Cruise on the Explora Journey (page 2 of 3)

If I understood correctly, MSC wants to attract luxury cruise clientele and former Yacht Club members to Explora (there was a 5% discount for them at one point) and offer the Yacht Club to MSC customers looking to upgrade.

I totally agree with you, that’s exactly what I understood too. And the YC standard might drop even further with the perks given to the new Blue Diamond loyalty card.

I just got off the phone with the Monacruises agency (about another cruise), and they told me some promotions are coming for Explora during Black Friday, but they’re not amazing either...

Hi Claudine and Sophie, I’m torn between three ships: the Viva from NCL, the cheapest option, but I loved the Prima, its twin; the Allura from Oceania, which has a French cruise director in July and August—that’s a big plus—and the Explora, the only line I’m not familiar with.

Can we have lunch in all the restaurants, or are there any that are pay-to-access or require a reservation?

Everything is included on this ship—there’s only one pay-to-enter gourmet restaurant, but honestly, it’s not worth it given the quality of the other four. Two of them are accessible without a reservation, and the other two require one since there isn’t as much space.

As for ships, I’m not familiar with the other two options right now—it really depends on the itinerary. I’ll admit that Explora’s routes aren’t the most exciting for me, but I prioritized the ship’s quality and dining. That said, I’ve been on over 100 cruises, so I know all the stops in the Mediterranean—they can’t exactly invent new cities!

Hi there! I’m also looking into taking a cruise on this ship, specifically the transatlantic route from Miami to Lisbon in April. There are some interesting Black Friday deals available!

Hi there, I’ve already booked this cruise myself, departing from Miami on April 2nd and returning to Barcelona. I got a deal and paid 11,000 € for two people for 18 days, but you’ll need to book the flight separately. Maybe there’ll be an even better offer with Black Friday though! Keep me posted for my info, will you?

I'm looking for the one that stops in Lisbon

Thanks Sophie for your reply. Even though I haven’t been on as many cruises as you, it’s true that it’s almost impossible to find Mediterranean itineraries with lesser-known stops 😎

I'm looking at the one that stops in Lisbon

Hi Nathalie,

I have a quote for this same cruise that comes to 5,000 €. If we manage to get time off, I think I’ll go ahead and book it.

Hi Alfred and Nathalie! Way too many sea days for me, Alfred, always up for a cruise 😎

Hi Alfred and Nathalie, Way too many days at sea for me, Alfred, always up for a cruise 😎

Hi Catherine,

Yeah, always up for it, but my wife less so. LOL I agree with you about the days at sea—it might feel a bit long (given the size of the ship, and I’m worried I’ll get bored...). Nothing’s set in stone yet!

Hello Yeah, that’s what’s holding me back too Unless there’s a French-speaking group! Do you know when?

Hello That’s exactly what’s holding me back too Unless we have a French-speaking group! Do you know when?

Hi Nathalie,

Well, I’ll know at the start of next week, because my wife requested a few days off (for 2025 planning) and she should get an answer pretty quickly. Her leave normally runs from May to May, but she asked for a few days in April.

Just so you know, Aïda just canceled our cruise planned for December 2025, so we’re looking for a replacement. That’s why (maybe) this one.

My wife thinks the stops aren’t great because we’ve already done them several times.

In 2019 with Oceania Insignia, we stayed 2 days in Bermuda, and this time there’s only 10 hours (a bit tight to get to Saint George’s side). Anyway, I’ll keep you posted if we decide to go or not.

True, it’d be more for the boat than the itinerary, and the price is really good. Who did you get a quote from?

That’s true, it’s more for the ship than the itinerary, and the price is really good. Who did you get a quote from?

Exactly, it’s for the ship.

I got this quote from Croisière Club, which I find very interesting. I think "if I push a little," I can get an extra small discount.

I’m looking at the one that stops in Lisbon

Hi Nathalie,

I’ve got a quote for this same cruise that comes to 5,000 €. If we can get the time off, I think I’ll go ahead and book it.



but the schedule isn’t great

I’m looking at the one that stops in Lisbon

Hi Nathalie,

I’ve got a quote for this same cruise that comes to 5,000 €. If we can get the time off, I think I’ll go ahead and book it.



but the times aren’t great

I think there’s a mix-up (between arrival and departure times)

Hi there! 👋👋 We were on board with Claudine and Sophie and two other French couples… Lovely cruise and great meet-ups!!!! Yep, the retractable-roof pool is definitely heated 👍🏽👍🏽 I can confirm

Thanks for the clarification 😉

hi there which site did you get that quote from? because on Explora’s site, no classic cabins are available and the prices are totally different

I have the same quote. Looks like the sale really took off.