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A Journey of Eastern Echoes & Luminous Coastlines

Ship: Explora II   
Departure: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Nights: 9 nights
Departs: Istanbul
Returns: Antalya
+ Club Bonus
One Way Trip
One
way trip
Duration
9
Nights
Days at Sea
1
Sea Days
Ports
8
Ports
Countries Visted
3
Countries
  • Itinerary

    A Journey of Eastern Echoes & Luminous Coastlines

    Ports of call

    To find out more about the itinerary for this cruise, select the itinerary items below.

    Day Date Port of Call Arrival Departure
    1 Thursday, November 5, 2026 Istanbul, Turkey Embark 11:00 AM
    View of Istanbul, Turkey

    Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

    2 Friday, November 6, 2026 Istanbul, Turkey 7:00 PM
    View of Istanbul, Turkey

    Istanbul (Byzantium from 660 BC, Constantinople from 330 CE, and Istanbul since 1930) is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth largest city proper in the world. It has dominated the Straits of Bosphorus, in the NW of the country, for 25 centuries, and as Constantinople was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. It was a metropolis of stunning splendour when the great capitals of Europe were mere villages and is the only metropolis in the world that is situated on two continents. Read more about Istanbul, Turkey

    3 Saturday, November 7, 2026 Canakkale, Turkey 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Canakkale, Turkey

    Canakkale is a pleasant Turkish town settled on both sides of a bridge of the same name, which connects the Biga Peninsula in Asia. Travelling across town is easiest by the use of regular ferries. It is well known for its proximity to the Gallipoli Peninsula, at which the famous Gallipoli Campaign took place in WW1. Read more about Canakkale, Turkey

    4 Sunday, November 8, 2026 Kusadasi, Turkey 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Kusadasi, Turkey

    Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast and the centre of the seaside district of the same name. While best known as a starting point for visiting Ephesus, once one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a history dating from 3000 BC, there’s also a delightful range of activities in town. Places of interest include: the City Walls, of which one gate remains to-day; the peninsula at the end of the bay with its castle and swimming beaches; several aqua parks with wave-pools and white-water slides; Ladies Beach, once segregated but now open to all; and Dilek Peninsula National Park. Read more about Kusadasi, Turkey

    5 Monday, November 9, 2026 Athens, Greece 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Athens, Greece

    Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also one of the world's oldest cities with an unparalleled history that spans around 3,400 years. Experiencing long periods of sunshine throughout the year, and known as "the cradle of Western civilisation", it is a 'must-see' destination for world travellers. The city contains a fascinating variety of different architectural styles, ranging from Greco-Roman through Neo-Classical, to Modern. Read more about Athens, Greece

    6 Tuesday, November 10, 2026 Bodrum, Turkey 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
    View of Bodrum, Turkey

    Bodrum Peninsula is located in the Aegean region of Turkey. The Aegean Coast is an extraordinary place, with its immense unspoilt coastline and warm climate which offers all year round sunshine. The place where the first Christian Church was built, and where the art of wine making was developed, it boasts astonishing historical sites and natural wonders that rival any other place in the world. Read more about Bodrum, Turkey

    7 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 Marmaris, Turkey 8:00 AM 7:00 PM
    View of Marmaris, Turkey

    Marmaris, located on the Mediterranean coast in south-west Turkey, is probably the most popular sailing and holiday resort of the country. In this Turkish jewel you will find plenty of places to shop and sample the local cuisine, with delicious wines that could easily compete against many European vineyards. The harbour, filled with yachts, is overlooked by a small, historic castle built in 1522, which has now become a museum with numerous pieces of archaeological interest from local sites. Read more about Marmaris, Turkey

    8 Thursday, November 12, 2026 At Sea
    9 Friday, November 13, 2026 Limassol, Cyprus 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Limassol, Cyprus

    Limassol, located on Akrotiri Bay on the southern coast of Cyprus, is widely known for its long cultural tradition and offers tourists a wide spectrum of activities, as well as a number of museums, and archaeological sites. A series of public sculptures, created by renowned artists from Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Germany and Egypt, are found along 1.6 km of seafront reclaimed land, and are appreciated by all visitors. If time permits, visit the ancient city kingdom of Amathus to explore the ruins and its ancient port. Read more about Limassol, Cyprus

    10 Saturday, November 14, 2026 Antalya, Turkey 9:00 AM Disembark
    View of Antalya, Turkey

    Antalya is the 'capital' of the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. It is a sprawling modern city, but Old Antalya which surrounds the Roman harbour, with its historic museum, and the many buildings - now restored as homes, boutique hotels, inns and restaurants - that date back to Ottoman and even Roman times, give it its own distinctive atmosphere. There are numerous fascinating archaeological sites to visit, or take a day excursion to one of the wonderful National Parks, and even experience some white water rafting, or you can simply enjoy the dramatic sea and mountain views. Read more about Antalya, Turkey

  • Ship

    Explora II Overview

    Explora II

    Dive into the vibrant heartbeat of urban life melded with the luxurious touch of European sophistication aboard Explora II. Embark on a gastronomic voyage with five-star dining experiences, find peace with ocean wellness programmes, and revel in the ultimate comfort of beautifully appointed suites, all while being mesmerised by the breathtaking ocean views. As an esteemed part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys leads the charge towards a greener future. Explora II champions this mission with its advanced hybrid energy technologies, thorough waste management practices, and eco-friendly initiatives. Explora's unwavering dedication to the planet ensures the absence of single-use plastics, both onboard and on land, solidifying their commitment to sustainability. 

  • Cabins

    Explora II Cabins

    Owner's Residences

    Owner's Residences

    Owner's Residences on the Explora II Owner's Residences on the Explora II

    Cabin Types

    OR

    Size: 1,668 sq. ft. with 1,345 sq. ft. of terrace area, Deck 8: Aft. The iconic Ownerrsquo;s Residence creates the largest accommodation on-board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind. Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your private outdoor terrace - featuring a spacious whirlpool - and enjoy intuitive, intelligent service with a dedicated private butler.bull; Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea Separate living, dining and sleeping areasbull; Abundant lounge area with fireplacebull; Dining table for 8 guestsbull; Spacious work desk area Private bar, replenished according to the guestsrsquo; preferencesbull; Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teasbull; Laptop-size safebull; Guest lavatory and powder roombull; Butler pantry area

    Residences

    Residences

    Residences on the Explora II Residences on the Explora II

    Cabin Types

    CR, SR, RR, CO

    Size: 797 sq. ft. with 807 sq. ft. of terrace area, Deck 6: Aft. For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of the Ocean Residences. Enjoy perfect views of the oceans from your terracersquo;s dining area and private outdoor whirlpool, and make the most of the dedicated butler service.bull; Oversized windows with views of the seabull; Separate living, dining and sleeping areasbull; Abundant lounge areabull; Dining table for 6 guestsbull; Spacious work desk areabull; Private bar, replenished according to the guestsrsquo; preferencesbull; Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teasbull; Laptop-size safe

    Penthouse

    Penthouse

    Penthouse on the Explora II Penthouse on the Explora II

    Cabin Types

    GP, PP, DP, PH

    Size: 506 sq. ft. with 140 to 226 sq. ft. of terrace area, Deck 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: Middle. The Ocean Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces to unwind and relax and with a characterful private dining area for four, and a calm, comfortable place to work, you can entertain with others or spend time to yourself as you see fit.bull; Spacious lounge areabull; Spacious work desk areabull; Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guestsrsquo; preferencesbull; Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teasbull; Safe accommodating most tablets and laptopsbull; Spacious oceanfront terrace with a dining area, Comfortable daybeds or sun loungers for relaxation

    Ocean Terrace

    Ocean Terrace

    Ocean Terrace on the Explora II Ocean Terrace on the Explora II

    Cabin Types

    GT, OT4, OT3, OT2, OT1

    Size: 301 sq. ft. with 118 sq. ft. of terrace area, Deck 6, 7: Aft, Middle Forward. The Ocean Grand Terrace Suites features a larger oceanfront terrace, featuring an outdoor dining area and comfortable sunbeds for relaxation. All suites feature spacious walk-in wardrobes with a seated vanity area.bull; Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows helping you feel closer to the sea, Lounge area with flexible coffee/dining tablebull; Private refrigerated mini-bar, replenished according to the guestsrsquo; preferencesbull; Espresso machine and tea maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and teasbull; Safe accommodating most tablets and laptopsbull; Comfortable sunbeds for relaxation

  • Deck Plans

    Explora II Deck Plans

    Legend

  • Promotions

    Current Cruise Deals for Explora II

    Explora Journey Luxury Inclusions

    Explora Journey Luxury Inclusions

    Take advantage of Explora Journeys extraordinary benefits:
    • Welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats
    • A bottle of wine and a bottle of spirit of your choice upon arrival
    • 9 Culinary Experiences, including in-suite dining
    • Thermal Spa Access and well-being and fitness programmes
    • Unlimited fine wines, premium spirits, coffees, teas and soft drink available anytime - inc. in-suite mini-bar
    • All on board gratuities & high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi
    • Shuttle services from the port to city center (where required/available)

    Ask your Clean Cruising consultant about flights and accommodation in conjunction with your cruise!

    Terms & Conditions apply.

    Explora Journeys Exclusive Club Offer

    Explora Journeys Exclusive Club Offer

    Explora Journey's Clean Cruising Club Offer!
    • Bonus Journey Experience Credit of up to US$300 per suite for Caribbean and the US*
    • Bonus Journey Experience Credit of up to EUR300 per suite for all other destinations*

    PLUS, always included with Explora Journeys:
    • Suite accommodations onboard and Wi-Fi internet access
    • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities and port charges

    Offer ends 31 December 2026. Terms & Conditions apply.

Cabin Availability

Hold a cabin or view live cabin availability aboard Explora II for this sailing

Ocean Terrace at the Explora II

Ocean Terrace

From $8640
Penthouse at the Explora II

Penthouse

From $12320
Residences at the Explora II

Residences

Sold out
Owner's Residences at the Explora II

Owner's Residences

Sold out

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  • A Journey of Eastern Echoes & Luminous Coastlines

    Cruiseline: Explora Journeys Ship: Explora II Departure: Thursday, November 5, 2026 Nights: 9 nights Departs: Istanbul Returns: Antalya

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  • Select and Hold Cabin

    Continue through to hold a cabin:

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