Cultural journeys · Italy · Tunisia · Algeria · Spain
EXPLORA II · Mediterranean Civilisations for Lunar New Year 2027
Journey overview
- Travel dates
- Depart on 1 February 2027; arrive in Beijing or Shanghai on 13 February
- Duration
- 13-day reference itinerary with 9 nights on board; hotel stays before and after the cruise are at your own expense
- Cruise dates
- 2–11 February 2027: 10 days / 9 nights, local time
- Departure cities
- Beijing or Shanghai; reference flights to Rome
- Land hotels
- Hotels in Rome on 1 February and Barcelona on 11 February are at your own expense
- Embark / disembark
- Embark in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; disembark in Barcelona, Spain
- Ship
- EXPLORA II
- Countries
- Italy, Tunisia, Algeria and Spain
- Algiers
- The designated group excursion of approximately 3 hours is included; return to the ship with the group
Journey imagery
Images illustrate the region; actual scenery and landings depend on the operating voyage.
A 13-day reference itinerary from Beijing or Shanghai, 1–13 February 2027, with nine nights aboard EXPLORA II. Embark in Civitavecchia (Rome) on 2 February and disembark in Barcelona on 11 February, calling at ports in Italy, North Africa and Spain. The designated Algiers group excursion is included. Hotels and independent sightseeing in Rome and Barcelona are at your own expense; international flights are shown for reference only. The advertised price is a starting cruise-only fare per person.
Journey highlights
Destination photo credits and licences ↗
Independent sightseeing in Rome before embarkation
Fly from Beijing or Shanghai to Rome on 1 February and arrange your hotel at your own expense. Before embarkation the following day, you may visit the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps independently. Allow enough time to reach Civitavecchia port.
From Italy’s coast to North Africa
After embarking near Rome, call at Naples and Palermo in Sicily before sailing south to Tunisia. The route brings together Roman remains, Arab-Norman architecture and North African old towns, with one full day at sea between port calls.
Naples, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
The reference programme for Naples includes Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the old town, combining ancient ruins, volcanic scenery and local neighbourhoods. Shore excursion charges are separate from the cruise fare, except for the designated Algiers excursion.
Sidi Bou Said and the ruins of Carthage
The Tunis call begins at La Goulette. White walls and blue windows overlook the gulf in Sidi Bou Said, the medina retains its markets and lanes, and the ruins of Carthage recall the ancient Mediterranean. The combination of visits depends on the shore excursion selected.
Explore Algiers with the operator’s group
This voyage includes the approximately three-hour Algiers Discovery excursion. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa for views over the city and bay, explore the Casbah and Ottoman-era quarters, and see the Grand Post Office. The operator organises the group excursion and associated group visa arrangements.
Historic ports along the Spanish coast
The Roman theatre in Cartagena, Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante and the Roman remains of Tarragona offer three different Spanish port visits. Planned calls last nine, eleven and eleven hours respectively, allowing you to choose excursions to suit your interests.
Independent sightseeing in Barcelona after disembarkation
After leaving the ship, you may visit the Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Rambla independently. Arrange your hotel at your own expense that evening, then take a reference return flight the following day.
Life at sea with a private terrace
EXPLORA II offers 456 ocean-view suites, penthouses and residences. Suites have private terraces, walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms, with space to relax and enjoy the sea. Confirm the suite category, area and configuration when booking.
Six restaurants and a choice of cuisines
Dining includes Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill and the all-day Emporium Marketplace. Anthology carries an additional charge. The supplied information also lists 24-hour in-suite dining.
A taste of life on board
View full-size image ↗ These dining photographs were taken by our tour leader on an earlier Explora journey, showing seafood, meat dishes, pasta, desserts and breakfast. Menus vary by voyage, and some restaurants and dishes may carry an additional charge.
Pools, lounges and time at sea
On the sea day, relax beside a pool, enjoy sea views from Sky Bar on 14, or join group fitness and meditation sessions. There is also a gym, spa and relaxation area. Activities and opening times follow the daily onboard programme; paid treatments are extra.
A Lunar New Year journey for families
Nautilus Club welcomes guests aged 6–17, with board games, multi-game tables, video games, VR equipment and digital reading material. Included club activities form part of the cruise fare. Access times, registration and supervision requirements follow the operator’s rules.
Day-by-day itinerary
Open the tab alongside the daily itinerary.
Fly from Beijing / Shanghai to Rome
Fly from Beijing or Shanghai to Rome using the reference flight options below. Arrange your hotel after arrival at your own expense.
From Beijing: CA939, 13:10–17:50.
From Shanghai: MU787, 12:40–18:40.
Embark in Civitavecchia (Rome)
Before embarkation, you may visit the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps independently, then travel to Civitavecchia to board EXPLORA II. The ship is scheduled to depart at 20:00. Arrive at the terminal by the time specified in your embarkation documents.
Naples
Call at Naples from 09:00 to 18:00. The reference sightseeing programme includes Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and Naples’ old town; excursion costs are quoted separately.
Palermo
Call at Palermo, Sicily, from 08:00 to 17:00.
La Goulette (Tunis)
Call at La Goulette from 09:00 to 18:00. The reference sightseeing programme includes the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, the medina and the ruins of Carthage, exploring Tunisian city life and ancient Mediterranean history. Excursion costs are quoted separately.
At sea
Spend a day at sea. Enjoy views from your private terrace, or visit the restaurants, lounges, pools and fitness areas. Some dining experiences and spa treatments incur additional charges.
Algiers
Call at Algiers from 07:00 to 19:00. The included DZALG001 Algiers Discovery excursion lasts approximately three hours and covers the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, the Casbah, Ottoman-era quarters and the Grand Post Office. Join the operator-organised group and return to the ship with it; you may not remain in the city to explore independently.
Cartagena
Call at Cartagena from 09:00 to 18:00. The reference sightseeing programme visits the Roman theatre, historic streets and Mediterranean harbour; excursion costs are quoted separately.
Alicante
Call at Alicante from 08:00 to 19:00. The reference sightseeing programme includes Santa Bárbara Castle, the old town and the blue-domed church; excursion costs are quoted separately.
Tarragona
Call at Tarragona from 08:00 to 19:00. The reference sightseeing programme explores the old city walls and Roman circus on Spain’s Costa Daurada; excursion costs are quoted separately.
Disembark in Barcelona
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Barcelona at 08:00. After disembarkation, you may visit the Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and La Rambla independently. Your hotel that evening is at your own expense.
Fly from Barcelona to Beijing / Shanghai
Take a reference return flight from Barcelona to Beijing or Shanghai.
To Beijing: CA846, departing 11:30 and arriving in Beijing at 05:30 the following day.
To Shanghai: MU250, departing 10:20 and arriving in Shanghai at 05:30 the following day.
Arrive in Beijing / Shanghai
The reference flights arrive in Beijing or Shanghai at 05:30, bringing the journey to an end.
All flight and port times are local. Flights are reference arrangements only and are subject to ticketing and airline notifications. Port times may change due to weather or operational requirements. Listed shore visits are a reference programme: apart from the designated Algiers excursion, shore excursions are not included in the cruise fare. Admission tickets, transport and guiding are subject to the final quotation and departure information.
Ship and cabins
EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II offers ocean-view suite accommodation, restaurants, lounges, pools, fitness areas and a spa. Ocean Terrace Suites have private terraces, allowing you to balance time in your suite with activities around the ship.
- Suites
- 456
- Restaurants
- 6
- Bars and lounges
- 12
- Guest-to-staff ratio
- Approximately 1.25:1
- Suite deck plans
- Decks 6–10, plus a side-view overview of public facilities
Deck plans
EXPLORA I / II public facilities and deck overview · View full-size plan ↗ 
EXPLORA I / II suite deck plans, decks 6–10 · View full-size plan ↗ Public spaces
- Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill and Emporium Marketplace; Anthology carries an additional charge
- Sky Bar on 14, Crema Café, Malt Whisky Bar and The Cellar
- Pools, an outdoor sports court, a gym, a spa and relaxation areas
- Nautilus Club for guests aged 6–17
Ocean Terrace Suite (reference images)
Private terrace, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom
The photographs show a reference Ocean Terrace Suite. Consult the individual floor plans for each category; the exact configuration is subject to booking confirmation.
OT4 Ocean Terrace Suite
Total area 35 m² · Terrace 7 m² · Interior 28 m²
Open the floor plan to view the complete image. The exact configuration is subject to booking confirmation.
GT Ocean Grand Terrace Suite
Total area 39 m² · Terrace 11 m² · Interior 28 m²
Open the floor plan to view the complete image. The exact configuration is subject to booking confirmation.
DP Deluxe Penthouse
Total area 48 m² · Terrace 10 m² · Interior 38 m²
Open the floor plan to view the complete image. The exact configuration is subject to booking confirmation.
PP Premier Penthouse
Total area 52 m² · Terrace 10 m² · Interior 42 m²
Open the floor plan to view the complete image. The exact configuration is subject to booking confirmation.
GP Grand Penthouse
Total area 60 m² · Terrace 13 m² · Interior 47 m²
Open the floor plan to view the complete image. The exact configuration is subject to booking confirmation.
Fares and inclusions
Cabin fares
| Cabin | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OT4 Ocean Terrace Suite | Total area 35 m² · Terrace 7 m² · Interior 28 m²; occupancy conditions and taxes are subject to the formal quotation | From USD 5,789.47 per person |
| GT Ocean Grand Terrace Suite | Total area 39 m² · Terrace 11 m² · Interior 28 m²; occupancy conditions and taxes are subject to the formal quotation | From USD 5,863.16 per person |
| DP Deluxe Penthouse | Total area 48 m² · Terrace 10 m² · Interior 38 m²; occupancy conditions and taxes are subject to the formal quotation | From USD 7,663.16 per person |
| PP Premier Penthouse | Total area 52 m² · Terrace 10 m² · Interior 42 m²; occupancy conditions and taxes are subject to the formal quotation | From USD 7,921.80 per person |
| GP Grand Penthouse | Total area 60 m² · Terrace 13 m² · Interior 47 m²; occupancy conditions and taxes are subject to the formal quotation | From USD 9,180.45 per person |
Included
- Nine nights in a suite on board; suite category is subject to booking confirmation
- Included onboard dining experiences, selected beverages and welcome Champagne; paid experiences such as Anthology are excluded
- High-speed onboard Wi-Fi and onboard service gratuities
- Access to included Ocean Wellness thermal spa facilities, group fitness and meditation activities, subject to the operator’s opening arrangements
- Operator-provided port-to-city shuttle services, where offered; ports and schedules are subject to the operator’s notification
- DZALG001 Algiers Discovery excursion, approximately three hours, organised by the operator with the associated group visa arrangements
- Included Nautilus Club activities for guests aged 6–17
Not included
- Anthology and any other dining, beverages or onboard services identified as carrying an additional charge
- Optional Algiers excursions such as DZALG002, DZALG004 and DZALG005; shore excursions in other ports are charged according to the selected programme
- Hotels and independent sightseeing in Rome and Barcelona; international flights, embarkation and disembarkation transfers, visas and insurance are quoted separately, except for the included Algiers group visa arrangements
- Personal expenses and paid spa treatments; the inclusion of port taxes, and prices for children or single occupancy, are subject to the formal quotation
Booking terms and travel notes
Prices and booking
The five listed prices are starting cruise-only fares per person in USD, not all-inclusive prices for the 13-day itinerary with flights and hotels. Cruise fares are dynamic. Applicable occupancy conditions, port taxes, services and the final total are subject to the formal quotation. Deposit requirements, final payment dates and cancellation or amendment terms will be provided in writing before booking confirmation.
Algiers shore excursion rules
Only operator-organised group destination experiences are permitted, with group visa arrangements handled by the operator. Return to the ship with your group after the activity; independent exploration in the city is not permitted.
- Included: DZALG001 Algiers Discovery, approximately 3 hours.
- Optional at an additional charge: DZALG002 Tipasa and Cherchell (8 hours); DZALG004 Algiers city highlights and cultural tour (4 hours); DZALG005 Casbah cultural walking tour (3 hours).
- Two half-day programmes may be combined on the same day, subject to compatible timings, space and the operator’s confirmation.
- Private arrangements, group bookings and accessibility requirements must be requested in advance through the operator’s designated channel.
Visas and entry requirements
The reference itinerary provides for an Italian Schengen visa application. As the cruise leaves the Schengen Area before re-entering Spain, travellers must meet the applicable multiple-entry requirements. Entry to Tunisia and the Algerian group visa arrangements must be checked against each traveller’s nationality, documents and the rules in force at departure.
- Schengen applications generally require a passport, application form, photographs, accommodation and transport reservations, an itinerary, financial evidence and employment documents.
- The supplied guidance specifies a passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area, issued within the previous 10 years and containing at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Travel medical insurance should cover the entire Schengen stay. The supplied guidance specifies minimum cover of EUR 30,000, including medical treatment, hospital care and repatriation; the visa authority’s final requirements apply.
Families and onboard activities
Nautilus Club is for guests aged 6–17. The supplied information lists opening hours of 09:00–24:00; actual hours, booking, supervision and age restrictions follow the operator’s daily arrangements. Spa treatments and thermal facilities have different charging arrangements; confirm these when booking.
Embarkation, disembarkation and timing
The scheduled 20:00 departure on 2 February does not mean that guests may arrive at the terminal at 20:00. The final boarding deadline is stated in the embarkation documents. The 08:00 time on 11 February is the planned arrival in port; allow time for disembarkation, transfers and flight connections.
Reference flights and land accommodation
Hotels in Rome on 1 February and Barcelona on 11 February are at your own expense, as is independent sightseeing in both cities. International flights are reference arrangements only. The return flight departs on 12 February and arrives in China the following day; flight times are subject to ticketing and airline notifications.