EXPLORA VI

EXPLORA VI at a Glance

EXPLORA VI is an ocean-going luxury ship operated by Explora Journeys, sailing itineraries across the Western Mediterranean and wider Mediterranean. Her current sailings depart from Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona and Fusina (Venice), reaching coasts across Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Tunisia.

• Cruise line: Explora Journeys
• Primary regions: Western Mediterranean, Mediterranean
• Key departure ports: Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, Fusina (Venice)
• Trip lengths available: up to 17 nights
• Known for: resort-ocean-house style with multiple pool areas, a wide dining portfolio and spacious suite accommodation

All current sailings depart after September 2026, making EXPLORA VI an excellent choice for anyone planning a luxury Mediterranean escape in the late 2026 season or beyond. Browse Mediterranean cruises 2026 or Mediterranean cruises 2027 to see what is available.

Dining on EXPLORA VI

EXPLORA VI carries one of the most extensive dining line-ups at sea, spanning relaxed all-day venues, casual poolside dining, and destination-worthy speciality restaurants.

For included dining, Fil Rouge serves French-influenced international cuisine from breakfast through dinner, while Emporium Marketplace offers a market-style experience with live cooking stations serving global dishes throughout the day. Med Yacht Club brings a casual, yacht-club feel to Mediterranean dining with sea views, and Shore Club provides coastal-inspired dishes and light bites in a relaxed poolside setting. All four are covered in your cruise fare.

Speciality dining — where a cover charge applies — opens with Anthology, where rotating guest chefs deliver ever-changing fine-dining concepts across each voyage. Marble & Co. Grill is a contemporary steakhouse with an open kitchen, where premium cuts take centre stage. Sakura spans Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean flavours in one pan-Asian restaurant. And for something singular, the Chef Table seats one party at a time for a fully personalised, à la carte meal — advance reservation is essential.

Suite guests have an additional layer of flexibility: In Suite Dining is available around the clock, with a menu that matches the breadth of the ship's main restaurants, served on your private terrace or inside your suite.

Bars and Lounges on EXPLORA VI

EXPLORA VI's social spaces are varied enough to suit a quiet morning coffee and a lively late evening in equal measure.

Crema Cafe handles the daytime coffee ritual, while the Lobby Bar sits at the ship's heart — the natural gathering point for an aperitif or a moment with live music. The Explora Lounge is a naturally lit, ocean-facing retreat for light meals, afternoon tea or a quiet read, and within it you'll find the Malt Whiskey Bar: a curated collection of global and rare whiskies, a walk-in humidor, and an outdoor terrace to enjoy them on. Next door, The Cellar focuses on wine — Old World classics, expressive New World bottles and select rarities.

The Journeys Lounge is the ship's largest social venue, shifting across the day from mixology sessions and enrichment talks to cabaret evenings. The Astern Lounge fills a similar role at the stern — a flexible social space that runs from quiet afternoon to lively evening. On Deck 14, the open-air Sky Bar On 14 rewards you with panoramic ocean views, while the adults-only Helios Pool Bar on Deck 12 offers forward-facing vistas from a sun-soaked perch.

By the pools, the Astern Pool Bar sits alongside the infinity pool, transitioning from beach-club ease by day to live acoustic music and DJs after dark. The Atoll Pool Bar keeps things simple with a colourful range of drinks and open sea views. The Conservatory Pool Bar is sheltered and serves cocktails by day — and becomes an open-air cinema under the stars by night. Tucked into the Conservatory, the Gelateria Creperie At The Conservatory serves authentic gelato and crêpes à la carte. Note that drinks at the bar and lounge venues are charged separately unless you have opted for a beverage package.

Cabins and Suites on EXPLORA VI

EXPLORA VI is a suite-only ship, and the accommodation reflects the line's resort-style ambition. Full details of all grades — including deck plans — are on the EXPLORA VI cabins and deck plans page.

The standout grade currently available is the Cocoon Residence (CR): a 74 m² balcony suite positioned at the stern, with a private terrace of approximately 75 m² that spans the full width of the ship. It sleeps up to four guests, making it a serious option for families or two couples travelling together who want the most spectacular outdoor space on board. The panoramic stern position means uninterrupted views aft — a genuinely rare feature on any ship.

Where EXPLORA VI Sails

Current sailings concentrate on the Western Mediterranean and the broader Mediterranean, departing from Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona and Fusina (Venice). Countries called at across the itinerary portfolio include Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Tunisia — a genuine sweep of the western and central Mediterranean basin.

Trip lengths run up to 17 nights, giving options from a focused week-long voyage to a more expansive two-week journey. If you want to browse by length, 7-day Mediterranean cruises and 14-day Mediterranean cruises are good starting points. For departure-specific searches, you can explore cruises from Barcelona in 2026 or cruises from Barcelona in 2027.

Because all sailings embark in Italy or Spain, every booking involves flying to the port. Cruise1st can arrange that as part of a single package — see below.

Why Book EXPLORA VI with Cruise1st

Cruise1st is one of the UK's leading cruise specialists — which means genuine knowledge of the Explora Journeys product, not the broad-brush advice of a general travel agent. Our cruise experts are available on the phone before you book, to help you choose the right cabin grade, the right fare inclusions and the right itinerary for your plans.

Because every EXPLORA VI sailing currently on sale requires a flight to Italy or Spain, the cruise is really the centrepiece of a longer trip. Through Cruise1st Packages, we can book your flights, hotel nights before or after the sailing, and your transfers — all as one holiday, on one booking. That single point of contact matters when things need to move.

Ready to look at what is sailing? Mediterranean fly-cruises in 2026 and Mediterranean fly-cruises in 2027 both list bookable options, and prices on EXPLORA VI start from £3,000pp*.

Alternatives to EXPLORA VI

If you are weighing up options, Seven Seas Grandeur by Regent Seven Seas Cruises is worth considering. It sails from the same ports as EXPLORA VI — no flight difference — and calls at many of the same countries, including Italy, Spain, Croatia and France. It is a straight alternative with no change to your travel arrangements. You can read more and browse sailings on the Seven Seas Grandeur ship page.

Within the Explora Journeys fleet itself, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II are two other ships in the same fleet that you may be choosing between.

Common Questions About EXPLORA VI

Do I Need to Fly to Join EXPLORA VI?

Yes — all sailings currently on sale embark in Italy or Spain, so every passenger will need to fly to the departure port. Cruise1st can package your flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays and transfers together with your cruise as a single booking through Cruise1st Packages.

Which Cabin Grade Offers the Most Outdoor Space?

The Cocoon Residence (CR) is the standout choice for outdoor space. This stern-located balcony suite has a private terrace of approximately 75 m² spanning the full width of the ship — notably generous for a cruise cabin — alongside 74 m² of interior space and capacity for up to four guests. Full deck-plan details are on the EXPLORA VI cabins and deck plans page.

Which Dining Venues Are Included in the Cruise Fare?

Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace, Med Yacht Club and Shore Club are all included in the cruise fare. Several speciality venues — including Anthology, Marble & Co. Grill, Sakura and Chef Table — carry a separate cover charge or à la carte pricing and require advance reservation. Suite guests also receive complimentary round-the-clock In Suite Dining.

What Mediterranean Destinations Does EXPLORA VI Visit?

Across her itinerary portfolio, EXPLORA VI calls at ports in Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Tunisia. Sailings depart from Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona and Fusina (Venice). For the full picture of what is sailing when, browse the Mediterranean cruises page or the Western Mediterranean destination page.

Can I Book a Group or Family in One Suite?

The Cocoon Residence (CR) sleeps up to four guests, making it a practical option for a family or two couples who want to share accommodation without compromising on space or privacy. Speak to one of our cruise experts for advice on which grade and configuration suits your party — they are available on the phone before you book.