Explora II - Greek Isles to Venice: Athens to Fusina
This one-way journey links the Aegean and the Adriatic, pairing the small Cycladic and Dodecanese harbors of Paros and Patmos with Corfu, Hvar and the rarely-cruised Croatian port of Rijeka before finishing at Venice's Fusina terminal. Long port stays and a single sea day fit Explora's slow-travel, yacht-style pacing.
Price Range
$$$$$
Ultra-Luxury
*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Explora Journeys before booking.
Ship Details — Explora II
View full Explora II detailsYear Built
2024
Tonnage
63,900 GT
Passengers
922
Crew
640
Decks
14
Class
Explora Class
Itinerary & Route Map
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Onboard Amenities
Cruise Highlights
About the Ship
What Travelers Say About Explora II
Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Explora II sailing. Based on 70 discussions.
Explora II is the second ship from Explora Journeys, MSC Group's luxury start-up, and it doubles down on the brand's 'ocean state of mind' pitch: all-suite, all-ocean-front accommodation, four pools, no formal nights and a deliberately unhurried atmosphere. In service since August 2024, it has accumulated enough reviews to show a clear pattern - near-universal praise for the hardware and design, with a more contested verdict on whether the operation consistently delivers luxury-line service.
What People Love
- All 461 suites face the ocean with private terraces, and entry-level suites start around 377 sq ft - bigger than most lines' top balconies
- Emporium Marketplace reinvents the buffet: nearly everything is cooked a la minute at chef stations rather than sitting in trays
- Four pools for 922 guests - including a glass-roofed conservatory pool - mean a lounger is never in question
Common Complaints
- Service polish is inconsistent for the price - reviewers report brilliant crew in some venues and untrained, slow service in others
- Food quality divides guests: some meals rate as exceptional, others as surprisingly ordinary for a line built around dining
- Entertainment is minimal by design - a lounge singer or duo most nights - which some guests find too quiet even for luxury