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 2027 Q3.

Compared to the original/initial design, Explora V is longer (by 19 m) and bigger (by 8900 GT tons). This extra volume allows expanded public spaces, redesigned venues, additional amenities, larger staterooms, and space for advanced systems (including LNG propulsion/fuel infrastructure).

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 public space per guest is calculated at 19,5 m2, which is among the industry's highest.

The 1,25 passenger-to-crew ratio ensures highly attentive service from a dedicated staff.

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 the Owner’s Residences (2), Ocean Residences (39; including 2x COCOON, 2x SERENITY, 6x RETREAT, 29x COVE), Penthouses (100; including 11x GRAND, 65x PREMIER, 27x DELUXE, 6x PENTHOUSE), and Ocean Suites (296; including 70x Ocean GRAND TERRACE and 226x Ocean TERRACE).

The ship has 82 interconnecting staterooms (Family Suites) designed to accommodate 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 with panoramic sea views. Sundecks are wind-protected with wraparound glass walls, furnished with premium outdoor furniture (three-seat sofas, padded loungers, double daybeds, deckchairs), and decorated with abundant live plants.

The onboard dining program is fully all-inclusive, offering flexible dining times and gourmet cuisine prepared with sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.

The ship offers 18 food and beverage venues, including 10 dining options (6 restaurants plus Chef’s Kitchen) and 12 bars and lounges (8 indoor, 4 outdoor). Wine selections vary by itinerary, with certified sommeliers providing pairing recommendations and boutique wine service.

The ship has 12x lifts (6x forward and 6x aft elevators), with additional floor access via indoor and outdoor staircases.

In-suite dining is available 24 hours a day.

Deck 3 houses the Aft Marina Deck (for launching watersports activities), the Marina Lounge & Bar, and two Tender Areas (port and starboard). Forward-starboard is the Infirmary/Medical Centre. The Marina Lounge & Bar is positioned at the stern of the vessel and serves as one of the public social spaces on that deck, offering drinks and seating near the Marina/tender facilities.

Deck 4 houses the Forward Lounge/Journeys Lounge (with a large stage and amphitheatrical seating), the Casino (gaming lounge fitted with table games and slot machines), the midship Lobby Hall (24-hour Guest Services/Reception Desk for assistance, Destination Experiences for information on and organizing of land tours and excursions), Lobby Bar, Boutiques (duty-free shops), and two restaurants - Med Yacht Club (Mediterranean-style) and Fil Rouge (International-style), with an adjacent Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for food and beverages).

The onboard shops include the first at-sea Rolex Boutique, opened through a partnership signed in June 2023. The boutique offers an extensive selection of Rolex models, including the Oyster Perpetual collection. Another premium retail venue is the “Watch and Jewelry Shop,” introduced in July 2023, offering Cartier, Panerai, and Piaget timepieces.

Deck 5 houses the Ocean Wellness complex (sized 700+ m2 / 7500+ ft2, an indoor-outdoor Spa consisting of 9x Treatment Rooms for massages, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon for manicures, pedicures, hairdresser and barber services), Chef's Kitchen and Anthology Restaurant, Crema Cafe (coffee lounge/patisserie), Marble & Co. Grill (steakhouse restaurant with a wine cellar), Art Gallery (original artworks on display, also hosts art auctions), MSC Foundation (Aponte family's not-for-profit organization that manages MSC Group's conservation and humanitarian activities), Sakura Restaurant (Pan-Asian/Japanese cuisine), the Astern Pool & Bar (Aft Lounge & Bar/live music entertainment daily, doubles as nightclub with a DJ programming), the Lower Aft Plunge Pool & Lounge (poolside bar lounge with nightly live music, with an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck).

Deck 6 forward is crew-only, with staff accommodations, Messhall (crew dining and lounge), and the crew sundeck (bow-facing, with a large Jacuzzi).

Deck 10 houses the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse (with adjacent Captain’s Suite and officers' quarters), the Fitness Center (270+ m2 / 2900+ ft2, Gym Room with Technogym equipment, a separate Fitness Studio for group classes and personal training sessions), the Atoll Pool & Bar (Upper Aft Pool & Lounge with a sundeck, an open-air Atoll Bar, an outdoor swimming pool, sunbathing area with daybeds and padded loungers).

Deck 11 (Lido Deck) houses the bow-facing Explora Lounge, Malt Whiskey & Cigar Bar (smoking-allowed venue with an Outdoor Cigar Lounge/terrace), Meeting Rooms, children's facilities (Nautilus Club Juniors and Nautilus Club Teens), the midship Conservatory Pool & Bar (main indoor swimming pool covered by a retractable glass roof, surrounding sunbathing area, two large Indoor Whirlpools/spa pools; the pool deck is served by the poolside bar Gelateria & Creperie/snacks and beverages, and the Emporium Marketplace/indoor Lido buffet with an aft terrace/outdoor seating). In the evenings, the Conservatory Pool & Bar/pool deck transforms into a Cinema for watching movies under the stars.

Deck 14 houses the aft "Sky Bar on 14" (fka Panorama Lounge/outdoor venue with a Whirlpool/Jacuzzi and sundeck), the Ocean Wellness Open Air Fitness & Sports Court (outdoor facility for playing basketball, volleyball, football, tennis), the Funnels (smokestacks), and the Retractable Glass-Roof (covering the main swimming pool on Deck 11). Deck 14 is accessed only via outdoor stairs.

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.