Explora Journeys – MSC Group’s luxury ocean travel brand – has announced that its EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II ships will both return to European waters this Easter, with itineraries through the Mediterranean and Western Europe.
Families can reconnect through ship-wide Easter egg hunts, themed festivities, and exquisite dining experiences designed to celebrate spring’s sense of renewal and togetherness.
For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, Explora Journeys presents the Rituals & Traditions series, featuring an enriching Seder Passover feast. With insights from a historian, guests will embark on a culinary journey that unveils the historical significance of each dish, elevating both the mind and the palate.
The Easter itineraries on board EXPLORA I offer guests an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and natural beauty with highlights including:
- Barcelona to Barcelona: An Extended Journey to Hidden Histories and Flavourful Andalusia
14 April – 4 May 2025 | 20 nights | EXPLORA I
From Barcelona to Alicante’s sun-drenched Costa Blanca, this itinerary offers beachside yoga, lively sundowners in Ibiza and Sardinia, and explorations of Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Casablanca, Gibraltar, and Motril. - Barcelona to Piraeus (Athens): A Journey of Myths, Mountains & Magnificent Ruins
18 – 28 April 2025 | 10 nights | EXPLORA I
Guests will discover Malta’s renowned wines, Crete and Rhodes’ ancient grandeur, and the pristine beaches of Palma, Palermo, and Paros. A highlight includes walking the marble roads of Ephesus in Kusadasi, once graced by Cleopatra. - Barcelona to La Valletta: A Journey of Sapphire Seas
18 – 22 April 2025 | 4 nights | EXPLORA I
This shorter itinerary offers breathtaking beach escapes in Palma and Palermo, followed by an indulgent exploration of Malta’s acclaimed vineyards and historic landscapes.
Spring Mediterranean Itineraries
The Spring itineraries on board EXPLORA I and II offer guests a selection of journeys that engage the senses and enrich the mind. With stops in iconic destinations, these journeys immerse guests in the diverse heritage of the Eastern and Westen Mediterranean:
- Barcelona to Santa Cruz de Tenerife: A Journey of Spanish Charms & Moroccan Wonders
3 – 9 April 2025 | 6 nights | EXPLORA II
The mystical power of the sea carries guests to Spain’s sun-drenched Costa Tropical and the enchanting port of Motril. Navigating the Strait of Gibraltar, the journey unveils the legendary resting place of Hercules in Tangier before continuing to Casablanca, home to the historic Old Medina and Africa’s largest mosque. The voyage concludes amid the volcanic splendour of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. - Barcelona to Lisbon: A Journey of Moorish Citadels & Flamenco rhythms
4 – 8 May 2025 | 4 nights | EXPLORA II
The journey begins in Barcelona, before heading on to Málaga, where Flamenco rhythms take centre stage. In Lisbon, travellers have the chance to explore the legacy of Henry the Navigator and his school of exploration. - Istanbul to Fusina (Venice): A Journey of Robola Wine, Red-Tile Roofs & Gondoliers
5 – 15 May 2025 | 10 nights | EXPLORA I
From Turkish baths to Venetian canals, the journey explores the Eastern Mediterranean’s many wonders. An overnight in Istanbul is followed by a visit to Thessaloniki, beneath the shadow of Mount Olympus. In Volos, guests discover monasteries perched on rocky peaks, then experience Croatia’s vivid red tiles and blue lagoons. The journey includes a top in Ravenna, rich in culture and culinary delights.
