An Extended Journey from Mediterranean Icons to Balearic Bliss

The An Extended Journey from Mediterranean Icons to Balearic Bliss is a 14-night Mediterranean cruise aboard EXPLORA II, operated by Explora Journeys. Departing Barcelona on September 4, 2028, the voyage visits 13 ports. Fares start from $15,200 per person.

Length: 14 nights
Departs: Sep 4, 2028
Returns: Sep 18, 2028
Ports of call: 13
Days at sea: 1

Itinerary

Day 5 Sep 8, 2028 Malta 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit. You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your MSC ship even before disembarking. The over 300 monuments rising in little more than half a square kilometre make this a place with one of the greatest density of historical attractions to visit during a cruise, not mentioning other attractions such as its beaches, seaside locales and restaurants. An excursion to the island can start right from its capital, Valletta, which enchants the cruise-goer with its famous Maltese balconies, which decorate the facades of houses in its old quarter. Surrounded by a multitude of churches, which the islanders assure are as many as the days of the year, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Malta’s biggest tourist attractions. The National Museum of Archaeology, on the other hand, hosts prehistoric artefacts found on the island. By the Grand Harbour, one can visit the underground passages of Auberge de Castille and the beautiful Baracca Gardens, which overlook the harbour; at night, when the city gates would close, its porticoes served as shelter for travellers. To get a taste of the life of Malta’s ancient nobility, visit Casa Rocca Piccola. A 16th century Palazzo now the residence of the 9th Marquis De Piro, it has period furnishings and has a bomb shelter built for protection against bombings during the Second World War. The set of the film Popeye can still be seen from Malta’s largest beach, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha with a fresco of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Christ; according to tradition, Saint Luke, who was shipwrecked on the island with Saint Paul, is the author of this Byzantine-style fresco. Malta port guide Search cruises visiting Malta

Malta photo — Day 5 Sep 8, 2028 Malta 10:00 – 20:00 10.0 hrs ashore The UNESCO-protected port of Valletta, the capital of the island of Malta, is one of the must-see stops for every Mediterranean cruise of merit. You can admire this port, constructed in the second half of the 16th century by the Frenchman Jean de la Valette and moulded by the religious and military Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from your MSC ship even before disembarking. The over 300 monuments rising in little more than half a square kilometre make this a place with one of the greatest density of historical attractions to visit during a cruise, not mentioning other attractions such as its beaches, seaside locales and restaurants. An excursion to the island can start right from its capital, Valletta, which enchants the cruise-goer with its famous Maltese balconies, which decorate the facades of houses in its old quarter. Surrounded by a multitude of churches, which the islanders assure are as many as the days of the year, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Malta’s biggest tourist attractions. The National Museum of Archaeology, on the other hand, hosts prehistoric artefacts found on the island. By the Grand Harbour, one can visit the underground passages of Auberge de Castille and the beautiful Baracca Gardens, which overlook the harbour; at night, when the city gates would close, its porticoes served as shelter for travellers. To get a taste of the life of Malta’s ancient nobility, visit Casa Rocca Piccola. A 16th century Palazzo now the residence of the 9th Marquis De Piro, it has period furnishings and has a bomb shelter built for protection against bombings during the Second World War. The set of the film Popeye can still be seen from Malta’s largest beach, as well as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha with a fresco of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Christ; according to tradition, Saint Luke, who was shipwrecked on the island with Saint Paul, is the author of this Byzantine-style fresco. Malta port guide Search cruises visiting Malta

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 40-day span: $14,840 · range $14,840–$15,200

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

Not available

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $15,200

$1,085 / night

Fare rows

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,200

$1,085 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Premier Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,900

$1,135 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,950

$1,139 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,700

$1,192 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,150

$1,225 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean Grand Terrace Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $17,450

$1,246 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,485

$1,320 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cove Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $20,510

$1,465 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $22,000

$1,571 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Penthouse

Cabin grade

Available

from $22,750

$1,625 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Retreat Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $23,060

$1,647 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Serenity Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $35,400

$2,528 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Cocoon Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $41,060

$2,932 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Residence

Cabin grade

Available

from $102,750

$7,339 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 29, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Explora Journeys and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 15 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Cove Residence	CO	Suite
Cocoon Residence	CR	Suite
Deluxe Penthouse	DP	Suite
Grand Penthouse	GP	Suite
Ocean Grand Terrace Suite	GT	Suite
Owner's Residence	OR	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT1	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT2	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT3	Suite
Ocean Terrace Suite	OT4	Suite
Penthouse	PH	Suite
Premier Penthouse	PP	Suite
Retreat Residence	RR	Suite
Serenity Residence	SR	Suite

Ship

Your ship EXPLORA II 5★ **63,900** GT **922** guests Built **2024** Exquisitely designed with the guest and relaxed, home-like comfort in mind - and in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers - the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design. With 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea and in port thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category. Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximizing guest choice and create areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 sqm (26,909 sq ft) delivering stunning views of the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpools on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a real focal point of the onboard experience - helping our guests discover their ocean state of mind. Tailored to suit personal preferences, flexible dining times at nine distinct restaurants will provide unrivalled variety at sea. Each venue will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on provenance and wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners. To make sure guests are spoilt for choice, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges will also be in place to unwind and relax. The wellbeing experience onboard was inspired by our love for the sea, with a spacious indoor/outdoor spa and fitness area on board. From treatment rooms to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes to personal training appointments, tailor-made programs make keeping well while on holiday effortless and enjoyable. Bespoke wellness experiences at each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation easily accessible both onboard and ashore. EXPLORA II ship guide Search cruises on EXPLORA II

An Extended Journey from Mediterranean Icons to Balearic Bliss

Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

Price history

Ship

Similar cruises

Compare similar cruises