The luxury liner from the MSC Group, named Explora Journeys, will sail through South America for the first time. Starting in January 2027, the first ship of this line, Explora I, will undertake a series of voyages through Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The new operator began its activities in 2023 with the aim of transforming its vessels into true luxury hotels on the open sea, distancing itself from the model of large transatlantic liners operated by MSC, which have been spending seasons in Brazil for many years.
Explora I Ship Specifications
Explora I features 461 ocean-facing suites, all equipped with private balconies, and has a capacity for 922 passengers. Additionally, the ship includes six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, pools, and a spa area, creating the feeling of cruising on a private yacht.
Among the routes passing through Brazil, a seven-day journey between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro stands out, with stops in Montevideo, Balneário Camboriú, Paranaguá, and Ilha Grande, costing 25,270 Brazilian reais per person. Another eight-day route repeats part of this journey, including Santos Dumont before arriving in Rio (25,600 Brazilian reais per person). Trips from Miami are also available, concluding in Manaus after 17 days (100,500 Brazilian reais per person), where the departure and arrival ports never coincide.
Long Transcontinental Routes
One of the longest routes is the one departing from Barcelona in December 2027 and ending in Rio de Janeiro after 17 nights (61,133 Brazilian reais per person). Along the way, Explora I crosses the Atlantic and makes stops in Malaga and Tangier before reaching northeastern Brazil, visiting Recife and Maceió. This transit voyage allows the ship to reposition for subsequent South American routes.
The schedule also includes extended stays in certain ports. Overnight stays are planned in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Puerto Madryn, while eight stops allow for a full day in the destination, including Balneário Camboriú and Maceió. The goal of this approach is to give passengers more time ashore, aligning with the Explora Journeys concept of reducing the feeling of a rushed schedule characteristic of major cruise lines.
After leaving the Brazilian coast, Explora I heads to the southernmost edge of the continent. Routes include Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, as well as other Patagonia destinations, including the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas, and Cape Horn.
Fleet Concept and Characteristics
The presence of Explora I helps explain the brand's positioning. With a mass of 63,900 tons and a length of 248 meters, it differs significantly from mega cruise liners carrying thousands of passengers. It accommodates 922 guests with a crew of about 700 people, resulting in a ratio of approximately 1.25 guests per employee.
All 461 accommodations face the sea and are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. The most modest suite is about 35 sq. m., while the Owner’s Residence exceeds 280 sq. m. Common areas include six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, pools, private bungalows, and a spa center.
Gastronomy also plays an important role: the fare includes premium beverages such as wines, champagne, and spirits, as well as access to a thermal spa area, wellness activities, and Wi-Fi.
Explora I was launched in 2023 and is the first of a planned fleet of six ships. For the 2027/2028 season, the South American debut marks a significant shift in the company's strategy, which previously focused its operations in regions such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Central America. In Brazil, Explora I arrives in the summer, allowing for the combination of beach and coastal city destinations with the natural extremes of Patagonia within one season.