosted everything from magicians to a silent disco – surprisingly joyful. The theatre was intimate, plush and perfectly scaled.
There are five pools and five spas scattered throughout the ship, indoor and outdoor, often blissfully quiet. The Technogym-fitted gym and yoga studio cater to the energetic, while the wellness centre (with whirlpool, sauna and salt room) remains on our list for next time.
The quiet luxury of care
It’s the unseen details that elevate the experience. Motion-sensor doors. Immaculate lifts. Hallways free of clutter. Tables cleaned immediately with unscented solutions. Cabin trolleys discreetly tucked away.
All included.
We paid full fare. No incentives. No discounts.
This is simply a traveller sharing an exceptional experience – and perhaps understanding why world No.1 tennis player Jannik Sinner has signed on as Explora Journeys’ global ambassador.
A word of warning: once you’ve sailed this way, going back may be difficult.
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