MSC Explora 6

The 2028-built MSC Explora 6 cruise ship (officially “Explora VI”) is the sixth and final vessel in the MSC EXPLORA-class of expedition-style luxury ships, joining Explora 1 (2023), Explora 2 (2024), Explora 3 (2026), Explora 4 (2027), and Explora 5 (2027). These vessels are owned by the MSC Group and operated as a dedicated luxury fleet under MSC’s premium brand EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

The vessel (IMO number 9977907) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI to be announced) and registered in Valletta. Delivery is currently scheduled for Q3 2027.

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples. Founded in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) — the world’s second-largest containership operator and the largest privately owned cruise company.

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

MSC’s EXPLORA-class vessels offer extensive interior public spaces, more than 2500 m2 (~27,000 ft2) of exterior deck areas, a spacious Sundeck with 64 private cabanas, three outdoor swimming pools (two aft, one forward), and one midship indoor pool covered by a retractable glass roof (spanning two decks, featuring a large LED screen for movies, UHD visuals, and real-time ocean views). Additional amenities include multiple Jacuzzies (indoor and outdoor whirlpools, including a crew pool), poolside dining, lounging zones, nine distinct dining venues (restaurants and food bars), and 24-hour in-suite dining.

Explora VI’s state-of-the-art wellness complex spans more than 700 m2 (7500+ ft2) and includes an indoor-outdoor Spa (nine treatment rooms, thermal suite, beauty salon) and a Gym (270+ m2 / 2900+ ft2, fitted with the latest equipment), along with a separate Fitness Studio for group classes and personal training. A Running Track surrounds the Sundeck’s sunbathing area on Deck 12.

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

For more detailed information on MSC’s EXPLORA-class ships, refer to the vessel’s Wiki section.

Decks and cabins

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

Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a step-out terrace. Standard accommodations (OCEAN TERRACE SUITE) measure 35–39 m2 / 375–420 ft2, including 28 m2 (300 ft2) indoor area and a 7–11 m2 (75–120 ft2) balcony.

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

Cabin categories include the Owner’s Residence (1), Ocean Residences (22), Ocean Penthouses (67), and Ocean Suites (371). The ship offers 82 interconnecting cabins (Family Suites) intended for families and small groups.

“MSC Yacht Club” 24-hour butler service is complimentary for all Ocean Residences and Ocean Penthouses. Services include packing/unpacking, pressing and laundry support, room service coordination, itinerary and transportation planning, event planning, and reservations assistance (onboard and ashore).

The vessel has 13 decks, of which 11 are accessible to passengers and 5 accommodate staterooms.

Explora Journeys fares include accommodations, dining at nine venues (plus 24-hour room service), unlimited beverages (fine wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks), complimentary in-suite mini-bar, access to wellness facilities (Spa, Fitness Center, training programs), gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, Welcome Aboard gifts (flowers, chocolates, Champagne), premium shuttle services (port–city center), 24-hour concierge service, twice-daily housekeeping (with evening turndown), and shoeshine service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

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

The onboard dining concept is all-inclusive, offering flexible dining hours and gourmet menus prepared with sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.

The ship has 18 food and beverage venues, including 10 dining spaces (six restaurants and the Chef’s Kitchen) and 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor). Wine selections reflect the regions visited, complemented by a certified sommelier who manages boutique wine labels and pairing recommendations.

Listed below are the ship’s restaurants.

• Anthology (midship Deck 4 / international cuisine). Guest celebrity chefs collaborate with Franck Garanger (Explora Journeys’ Head Chef) to create exclusive menus.
• Sakura (aft-port Deck 5 / Pan-Asian cuisine with Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian specialties; Sake sommelier service; Asian beverages; modern Asian music).
• Marble & Co. Grill (midship Deck 5 / steakhouse with wine cellar; sustainably sourced premium beef).
• Med Yacht Club (midship-port Deck 4 / Mediterranean cuisine representing France, Spain, Italy, Greece; regional wines; cocktails prepared with local ingredients; fresh juices).
• Emporium Marketplace (aft Deck 11 / all-day buffet featuring regional specialties; 18 cooking stations including sushi, seafood, rotisserie, homemade sandwiches, cooked-to-order pasta, freshly baked pizzas and breads, cured meats, cheese station, bakery; beverage stations with soft drinks, teas, coffees, fresh juices, wines, Champagne).
• Fil Rouge (traditional French and French-inspired international cuisine; dessert trolley with tableside service; curated wine list).
• Chef’s Kitchen & Private Dining Room (forward-starboard Deck 11 / 12-seat venue; surcharge applies).

In-suite dining is available 24 hours.

Listed below are the ship’s lounges and bars.

• Lobby Bar (midship Deck 4)
• Malt Whiskey Bar (forward-port Deck 11 / smoking terrace, walk-in humidor, curated rare whiskey collection)
• Journeys Lounge (forward Deck 4 / hosts enrichment and entertainment programs)
• Explora Lounge (forward Deck 11 / 270-degree views; Afternoon Tea; light meals and snacks)
• Gelateria & Creperie (midship-starboard Deck 11 / gourmet ice creams, crepes, specialty coffees)
• Crema Café (midship-starboard Deck 5 / premium coffees prepared by certified baristas, juices, pastries, desserts)
• Astern Lounge (aft Deck 5 / daily live music; transforms into nightclub with DJ programming)
• Astern Pool & Bar (aft Deck 5 / poolside lounge with evening live music)
• Sky Bar on 14 (aft Deck 14 / outdoor lounge)
• Atoll Pool & Bar (aft Deck 10)
• Helios Pool & Bar (forward Deck 12 / adults-only outdoor lounge)
• The Conservatory Pool & Bar (midship Deck 11 / retractable roof; transforms into Cinema at night)

Deck 3 includes the Aft Marina Deck (launch area for watersports), the adjacent Marina Lounge & Bar, and two tender embarkation zones (port and starboard) for ferrying passengers ashore. Forward-starboard is the Infirmary/Medical Centre.

Deck 4 features the Forward Lounge (large stage, amphitheater-style seating), Casino (table games and slot machines), Lobby Hall (24-hour Guest Services and Destination Experiences), duty-free Boutiques, and two restaurants (Mediterranean-style portside and International-style starboard) served by an adjacent Galley.

Among the onboard retail offerings is the first at-sea Rolex Boutique, created through an exclusive partnership signed in June 2023. The boutique offers a curated selection of Rolex Oyster Perpetual and other luxury timepieces. Another notable venue is the Watch and Jewelry Shop (introduced in July 2023), offering premium Swiss brands including 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 original artworks and auctions), and the MSC Foundation venue (supporting MSC Group’s conservation and humanitarian initiatives). Aft are the Pan-Asian Restaurant, Aft Lounge & Bar, and the Lower Aft Plunge Pool & Lounge.

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

Deck 11 (Lido Deck) contains staterooms plus the Fitness complex (Gym and Fitness Studio). Midship is the main indoor pool (with retractable glass roof) and surrounding sun deck. The pool area is served by the Gelateria & Creperie and the All-Day Dining Restaurant (indoor buffet with aft terrace). Aft is the Upper Aft Pool & Lounge with bar, tables, swimming pool, daybeds, and loungers.

Deck 12 features the Forward Pool & Lounge (adults-only) and the 2-lane Running Track that loops nearly the entire deck, flanked by sun loungers.

Deck 14 aft hosts the Panorama Lounge & Bar (outdoor venue with whirlpool and sunbathing areas) and the Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, football, tennis). Midship are the funnels adjacent to the retractable roof mechanism of the Deck 11 pool.

Journey Together Gatherings (shipboard family program)

Introduced in May 2023, “Journey Together Gatherings” is a multigenerational family program.

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

The Nautilus Club hosts supervised, age-appropriate activities (ages 6–17), including interactive gaming (PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), sports contests, workshops, and group games. The Club also offers its own heated swimming pools and a Sports Court.

Each Explora ship offers 82 interconnecting family staterooms (Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, Ocean Residence). One minor (under 18) sails free per family cabin.

Infants and toddlers (6–23 months) sail free; children ages 2–17 receive 50% off.

Itineraries

MSC Explora Journeys’ itineraries will largely consist of 7-night Europe voyages (Mediterranean, Baltic, Iceland), featuring lesser-traveled ports, extended stays, unconventional arrival/departure times, and frequent overnight calls to enhance the guest experience ashore.