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A Journey Through Iberian Soul & Moorish Echoes

6 Days Barcelona to Cartagena
A Journey Through Iberian Soul & Moorish Echoes
A Journey Through Iberian Soul & Moorish Echoes
A Journey Through Iberian Soul & Moorish Echoes

Overview

From Catalonia’s creative heart, glide into a leisurely rhythm of wellness and reflection at sea, then sail into Cádiz, steeped in sherry traditions, flamenco spirit and layered histories. Cross to Tangier’s bohemian energy and colourful street life, and onwards to the lush landscapes and splendour of the Costa Tropical in Motril before our final stop among the culture and heritage of Cartagena.
Our Price From
US$3,785 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Cruise Length

6 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Barcelona

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Cartagena

Trip Departures
Cruise Departures
May 2026
Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Oceans Sailed:
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
Explora Journeys
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Explora I
Passengers
Passengers

922

Crew
Crew

700

Ship Launch
Launched

2023

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

BCNCTG6

Itinerary

Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you're serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

Go back in time - where cobbled streets clatter with horse drawn carriages, culture and history seeps through this Spanish city's soul. Enjoy locally produced tapas and admire the form of iconic Andalusian horses. Drift into tasting tours at sherry wineries in Jerez, then step out to twirl the flamenco. Explore Seville's architectural marvels; baroque churches, palaces, gothic cathedrals, aristocratic mansions and medieval buildings. With no less than three Unesco World Heritage sites to visit, you'll feel truly inspired by what Cadiz has to offer.

At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, this once rakish, countercultural Moroccan city has retained its bohemian, beguilingly artistic feel. People watch the demi-monde from the Petit Socco, heart of Tangier's seductive café scene, before strolling the Kasbah and cobblestone Grand Socco among a tangle of streets saturated in colour from tiles and painted cedarwood shutters and doorways. Iconic must-visits might include the 64-year-old Librarie des Colonnes, a sumptuous bookshop of literary greats; Café Hafa, for sunset sweet mint tea overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar; and El Morocco Club, for a nightcap on its rooftop terrace or in the city's only piano bar.

Accustom yourself to the main Town of Costa Tropical, a sub-tropical slice of Spain bursting with mangos, bananas and locally made rum. Protected by Andalucia's Sierra Nevada mountains, head up to the castle and sugar cane plantation in Salobreña, wallow in rum at Motril, eat tapas in Granada and bask in the sensual splendour of the Alhambra palace. Visit Elche where UNESCO-protected date palm trees form a unique urban park, sip vino de costa, taste exotic custard apples and trawl out the remains of Roman heritage in Almuñécar. With a Caribbean style climate and glittering seas yonder, the sounds of the flamenco and old town squares whisper Andalusian charm.

March into a hidden Spanish gem with centuries of deeply ingrained culture and history. Not forgetting gourmet cuisine fit for a king. Take part in cookery lessons, wine samplings and coffee workshops, or the heart stopping elevator to the top of the Castillo. Head back to Roman times at the theatre and sanctuary for relics and mosaics.

Inspect weaponry at the military museum and explore shipwrecks, artefacts and Mediterranean history at museums. View delightful street art in the bustling city centre and sample the traditional sailor tipple, Asiático. Cartagena has sites you won't see in the rest of Spain, from Roman ruins, Byzantine walls and Belle Epoque architecture to marble streets and war memorials.

Life On Board

Explora Journeys
 (1) Review
Total No. of Cruises 383
Explora Journeys is the new luxury lifestyle travel brand launched in 2023 by the MSC group redefining the luxury ocean experience. Vibrant, cosmopolitan relaxed European luxury at sea. Instead of cruises we create journeys – of the mind and across the oceans of the world, as we visit extraordinary places on and off the beaten track.
EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I

EXPLORA I represents a new era of luxury ocean travel. Exquisitely designed to offer you relaxed luxury, restoring life's essential balance with a combination of discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature. Read more

Inclusive Journeys
Inclusive Journeys

Experience vibrant cosmopolitan life aboard, with European luxury, 5-star dining, ocean wellness experiences, and tech-savvy comforts in sophisticated suites, all while enjoying beautiful sea views. Read more

Your Home At Sea
Your Home At Sea

Elegant, spacious and comfortable our ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences are designed to create a home at sea for our guests. Read more

Dining At Sea
Dining At Sea

Celebrating global talents and cultures, infusing global influences with personality, sophistication, and a touch of soul for a unique dining experience at sea. Read more

Leisure Experiences
Leisure Experiences

Discover Explora Journeys' collection of one-of-a-kind entertainment and enrichment experiences, designed to stimulate the mind and feed the soul. Read more

Ocean Inspired Wellness
Ocean Inspired Wellness

Ocean Wellness encompasses the physical, spiritual, and emotional health of our guests, ensuring their time with us is enriching and fulfilling. Read more

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Explora Journeys  (2025-26) Brochure

Explora Journeys (2025-26)

The ocean connects you with yourself, people and the places around you. It relaxes you and creates an energy in you that inspires inner and outer discovery, broadens horizons and triggers new connections. All of this creates an emotional connection that is powerful, transformative, yet universal. We call it the Ocean State of Mind. The Ocean State of more Mind is reached only with Explora Journeys. It’s why all that we do is designed to offer refined yet effortless luxury, with the opportunity for exploration and transformation of the inner and outer self, resulting in a state that is uniquely rewarding — physically, intellectually and spiritually.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

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From $3,785
Sunday 03 May 2026 03 May 26 Barcelona
Friday 08 May 2026 08 May 26 Cartagena
Details
Explora I
Exclusive Savings
Suite
US$3,785
Save $715
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Explora Journeys. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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