MSC Explora 5

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

The vessel (IMO number 9977892) will sail under the Malta flag (MMSI tba) and be registered in Valletta. Delivery is planned for Q3 2027.

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is headquartered in Genoa and Naples. Founded in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of the MSC Group, the world's second-largest containership operator and the largest privately owned cruise company.

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

The EXPLORA ships offer spacious interior public areas, over 2500 m² (~27,000 ft²) of outdoor deck space, an expansive Sundeck (with 64 private cabanas), three outdoor swimming pools (two aft, one forward), and a midship pool covered by a retractable glass roof (an indoor pool with a two-deck sunbathing area and a large LED screen for movies, UHD visuals, and real-time sea views). Additional amenities include several Jacuzzis (indoor and outdoor, including a crew whirlpool), sundecks with poolside dining and lounging, and nine dining venues plus 24-hour in-suite dining.

Explora V’s wellness complex covers 700+ m² (7500+ ft²) and includes an indoor-outdoor Spa (with nine treatment rooms, thermal suites, and a beauty salon) and a Gym (270+ m² / 2900+ ft², equipped with the latest fitness technology) with a dedicated Fitness Studio for classes and personal training. A two-lane Running Track encircles the Deck 12 sunbathing area.

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

For additional details, see the ship’s Wiki section.

Decks and cabins

All MSC Explora V staterooms (463 total) are outside, balconied, and in Suite categories.

Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a private terrace. Standard accommodations (OCEAN TERRACE SUITES) measure 35-39 m² / 375-420 ft², with 28 m² (300 ft²) of interior space and balconies of 7-11 m² (75-120 ft²).

The largest suite is the OWNER'S RESIDENCE (280 m² / 3015 ft²), consisting of 155 m² (1670 ft²) of interior space and a 125 m² (1345 ft²) aft-facing wraparound terrace with an infinity whirlpool.

Cabin categories include: Owner's Residence (1), Ocean Residences (22), Ocean Penthouses (67), and Ocean Suites (371). There are 82 interconnecting suites designed for families and small groups.

Complimentary “MSC Yacht Club” 24-hour butler service is available to all Ocean Residences and Ocean Penthouses, including packing/unpacking, laundry and pressing assistance, room service coordination, itinerary and transportation arrangements, special 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 room service), unlimited beverages (fine wines, premium liquors, specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks), complimentary in-suite mini-bar, free access to Spa and Fitness facilities (including training programs), gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, Welcome Aboard gifts (flowers, chocolates, Champagne), premium shuttle services (port–city center), 24-hour concierge, twice-daily housekeeping (with evening turndown), and shoeshine service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

All public venues (restaurants, lounges, bars) feature floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic sea views. Sundecks are wind-protected with wraparound glass walls and furnished with premium outdoor seating (sofas, padded loungers, daybeds, deckchairs), as well as lush greenery.

The all-inclusive dining concept offers flexible meal times and gourmet cuisine prepared with sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.

The ship has 18 food and beverage venues, including 10 dining options (six restaurants and the Chef’s Kitchen) and 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor, four outdoor). Wine selections change with each itinerary, and a certified sommelier provides pairing recommendations for boutique labels.

Listed below are the ship's restaurants.

• Anthology (Deck 4, midship/international cuisine). Features rotating menus created by visiting celebrity chefs in collaboration with Explora Journeys’ Head Chef Franck Garanger.
• Sakura (Deck 5, aft-portside/Pan-Asian cuisine including Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian; sake sommelier; Asian beverages; modern Asian music).
• Marble & Co. Grill (Deck 5, midship/steakhouse with wine cellar; sustainably sourced beef).
• Med Yacht Club (Deck 4, midship-portside/Mediterranean cuisine from France, Spain, Italy, Greece; regional wines and cocktails; fresh juices).
• Emporium Marketplace (Deck 11, aft/all-day buffet with 18 cooking stations including sushi, seafood, rotisserie, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, charcuterie, cheese, bakery; beverage stations with soft drinks, teas, coffees, juices, wines, Champagne).
• Fil Rouge (French cuisine and French-inspired international dishes; dessert cart; curated wine list).
• Chef's Kitchen & Private Dining Room (Deck 11, forward-starboard/capacity 12; surcharge applies).

In-suite dining is available 24 hours.

Listed below are the ship's lounges and bars.

• Lobby Bar (Deck 4, midship)
• Malt Whiskey Bar (Deck 11, forward-portside/smoking terrace, walk-in humidor, curated rare whiskies)
• Journeys Lounge (Deck 4, forward/enrichment and entertainment programs)
• Explora Lounge (Deck 11, forward/270° sea views, Afternoon Tea, light meals)
• Gelateria & Creperie (Deck 11, midship-starboard/gourmet ice cream, crepes, coffees)
• Crema Cafe (Deck 5, midship-starboard/premium coffees, juices, pastries, desserts)
• Astern Lounge (Deck 5, aft/live music, DJ programming)
• Astern Pool & Bar (Deck 5, aft/poolside bar with nightly entertainment)
• Sky Bar on 14 (Deck 14, aft/outdoor lounge)
• Atoll Pool & Bar (Deck 10, aft)
• Helios Pool & Bar (Deck 12, forward/adults-only)
• The Conservatory Pool & Bar (Deck 11, midship/glass-roofed; transforms into outdoor cinema at night)

Deck 3 houses the Aft Marina Deck (for watersports), the Marina Lounge & Bar, and two Tender Areas (port and starboard) for ship-to-shore transfers. Forward-starboard is the Infirmary/Medical Centre.

Deck 4 features the Forward Lounge (with stage and amphitheater seating), Casino (table games and slots), Lobby Hall (Guest Services and Destination Experiences), duty-free Boutiques, and two restaurants (Mediterranean-style portside, International-style starboard) adjacent to the Galley.

The onboard retail area includes the first at-sea Rolex Boutique—opened through a 2023 partnership between Explora Journeys and Rolex SA—offering a wide selection of Swiss luxury watches including the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line.

Another signature boutique is the “Watch and Jewelry Shop” (introduced in 2023), selling Swiss premium brands such as Cartier, Panerai, and Piaget.

Deck 5 includes the indoor-outdoor Spa (treatment rooms, thermal suites, beauty salon), the Concept Restaurant, Coffee Lounge (patisserie), Steakhouse, Art Gallery (original artworks and auctions), and MSC Foundation venue. Aft are the Pan-Asian Restaurant, Aft Lounge & Bar, and the Lower Aft Plunge Pool & Lounge.

Deck 6 is a crew-only area with accommodations, Messhall, lounge, and a bow-facing crew sundeck with a Jacuzzi.

Deck 11 (Lido Deck) combines passenger staterooms with the Fitness Complex (Gym and Fitness Studio), the indoor main pool (retractable roof), sunbathing area, Gelateria & Creperie, All-Day Dining Restaurant (Lido buffet with aft terrace), and the Upper Aft Pool & Lounge.

Deck 12 features the Forward Pool & Lounge (adults-only) and the two-lane Running Track encircling the deck.

Deck 14 offers the Panorama Lounge & Bar (with whirlpool and sunbathing areas) and the Sports Court. Midship are the Funnels adjacent to the retractable roof over the Deck 11 pool.

Journey Together Gatherings (family program)

In May 2023, Explora Journeys introduced “Journey Together Gatherings,” a program designed for multigenerational families.

The program includes a dedicated children’s lounge (Nautilus Club for ages 6–17), destination-themed family activities, and complimentary land-to-ship transfers.

The Nautilus Club offers supervised age-appropriate activities, including interactive gaming (PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), sports contests, creative workshops, and games. The facility also features its own heated pools and a Sports Court.

Each Explora ship has 82 interconnecting suites for families, in Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, and Ocean Residence categories. In these accommodations, one minor (under 18) sails free.

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

Itineraries

MSC Explora Journeys itineraries focus on 7-night voyages in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, Iceland), featuring lesser-visited ports, extended stays, unconventional arrival/departure times, and multiple overnights to provide immersive ashore experiences.

Explora 5’s Maiden Voyage is scheduled for December 4, 2027, departing from Rome. The inaugural 7-day Mediterranean itinerary (Civitavecchia–Rome to Istanbul) visits Naples, Messina (Sicily), Piraeus–Athens, Volos–Meteora, and concludes in Istanbul.