Explora II Inaugural Season Highlights: Must-See Cruises for 2024
The new Explora II, currently in the final stages of construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, is set to begin service in September. This 922-guest vessel is the second ship for MSC’s luxury brand, Explora Journeys, and a sister ship to the Explora I.
Cruise Industry News highlights the key details of Explora II’s inaugural deployment and itineraries:
Inaugural Cruise
Date: September 16, 2024
Length: 7 nights
Homeports: Civitavecchia (Italy) to Tarragona (Spain)
Itinerary: Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Syracuse (Italy); Valletta (Malta)
After a construction delay, the Explora II’s maiden voyage is slated for September 16, 2024. The seven-night cruise will explore the Western Mediterranean, sailing from Civitavecchia to Tarragona with stops in Italy, Spain, and Malta. Featured destinations include Lipari, Trapani, Syracuse, Sorrento, and Valletta.
Italian Piazzas to Tunisian Souks
Date: September 30, 2024
Length: 6 nights
Homeports: Civitavecchia (Italy) to Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: Sorrento, Palermo (Italy); Tunis (Tunisia); Mahon/Minorca (Spain)
Later in September, the Explora II will embark on a six-night cruise titled “A Journey from Italian Piazzas to Tunisian Souks.” This itinerary includes unique stops in Sorrento, Tunis, and Port Mahón as the ship sails from Civitavecchia to Barcelona.
A Journey of Iberian Wonder and Moroccan Mystic
Date: October 6, 2024
Length: 10 nights
Homeport: Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: Málaga, Ibiza (Spain); Gibraltar (UK); Tangier (Morocco); Lisbon, Portimão (Portugal)
In October, the Explora II will offer a ten-night cruise exploring the Iberian Peninsula and the Atlantic. Departing from Barcelona, this round-trip itinerary includes off-the-beaten-path ports like Ibiza, Tangier, and Portimão.
Spain and Morocco
Date: October 16, 2024
Length: 9 nights
Homeport: Barcelona (Spain)
Itinerary: Motril, Puerto Banús, Cádiz (Spain); Casablanca (Morocco)
While the Explora I ventures into the Eastern Mediterranean, the Explora II will continue exploring the Western Mediterranean during its maiden season. In mid-October, the ship will embark on a nine-night cruise with stops in lesser-known ports such as Puerto Banús and Motril.
First Trans-Atlantic Crossing
Date: November 5, 2024
Length: 17 nights
Homeports: Barcelona (Spain) to Miami (United States)
Itinerary: Funchal (Portugal); Bridgetown (Barbados); Fort de France (Martinique); Castries (St. Lucia); St. John’s (Antigua); San Juan (Puerto Rico)
The Explora II will conclude its maiden season with a 17-night trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise, sailing from Barcelona to Miami. This exciting itinerary includes stops in Funchal (Portugal), Bridgetown (Barbados), and St. John’s (Antigua), among other destinations.
