Tourism

What is the Explora II cruise ship and when does it visit Gibraltar?

The cruise ship Explora II
Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Short answer

Explora II is a luxury Explora Journeys ship with 456 ocean-front suites, delivered in 2024. Its upcoming visits to Gibraltar, with times and expected passengers, are listed on this page.

Upcoming visits to Gibraltar

  • Friday 11 December 2026, in port 08:00–17:00

  • Wednesday 23 December 2026, in port 14:00–22:00

    Also in port: Celestyal Discovery, Hamburg, Star Explorer. Combined: about 420 passengers where known.

From the Port of Gibraltar schedule, last checked 15 October 2026.

Detailed answer

Explora II was built by Fincantieri and delivered at its Sestri Ponente yard in Genoa in September 2024. It is the second ship of Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, which describes it as the epitome of cosmopolitan European elegance. The line gives a gross tonnage of 63,900, and the ship is about 248 metres long. It has 456 ocean-front suites, five heated pools, six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, with 1.25 guests for every member of staff. The Owner's Residence spans the full width of the ship with its own whirlpool terrace, and the Ocean Wellness programme covers the spa and fitness areas.

How busy will town be?

The upcoming visits listed on this page show the passengers expected on each call and any other ships in port the same day. Town is busiest when several ships are in at once or a large ship arrives at a weekend. A ship carrying a few hundred passengers makes little difference on its own.

Can you sail on it from nearby?

Yes. Explora II spends winter 2026 to 2027 in the Mediterranean. Its first President's Journey, hosted by the line's president, sails from Barcelona to Tenerife from Wednesday 9 December 2026 to Wednesday 16 December 2026, with a special visit to The Convent in Gibraltar. A seven-night voyage from Lisbon to Barcelona along the southern coast of Spain follows from Monday 21 December 2026. Further sailings start or end in Barcelona, Lisbon and Malaga between January and March 2027 and again in November 2027.