Explora II: Luxury Sets Sail with MSC’s Floating Palace

In mid-July, the arrival of Explora II at Port Hercule turned heads. Measuring 248 meters and designed to offer a highly personalized luxury experience, this next-generation ship from Explora Journeys – the MSC brand launched in 2021 – is redefining premium cruising.

With capacity for 922 guests across 14 decks, Explora II moves away from the concept of mass tourism to embrace a tailor-made travel experience in spacious and refined settings. On board, there are no standard cabins, only suites with private terraces starting at 35 m², up to the ultra-luxurious Residences, boasting over 370 m² of indoor and outdoor space. The culinary offering is equally curated, with six gourmet restaurants, twelve bars, four pools, and a 1,000 m² thalassotherapy spa.

During the official plaque exchange ceremony between Captain Pietro Sinsi and Monegasque authorities, brand president Anna Nash highlighted the deep connection between Monaco and Explora Journeys:

“Every stop in the Principality is a highlight. Monaco blends glamour, elegance, and timeless tradition – values that perfectly match our vision of modern luxury.”

The company’s strong ties with Monaco include a long-standing partnership with Formula 1, allowing Explora to offer exclusive experiences during the Grand Prix, as well as environmental collaborations, particularly with the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Monaco Ocean Week, supported by the MSC Foundation.

General Manager for France and Belgium, Patrick Pourbaix, refers to Explora II as a “floating palace”:

“Our idea of luxury is about freedom: generous spaces, personalized services, and a constant focus on sustainability.”

Environmental innovation is at the heart of the project. The ship’s propellers are designed to reduce underwater noise and protect whale migration routes. While Explora I and II run on light fuel, future ships (Explora III and IV) will operate on LNG, cutting CO₂ emissions by 25%. Ships V and VI will be hybrid, equipped with hydrogen fuel cells producing 6 MW of power. Once docked, these ships will operate with zero emissions, engines off, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

“Better than any hotel on land,” says Pourbaix.

With six ships planned by 2028, Explora Journeys isn’t just reimagining cruising – it’s transforming travel into a new art of conscious luxury. And Monaco, with its harbor and exclusive ambiance, is the perfect stage.