MSC Explora 4

The 2027-built MSC Explora 4 cruise ship (officially "Explora IV") is the fourth in a series of six MSC EXPLORA-class expedition ships, with fleetmates Explora 1 (2023), Explora 2 (2024), Explora 3 (2026/sistership), Explora 5 (2027), and Explora 6 (2028). These vessels are owned by the MSC Group and operated as a separate fleet under MSC’s luxury brand EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

The vessel (IMO number 9869904) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta. Delivery is currently scheduled for April 2026.

History – construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is headquartered in Genoa and Naples. Established in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) – the world’s second-largest container shipping company. MSC is also the world’s largest privately owned cruise company.

By annual passenger volumes, MSC ranks as the world’s third-largest cruise shipowner, following Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group.

MSC’s EXPLORA ships offer extensive indoor public spaces and more than 2500 m2 (~27,000 ft2) of outdoor deck areas. Facilities include a spacious Sundeck with 64 private cabanas, three outdoor swimming pools (two aft and one forward), plus a midship pool covered by a retractable glass roof (two-deck sunbathing area, LED screen used for movies and real-time sea views); multiple Jacuzzies (indoor and outdoor spa pools/whirlpools, including one crew pool); and numerous open-air dining and lounging areas. Guests enjoy nine dining venues (restaurants and food bars) plus 24-hour in-suite dining.

Explora IV’s wellness complex exceeds 700 m2 (7500+ ft2) and includes an indoor-outdoor Spa (nine treatment rooms, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon) and a 270+ m2 (2900+ ft2) Gym equipped with the latest fitness technology, along with a separate Fitness Studio for group classes and personal training. A Running Track encircles the Deck 12 sunbathing area.

The passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.25 ensures highly attentive and personalized service.

For additional details on the EXPLORA-class vessels, refer to the ship’s Wiki section.

Decks and cabins

All MSC Explora IV staterooms (463 total) are outside suites with private balconies.

Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a step-out terrace. Standard suites range from 35–39 m2 / 375–420 ft2 (OCEAN TERRACE SUITE), with 28 m2 (300 ft2) indoors and 7–11 m2 (75–120 ft2) of balcony space.

The largest accommodation is the OWNER’S RESIDENCE (280 m2 / 3015 ft2), comprising 155 m2 (1670 ft2) of indoor space and a 125 m2 (1345 ft2) aft-facing wraparound balcony with an infinity whirlpool.

Cabin types include the Owner’s Residence (1), Ocean Residences (22), Ocean Penthouses (67), and Ocean Suites (371). There are 82 interconnecting cabins (Family Suites) designed for families and small groups.

Complimentary “MSC Yacht Club” 24-hour butler services are provided to all Ocean Residences and Ocean Penthouses, including packing/unpacking, pressing and laundry assistance, room service coordination, itinerary and transportation planning, event planning, and reservation support onboard and ashore.

The ship has 13 decks, of which 11 are accessible to passengers and 5 contain accommodations.

MSC Explora Journeys fares include accommodations; dining at nine venues plus 24-hour room service; unlimited beverages (fine wines, premium liquors, specialty coffees/teas, soft drinks); complimentary in-suite mini-bar; access to Spa, Fitness, and training programs; gratuities; unlimited Wi-Fi; Welcome Aboard Gifts (flowers, chocolates, Champagne); premium shuttle transport (port–city); concierge service; twice-daily housekeeping (including turndown); and shoeshine service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

All public venues (restaurants, lounges, bars) feature floor-to-ceiling windows for unobstructed sea views. Sundecks are wind-protected by wraparound glass walls, furnished with premium patio sets (three-seater sofas, padded loungers, double daybeds, deckchairs), and enhanced with lush living plants.

The dining experience is all-inclusive, with flexible dining times and gourmet dishes prepared using sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.

The ship has 18 food and beverage venues, including 10 dining venues (six restaurants plus Chef’s Kitchen) and 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor). Wine selections match the sailing region, with certified sommeliers available for boutique labels and wine pairing.

Below are the ship’s restaurants.

• Anthology (midship Deck 4, international cuisine). A showcase venue where guest celebrity chefs create special menus in collaboration with Franck Garanger (Explora Journeys’ Head Chef).
• Sakura (aft-port Deck 5, Pan-Asian cuisine: Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian; Sake sommelier; Asian beverages; modern Asian music).
• Marble & Co. Grill (midship Deck 5, steakhouse with wine cellar; sustainably farmed beef).
• Med Yacht Club (midship-port Deck 4, Mediterranean cuisine featuring specialties from France, Spain, Italy, and Greece; regional wines; cocktails with local ingredients; fresh-pressed juices).
• Emporium Marketplace (aft Deck 11, all-day buffet with destination-themed cuisine; 18 cooking stations including sushi, seafood, rotisserie, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, charcuterie, cheese, bakery; beverage stations with soft drinks, premium teas/coffees, fresh juices, wines, Champagne).
• Fil Rouge (French cuisine and French-inspired international dishes; dessert trolley/tableside service; curated wine selection).
• Chef’s Kitchen & Private Dining Room (forward-starboard Deck 11, 12-seat venue; surcharge applies).

In-suite dining is available 24 hours.

Below are the ship’s lounges and bars.

• Lobby Bar (midship Deck 4).
• Malt Whiskey Bar (forward-port Deck 11, with smoking terrace, walk-in humidor/cigar expert, and an extensive whiskey collection including rare labels).
• Journeys Lounge (forward Deck 4, hosting the line’s enrichment and entertainment program).
• Explora Lounge (forward Deck 11, 270-degree views; Afternoon Tea; light meals and snacks).
• Gelateria & Creperie (midship-starboard Deck 11, within The Conservatory; gourmet ice cream, crepes, specialty coffees).
• Crema Café (midship-starboard Deck 5; premium coffees by certified baristas, fresh juices, pastries, cakes, desserts).
• Astern Lounge (aft Deck 5; daily live music; nightclub with DJ programming).
• Astern Pool & Bar (aft Deck 5; poolside lounge with nightly acoustic sets and DJs).
• Sky Bar (Deck 14 aft, outdoor lounge).
• Atoll Pool & Bar (aft Deck 10).
• Helios Pool & Bar (forward Deck 12, adults-only outdoor pool lounge).

The Conservatory Pool & Bar (midship Deck 11, glass-roof–protected pool lounge that transforms into an evening cinema).

Deck 3 features the Aft Marina Deck (for watersports embarkation), adjacent Marina Lounge & Bar, two Tender Areas (port/starboard) for guest transfers via tender boats, and the forward-starboard Medical Centre.

Deck 4 includes the Forward Lounge (large stage and amphitheater-style seating), Casino (table games and slot machines), Lobby Hall (24-hour Guest Services/Reception and Destination Experiences desk), Duty-Free Boutiques, and two restaurants (Mediterranean-style to port, International-style to starboard) with an adjacent Galley.

The onboard shops include the first at-sea Rolex Boutique, introduced through an exclusive partnership (June 2023) between Explora Journeys and Rolex SA. The boutique offers a curated selection of Rolex models, including the Oyster Perpetual series.

The “Watch and Jewelry Shop” (introduced July 2023) features luxury Swiss brands such as Cartier, Panerai, and Piaget.

Deck 5 houses the indoor-outdoor Spa (nine treatment rooms, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon), Concept Restaurant, Coffee Lounge (patisserie), Steakhouse, Art Gallery (with exhibitions and auctions), and the MSC Foundation venue (dedicated to MSC Group’s conservation and humanitarian initiatives). Aft are the Pan-Asian Restaurant, Aft Lounge & Bar, and the Lower Aft Plunge Pool & Lounge.

The forward section of Deck 6 is a crew-only area with staff accommodations, Messhall (crew dining room and bar), and a bow-facing crew sundeck with a large Jacuzzi/spa pool.

Deck 11 (Lido Deck) includes passenger staterooms and the Fitness complex (Gym and Fitness Studio). Midship is the main swimming pool (under a retractable glass roof) with its sunbathing area, served by the Gelateria & Creperie and the All-Day Dining Restaurant (indoor buffet with aft terrace). Aft is the Upper Aft Pool & Lounge (outdoor bar, 4-seat tables, pool, daybeds, padded loungers).

Deck 12 features the Forward Pool & Lounge (adults-only area with a large pool and sundeck) and the 2-lane Running Track that loops around most of the deck.

Deck 14 aft includes the Panorama Lounge & Bar (open-air venue with whirlpool and sunbathing areas) and the Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, football, tennis). Midship are the twin funnels adjacent to the retractable glass roof over Deck 11’s pool.

Journey Together Gatherings (family program)

Introduced in May 2023, Explora Journeys’ “Journey Together Gatherings” is a multi-generational family program.

It includes a dedicated children’s lounge (Nautilus Club for kids and teens), destination-themed family experiences, and complimentary land-to-ship transfers.

The Nautilus Club offers supervised, age-specific activities for children aged 6–17, including interactive gaming (PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), sports tournaments, workshops, and games. The club has its own heated pools and Sports Court.

Each EXPLORA ship offers 82 interconnecting staterooms (for families with children) across three categories: Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, and Ocean Residence. One minor (under 18) per family cabin sails free.

Infants and toddlers (6–23 months) cruise free, while children aged 2–17 receive a 50% fare reduction.

Itineraries

MSC Explora Journeys’ itinerary program (from 2027) is centered on 7-night / 8-day European voyages (Mediterranean, Baltic/Norway, Iceland), featuring lesser-visited ports, extended port stays (non-standard arrival/departure times), and numerous overnights to enhance shore-side experiences.

The Maiden Voyage is scheduled for April 15, 2027, departing from Genoa. The inaugural itinerary (“A Journey of Cultural Gems and Golden Shores”) visits Marseille, Barcelona, Malaga, Tangier (Morocco), Cadiz-Seville, and ends in Lisbon.

The inaugural season includes the following itineraries:

• “A Journey of Coastal Charm and Enchanting Horizons” (Lisbon to Southampton)
• “A Journey through Striking Shorelines and Fjordland Wonders” (Southampton to Copenhagen)
• “A Journey through Nordic Charms and Baltic Treasures” (Copenhagen roundtrip)
• “A Journey of Coastal Allure and Artistic Marvels” (Copenhagen to Southampton)
• “A Journey through Nordic Discoveries and Geothermal Wonders” (Southampton to Reykjavik)
• “A Journey through Serene Shores and Natural Marvels” (Reykjavik to Southampton)
• “A Journey of Breathtaking Arctic Wilderness and Mystical Norwegian Scenery” (Southampton roundtrip to Norway)
• “A Journey of Lace Streets, Glacial Fjords and Wild Coastline” (Southampton to Copenhagen)
• “A Journey of Charming Villages and Glorious Waterside Scenery” (Copenhagen to Southampton)
• “A Journey through Scenic Fjords and Enriching Discovery” (Southampton to Copenhagen)
• “A Journey of Nordic Sensory Wonders and Wild Mountain Ranges” (Copenhagen roundtrip to Norway)
• “A Journey of Enchanting Capitals and Natural Havens” (Copenhagen roundtrip to Scandinavia)
• “A Journey through Vibrant Cultural Treasures and Historic Marvels” (Copenhagen to Southampton)
• “A Journey of Beguiling Landscapes and Endless Enchantment” (Southampton to Copenhagen)
• “A Journey through Canalside Allure and Scenic Coastal Delights” (Copenhagen to Southampton)
• “A Journey of Enthralling Natural Beauty and Icelandic Wonders” (Southampton to Reykjavik)
• (Sep 4) “A Journey through Spectacular Waters and Nordic Coastal Contours” (Transatlantic: Reykjavik to Quebec City)
• “A Journey from Coastal Mystique to Dynamic Cityscapes” (Quebec City to New York City)
• “A Journey through Ocean Mists and Radiant Island Tranquillity” (New York City to Quebec City)
• (Oct 25) “A Journey from Forested Shores to Glittering Horizons” (Quebec City to Miami)