Explora I - Mediterranean Charms: Barcelona to Rome
Explora Journeys' Explora I sails a 7-night one-way voyage from Barcelona to Rome, crossing to Tunisia and Malta before tracing the Sicilian and Amalfi coasts in all-inclusive luxury.
Price Range
$$$$$
Ultra-Luxury
*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Explora Journeys before booking.
Ship Details — Explora I
View full Explora I detailsYear Built
2023
Tonnage
63,900 GT
Passengers
922
Crew
646
Decks
14
Class
Explora
Itinerary & Route Map
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Onboard Amenities
Cruise Highlights
About the Ship
What Travelers Say About Explora I
Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Explora I sailing. Based on 600 discussions.
Explora I is the debut ship of Explora Journeys, MSC's luxury brand launched in 2023, and it stands out by feeling more like a sleek European design hotel than a traditional cruise ship. Every one of its 461 cabins is a suite, even the entry-level 377 sq ft Ocean Terrace, and the 922-guest vessel leans into space, wellness, and contemporary design rather than the gilded formality of older luxury lines. The vibe is relaxed and no-pretension, with no formal nights, and it draws a notably younger, more international crowd (a strong European mix alongside North Americans and Brits) than its rivals.
What People Love
- Every one of the 461 cabins is a suite, and the 377 sq ft entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite is billed as the largest base-category room in cruising, with a balcony up to 75 sq ft
- Genuinely all-inclusive fare: drinks (including most wines and spirits), specialty coffees, gratuities, and what reviewers call some of the best free Wi-Fi at sea are all bundled in
- Six standalone restaurants instead of a main dining room (Mediterranean, French, steakhouse/seafood, pan-Asian, modern European, plus an upscale buffet with a dozen-plus stations) give a land-based foodie feel
Common Complaints
- Entertainment is the most common complaint, repeatedly called weak compared to the food and service, with minimal traditional shows and daytime activities drawing small crowds
- Restaurant service can lag at peak times, with guests reporting frequent requests needed for wine and water top-ups and servers reaching across diners
- Ubiquitous background music throughout the ship draws repeated complaints, leaving little quiet space to hear the sea