Explora Journeys · All Explora Journeys ships · Explora Class (LNG with hydrogen fuel cells)
Explora VI: ship guide
The sixth and final Explora ship, designed as a floating hotel, sets sail in August 2028.
Best for: Travelers planning ahead who want the last and newest Explora ship from August 2028, or who want to watch this page for her first itineraries as they are released.
About Explora VI
EXPLORA VI completes the six-ship fleet of Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, and is listed by Explora as setting sail in August 2028. She is the sister of EXPLORA V, the second of the pair announced with Fincantieri in 2022 as LNG ships fitted with hydrogen fuel cells so hotel services can run with zero emissions in port. The published plan shows 457 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences, seven restaurants, 12 bars and lounges and five heated pools, with the fleet’s 1.25 to 1 guest-to-host ratio.
Explora describes EXPLORA VI as designed to feel like a floating hotel, offering the ease and privacy of a seaside residence. Announced features include signature culinary concepts complemented by new offerings, a reimagined Ocean Wellness and fitness space, an enhanced Nautilus Club with dedicated areas for children and teens, redefined entertainment programming and an inclusions package with additional benefits for Ocean Penthouse and Ocean Residence guests. Private whirlpools appear in more categories, including a Grand Penthouse with Whirlpool.
Explora has not yet published itineraries or home ports for EXPLORA VI; the brand has said only that she arrives in the summer 2028 season. Her sailings will appear in the live list on this page as they open for sale. Guests who want the same design sooner can look at EXPLORA V, which debuts in December 2027 in the Mediterranean.
- Sixth and final ship of the Explora Journeys fleet, due August 2028
- LNG power with hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission hotel services in port
- 457 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences, all with private terraces
- Designed as a floating hotel with the privacy of a seaside residence
- Seven restaurants and 12 bars and lounges
- Five heated pools and numerous whirlpools on the promenade decks
- Reimagined Ocean Wellness and fitness space
- Enhanced Nautilus Club with dedicated spaces for children and teens
Staterooms and suites
Ocean Terrace Suite
The lead-in category in four OT grades, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace, a walk-in wardrobe with seated vanity, heated bathroom floor and espresso machine.
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
On Decks 6 and 7 with a larger terrace for outdoor dining and the same amenities as the Ocean Terrace Suite.
Ocean Penthouses
Penthouse, Deluxe, Premier and Grand Penthouses with separate living and sleeping spaces and dining for four, plus a Grand Penthouse with Whirlpool on the terrace.
Ocean Residences
Cove Residences with and without whirlpool, Retreat, Serenity and Cocoon Residences with private outdoor whirlpools, a Residence Host and ground transfers.
Owner’s Residence
The full-beam stern residence with dining for eight, a private pool and a dedicated Residence Manager.
Explora VI deck plans
Deck by deck, straight from our booking engine: the plan, the stateroom categories on that deck and the public rooms. Pick a deck.
Deck 14
Sports Court, Ocean Wellness Open Air Fitness, Whirlpool, Sky Bar on 14.
- Sports CourtSports Court.
- FitnessA space that echoes the revitalising power of the ocean, designed to motivate, reduce stress, improve sleep and elevate energy levels.
- Sky BarSet on the ship’s highest point, on deck 14, this panoramic outdoor lounge setting is ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views.
Plans are the cruise line’s current drawings as supplied to our booking engine. Layouts change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the exact stateroom when you book.
On board Explora VI
Dining on Explora VI
Emporium MarketplaceIncluded
Lively all-day dining with live cooking stations and flavors from around the world.
Fil RougeIncluded
A global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine.
Marble & Co. GrillIncluded
A reimagined European steakhouse with sustainably sourced cuts.
SakuraIncluded
Immersive Pan-Asian dining from sushi and dim sum to slow-cooked dishes.
Med Yacht ClubIncluded
Relaxed Mediterranean dining with a dolce vita feel.
Shore Club on 11Included
Relaxed beach-club-style poolside restaurant at The Conservatory, listed by Explora for ships III through VI.
Crema Café and In-Suite DiningIncluded
European-style café for coffee, pastries and gelato, plus 24-hour dining in the suite or on the terrace.
AnthologySpecialty
Signature fine-dining Italian tasting menu, with a surcharge and optional wine pairing.
Chef’s KitchenSpecialty
Hands-on cooking experience in an ocean-front private kitchen, at extra cost.
Entertainment and activities
- Journeys Lounge performances, the In Concert series with the house orchestra and Showcase variety acts
- Luminary Enrichment talks and Steinway & Sons recitals on select sailings
- Five heated pools, the adults-only Helios Pool and Sky Bar on 14
- Explora Lounge with afternoon tea, jazz and piano, and the Malt Whisky Bar with cigar terrace
- Reimagined Ocean Wellness with thermal area, treatment rooms, beauty salon and fitness
- Redefined entertainment programming announced for the ship
- Boutique shopping and clubs for solo travelers, Prism and Club Soda
Families and who it suits
An enhanced Nautilus Club with dedicated spaces for children and teens hosts ages 6 to 17, while ages 3 to 5 join supervised sessions with a parent; the Helios Pool is adults-only.
Best for: Travelers planning ahead who want the last and newest Explora ship from August 2028, or who want to watch this page for her first itineraries as they are released.
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Explora VI questions we answer every day
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Facts checked against Explora Journeys: EXPLORA VI, Explora Journeys: Our ships, Explora Journeys: Inclusions, Explora Journeys press release: new 2027-2028 Journeys Collection on October 13, 2026. Ship details change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the current layout when you book.
Every Explora VI sailing, priced all-in
Every Explora VI departure the cruise line is selling, priced live with taxes, fees and port expenses included. SmartCruiser picks at the top are sailings where booking with us gets you something extra. Stack the filters, then sort by lowest price, best value per night or sail date.
SmartCruiser picks
Sorted by what you save, biggest firstEvery Explora VI sailing
Stack any filters, then pick a sortPrices are per person, double occupancy, in US dollars, and include cruise fare, taxes, fees and port expenses as published by the cruise line at the moment you load this page. Fares are capacity controlled and change daily; the fare is confirmed when you book. Flights, hotels and transfers are extra unless the line’s offer says otherwise. Onboard credit shown on a sailing is per stateroom and applies to the lowest category offered unless stated otherwise.