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.

Compared to the original/initial design, Explora VI 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 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 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 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 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.

“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 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 (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.