In This Guide: The Fleet +

Explora Journeys Fleet Guide

Five ships, two generations. Here's what changed and what to choose.

Explora I and II are near-identical first-generation ships. Explora III marks a generational leap: LNG propulsion, three new venues, and expanded suite options. V introduces the most suite variety in the fleet. All ships share the core program — all-oceanfront suites, unlimited beverages, nine dining venues, and the 1.25:1 host ratio.

Generation 1 — Explora I & II

Same hull, same suite program, same dining lineup. Choose based on itinerary.

Explora I

Launched July 2023 · 461 suites · 922 guests · 63,900 GT

In service

The original ship — launched with an art collection curated by Clarendon Fine Art, including works by Salvador Dalí. 6 restaurants, 12 bars. The design brief: understated luxury with a strong Italian sensibility. Godmother: Sophia Loren.

Restaurants 6 (+ in-suite 24h)

Bars & lounges 12

Pools 5 heated

Suite categories 9

Spa Ocean Wellness — thermal spa included

Art Clarendon Fine Art collection incl. Dalí

Explora II

Launched Aug 2024 · 461 suites · 922 guests · 63,900 GT

In service

Near-identical to Explora I with a refined 'European elegance' design brief. Godmother: Rosalba Giugni, founder of Marevivo (marine conservation). Same suite program, same 12 bars, same dining lineup. For most guests, the choice between I and II comes down entirely to itinerary.

Tip: If you're deciding between I and II, pick based on the sailing dates and ports. The ships are functionally the same experience.

Generation 2 — Explora III, IV & V

LNG-powered from III onward. New venues, more suite variety, and an environmental step-change.

Explora III

Launching Summer 2026 · 463 suites

Coming 2026

The first LNG-powered Explora ship — an 80%+ reduction in greenhouse gas emissions versus conventional marine fuel. Beyond the propulsion upgrade, three new venues debut on III that aren't available on I or II.

New on Explora III

Shore Club New venue

Beach-club style poolside restaurant on Deck 11 — casual alfresco dining outdoors. Replaces the Gelateria & Creperie from Explora I & II.

The Chef's Table New venue

Bespoke private dining — the most exclusive reserved experience onboard. Limited covers, curated menu, premium pricing. III & IV only.

The Cellar New venue

Wine bar with curated premium collection guided by Cellar Masters. Per-glass pricing: €15–20+. Standard beverage program does not cover this selection. Available on III, IV, and V.

Total on III: 7 restaurants (up from 6) — Emporium, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Anthology, Shore Club. Plus Chef's Table and Chef's Kitchen (both with surcharge).

Explora IV

Launching Summer 2027 · LNG-powered

Coming 2027

Same configuration as Explora III. LNG-powered. Same new venues (Shore Club, Chef's Table, The Cellar). Enhanced Nautilus Club family spaces versus III. For itinerary planning, treat IV as equivalent to III.

Explora V

Launching December 2027

Coming late 2027

Explora V introduces the most suite variety in the fleet — 15 distinct suite types versus the standard 9 categories on I–IV. Also adds a running track (rare on luxury ships), 13 bars (up from 12), and an enhanced Nautilus Club.

Suite types

Bars & lounges

Running track

Ship Comparison

Feature	I & II	III & IV	V
Propulsion	Conventional	LNG	LNG
Restaurants (incl.)	6	7	7
Bars & lounges	12	12	13
Suite types	9	9	15
Shore Club	✗	✓	✓
Chef's Table	✗	✓	TBC
The Cellar	✗	✓	✓
Gelateria & Creperie	✓	✗	✗
Running track	✗	✗	✓
Nautilus Club	Standard	Enhanced	Enhanced

Which ship should I book?

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Sailing 2025–early 2026: Book Explora I or II — they're excellent ships and the new venues on III aren't worth waiting for unless you specifically want Shore Club or The Cellar.

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Want Shore Club or The Cellar: Wait for Explora III (Summer 2026). These venues are meaningfully different from I/II.

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Want maximum suite variety: Explora V (December 2027) has 15 distinct suite types versus 9 on earlier ships — worth considering for suite-focused travelers.

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Prioritize sustainability: Explora III onward runs on LNG — 80%+ lower emissions versus I and II. If this matters to your travel decisions, go with III+.

Frequently Asked

Is Explora I or II better? +

Functionally identical — same hull, same suite categories, same dining program. Explora II's design brief was slightly refined ('European elegance') and the godmother ceremony added symbolic significance, but for a guest experience standpoint you'd be hard-pressed to notice a meaningful difference. Choose based on itinerary, not ship.

Should I wait for Explora III? +

Depends on your priorities. Explora III adds three new venues (Shore Club, Chef's Table, The Cellar) and is the first LNG-powered ship — a meaningful environmental upgrade. If those extras matter, wait. If you want to sail in 2025–early 2026, I or II is an excellent experience. The core suite program and included dining are the same.

What's different about Explora V? +

Explora V is a meaningful step up in suite variety — 15 distinct suite types versus the standard categories on I–IV. It also adds 13 bars (versus 12 on I/II), a running track, and an enhanced Nautilus Club for families. If you're booking for 2028 or beyond and suite variety matters to you, V is worth the wait.

Are the ships LNG-powered? +

Explora I and II are conventional fuel. Explora III onward switches to LNG (liquefied natural gas), which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 80%+ versus traditional marine fuel. This is a significant environmental milestone for the line. LNG infrastructure availability also shapes some itinerary decisions for the newer ships.

What is the Nautilus Club? +

Nautilus Club is Explora's family program — dedicated spaces and activities for younger guests. It exists on all ships but receives enhancements on Explora IV and V. The atmosphere ship-wide is still adult-oriented; Nautilus Club gives families a dedicated program rather than making the whole ship child-focused.

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