A ship that behaves like a hotel rather than a ship. Suites only, every one facing the sea, and an itinerary that changes city while you sleep.
The house reading
Explora is the brand the MSC Group built for people who never pictured themselves on a cruise.
The ships are built by Fincantieri in Genoa and designed like hotels. Around nine hundred guests per voyage, suites only with terraces, six restaurants, twelve bars and lounges, a spa. The rhythm is a hotel’s, not a ship’s.
Explora is a long-standing commercial partner of WAYFARER. We have followed the brand since its first ship, and that is what lets us say with confidence which suite, which date and which route make sense for each trip.
The brand is growing fast. Two ships have sailed since 2023 and 2024, the third entered service in July 2026, and two more arrive in 2027. Next December, for the first time, one of them comes to Brazil.
Operator
Explora Journeys, MSC Group
Guests
Around 900 per ship
Rooms
Suites only, all facing the sea
Relationship
A long-standing WAYFARER partner
From 2 to 7 June 2027, EXPLORA I berths in Port Hercule, around 150 metres from the circuit, for the third year running. She is the only ship of her kind in the harbour throughout the weekend. The guide below separates the harbour base, circuit access and longer Mediterranean sailings.
Harbour baseSuite
A stay aboard, with a terrace over the harbour, for those who already hold tickets or would rather watch from the ship.
Circuit accessGrandstand
Three days in the grandstand, with the ship as a base between sessions.
Paddock accessPaddock Club
Paddock Club hospitality, a pit lane walk and appearances by Formula 1 drivers and ambassadors. This option is released after the first two.
By seaMediterranean
Race weekend can become the centre of a longer sailing.
The race is on Sunday 6 June 2027. Availability has been open since September 2026. The onboard programme has not been published.
Discuss Monaco aboard EXPLORA IRoutes at a glance
In the 2027 and 2028 season, EXPLORA I makes her South American debut: ten journeys, thirty-seven destinations and twenty ports new to the brand, twelve of them in Brazil. There are overnights in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Puerto Madryn.
In December 2027, the route links Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro by way of Málaga, Tangier, Recife and Maceió.
Departure: Barcelona.
Arrival: Rio de Janeiro.
Length: 17 nights.
Period: December 2027.
Named calls: Málaga, Tangier, Recife and Maceió.
The coast sets the rhythm: Paraty, Ilhabela, Porto Belo and Punta del Este before the final arrival in Argentina.
Departure: Rio de Janeiro. Arrival: Buenos Aires. Length: 7 nights. First departure: 21 December 2027.
Discuss this routeThe northbound route calls at Montevideo, Búzios and Ilha Grande. Departures alternate with the southbound journey through the season.
Departure: Buenos Aires.
Arrival: Rio de Janeiro.
Length: 7 nights.
First departure: 28 December 2027.
Named calls: Montevideo, Búzios and Ilha Grande.
In January 2028, the route runs from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia by way of the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas and Cape Horn.
Departure: Buenos Aires.
Arrival: Ushuaia.
Length: 8 nights.
Period: January 2028.
Named passages: Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas and Cape Horn.
What we say upfront
The cruises are operated and sold by Explora Journeys. Dates and routes above come from information published by the company and its sales channels; they are references and may change. Suite, flights, nights ashore and transfers are ours to arrange, and we confirm in writing what is secured before any payment.
Six ships from one family, built in sequence. The four newest run on liquefied natural gas, part of the brand’s goal of net-zero marine operations by 2050.
2023I
In service since August 2023. The ship for Monaco and the Brazil season.
2024II
Delivered in September 2024, a twin of the first.
2026III
The first to run on liquefied natural gas, in service since July 2026.
2027IV and V
Both arrive during 2027.
2028VI
Completes the planned fleet.
On board
Photographs by Explora Journeys, published with permission.
Questions
The brand the MSC Group created with ships designed as hotels: around nine hundred guests per voyage and suites only, each with a terrace facing the sea.
From 2 to 7 June 2027, moored in Port Hercule, about 150 metres from the circuit. The race is on Sunday, 6 June.
In December 2027, with the crossing from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro that opens the 2027 and 2028 season in South America.
Suite, dates, flights and the nights before and after embarkation come in writing within 24 business hours.
The best seat for the Monaco Grand Prix may be your suite.
Get in touchOr see the Monaco Grand Prix and yacht charter.
In-depth reading · WAYFARER
Covered by kilometres of ice, Antarctica remains one of the most isolated regions in the world.
Read in the magazine ↗
In-depth reading · WAYFARER
Marguerite joins Les Bateaux Belmond for intimate journeys along Burgundy’s historic canals.
Read in the magazine ↗
