SEA & MUSIC
MEDITERRANEAN LUXURY ON THE EXPLORA I
15 - 25 MAY 2025
with
KAMMERORCHESTER WIEN-BERLIN
DIANA DAMRAU
FATMA SAID
JOSEPH CALLEJA
GAUTIER CAPUÇON
LAUMA SKRIDE
Trip details
LOOK FORWARD TO SEA & MUSIC 2025!
Since we started organising high-class music tours 25 years ago, we have always tried to reinvent our tours (and ourselves). In our search for the extraordinary and our quest for excellence, we have never stopped.
For our next great travel experience, which we would like to present to you on the following pages, our aspirations were even higher. A music cruise on one of the most exclusive ships in the world - the Explora I. Launched as a pure suite ship in 2023 Explora I was planned from the outset to meet even the highest demands.
We have also designed the musical program in such a way that it will make the hearts of true music connoisseurs beat faster. Probably the best chamber orchestra in the world, the Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin, bestehend aus Mitgliedern der Wiener und Berliner Philharmoniker, dirigiert von Rainer Honeck, dem Konzertmeister der Wiener Philharmoniker, wird diese Reise begleiten. Dazu kommen zwei Sängerinnen, die Publikum und Kritiker weltweit begeistern und für die es keine weitere Einleitung braucht: Diana Damrau and Fatma Said.
The tenor who is performing an exclusive recital on our trip is already being compared to Beniamino Gigli and Luciano Pavarotti - it is none other than Joseph Calleja. We will also have the charming and virtuoso cellist Gautier Capuçon and the young, up-and-coming and highly acclaimed pianist Lauma Skride.
Together we start in Venice, the „Most Serene“, with a comprehensive program including an exclusive concert in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. We visit Rovinj, probably the most beautiful town in Croatia, experience a concert on land at the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona, and experience other destinations such as Kotor (Montenegro), Marmaris (Turkey), Chania (Crete/Greece) before our journey ends in Athens, the cradle of the arts.
You can find many more details about the ship, route, destinations and artists on the following pages. For further advice and booking enquiries the MS6 team and our partners are always available.
It would be a great pleasure for us to welcome you on board the Explora I.
We are looking forward to seeing you on board.
MS6
Your Travel and Concert Organizers
„Music and rhythm find their way to the most secret places of the soul.“
Platon
YOUR EXPERIENCE AT SEA AND ON LAND
Exclusive concerts on board and ashore
Ultimate luxury on the suite ship Explora I
Enjoy the Mediterranean
Unique concert evenings
With excursions for culture fans
Explora I - Lobby
Top-class cuisine & wines
The most beautiful places of the Eastern Mediterranean
THE EXPLORA I
TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Length: 248 m
- Width: 32.60 m
- Tonnage: 63,900 GT
- Power: 38,400 KW
- Cruising Speed: 18 Knots
SUSTAINABILITY
- Environmentally conscious equipment
- Selective catalytic reduction (SCR system)
- Highly efficient & energy-saving appliances
- Certified by RINA DOLPHIN for reduced underwater noise
- LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances
- Advanced wastewater treatment system according to Baltic standard
- USCD-approved ballast water treatment system
- Shore power supply
- State-of-the-art recycling and waste management
- Antifouling paint
- Innovative hull design and
- optimised hydrodynamics
- Software for trim optimisation
- Intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
SPACIOUS OUTDOOR AREA
Total 6,250m, communal outdoor area, including three outdoor and one indoor pool with retractable glass roof, 64 private cabanas as well as dining and lounge facilities by the pool.
BARS & LOUNGES
You have the choice between twelve bar and lounge indoor and outdoor experiences with selected entertainment and atmospheric performances as well as a casino, an art gallery, and selected shopping experiences.
TOP-CLASS CUISINE
Choose from nine culinary experiences, including six unique restaurants offering delicious and healthy dishes made from local and sustainable ingredients.
UNIQUE LUXURY
The Explora I is consistently designed as a pure suite ship. The suites are among the most spacious in the luxury cruise category. Guest to staff ratio: 1.25 : 1
THE SUITES
OCEAN SUITES
The Ocean Suites are among the most spacious standard suites in the industry. They combine space and light in an elegant way.
They also have a private terrace where you can relax and enjoy the view of the sea from your comfortable lounge bed.
Total area of the suite:
35m²
(incl. 7m² terrace) to 39m² (incl. 11m² terrace)
OCEAN PENTHOUSES
Die Ocean Penthouses sind ein herrlich luxuriöser, geräumiger Rückzugsort, der mit viel Liebe zum Detail ausgestattet wurde. Alle Elemente bestehen aus erstklassigen Materialien und wurden so gestaltet, dass der Meerblick und das natürliche Licht wunderbar zur Geltung kommen.
Each penthouse has an elegant, private dining area for four people, perfect for inviting other guests for a cosy get-together.
Available subcategories:
Penthouses
Deluxe Penthouses
Premier Penthouses
Grand Penthouses
Total area of the suite:
45-64 m²
suite: 34-47 m²
terrace: 11-17 m²
OCEAN RESIDENCES
The Ocean Residences - with their ocean-inspired names; Cove, Retreat, Serenity and Cocoon - are cozy retreats with spacious private terraces, panoramic views of the ocean, private outdoor whirlpools and first-class butler service by our Residence Hosts.
Available subcategories:
Cove Residences
Retreat Residences
Serenity Residences
Cocoon Residences
OWNER‘S RESIDENCE
Die Owner’s Residence ist das größte Quartier an Bord und umfasst mehrere harmonisch aufeinander abgestimmte Räume, in denen Sie Gäste empfangen und
relax and unwind. From the private terrace, which extends across the entire width of the ship you have a boundless view of the sea. Enjoy a large infinity whirlpool and the first-class butler service of the Residence Manager.
Total area of the suite:
280 m²
suite: 155 m²
terrace: 125 m²
The Artists
DIANA DAMRAU
Soprano
She is quite simply one of the best singers in the world.
New York Sun
GAUTIER CAPUÇON
Cello
Capuçon shapes long phrases as if he were a singer, who never has to take a breath.
The Guardian
FATMA SAID
Soprano
The flawlessly radiant Fatma Said as Pamina is a discovery.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
RAINER HONECK
Conductor
The great joy of playing together is written all over their faces.
Tagesspiegel (Berlin) über das Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin
LAUMA SKRIDE
Piano
Wonderfully sensitive, with marvellous timbres, again and again also with highly virtuosic verve.
Bayerische Rundfunk
JOSEPH CALLEJA
Tenor
Only one lyric tenor on the scene today has the honey-sweet tone and ingratiating style to make serious comparisons with Pavarotti and Gigli, and that is Calleja...
New Yorker
THE ORCHESTRA
KAMMERORCHESTER WIEN-BERLIN
KAMMERORCHESTER WIEN-BERLIN
Since its foundation in 2008, the Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin can look back on an unprecedented success story. The leading members of the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics fascinate with their agile chamber-music playing, which brings out the specific tonal beauty of the two top orchestras.
The foundation stone for this ensemble was laid by Sir Simon Rattle with his wish for his 50th birthday
to conduct a joint concert by the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras: Making music together was so stimulating that the desire to continue came out of this experience. From this idea, the „Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin“ was born.
Since then, concertmasters, soloists and section leaders of the two orchestras have been coming together regularly to create an artistic exchange between two legendary philharmonic orchestras and playing cultures. From the very beginning, the Artistic Director and concertmaster of the Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin has been Rainer Honeck.
RAINER HONECK
Conductor
As a soloist, Rainer Honeck has performed in major European music centres (Royal Albert Hall, London), America (Carnegie Hall, New York) and Japan (Suntory Hall, Tokyo). His personal highlights include solo appearances with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra under renowned conductors such as Herbert Blomstedt, Semyon Bychkov, Daniele Gatti, Ádám Fischer, Valery Gergiev, Christoph von Dohnany, Daniel Harding, Manfred Honeck, Mariss Jansons, Riccardo Muti, Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Kirill Petrenko and Michael Tilson-Thomas.
Due to his many years of experience as a concertmaster the desire to also work as a conductor arose. This was followed by repeated invitations to the Malm Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Symphony Orchestra, Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg and the Austrian-Hungarian Haydn Philharmonic Orchestra.
ITINERARY & ROUTE
DAY 1 | Thursday | 15.5.2025
FUSINA (VENICE) | ITALY
PRE-PROGRAM SEPARATELY BOOKABLE:
Experience musical Venice. Our trip has deliberately been designed with this preliminary program, to immerse you into the Serenissima - the most illustrious. In addition to exclusive sightseeing, meals in typical trattorias and Michelin award- winning gourmet restaurants, we have also organised a special musical experience:
A concert by the Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin with star cellist Gauthier Capuçon, in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco on May 14, the evening before embarkation. All programs include guided tours in small groups, boat transfer from the airport to the hotels, and transfer to the ship. We will advise you personally on your individual pre-program.
Weitere Informationen zum Vorprogramm finden sie hier:
Day 2 | Friday | 16.5.2025
ROVINJ | CROATIA
Beautiful Rovinj, which lies on a tiny island, probably the most beautiful town in Croatia. Pastel-coloured houses tower over the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and climb up the hill to the famous bell tower of the Basilica of St. Euphemia, a reminder of the town‘s Venetian roots. Immerse yourself in the labyrinth of narrow alleyways or take a tour of the town in a traditional batana boat with a flat bottom. At the markets, you will find local specialities and in the waterfront bars and restaurants you can taste the flavours of the Istrian peninsula.
In the evening, after returning to the Explora, you can experience the first musical highlight on board the ship. The Latvian pianist Lauma Skride, holder of the Beethoven- Ring since 2008, invites you to a piano recital in a dreamlike ambience.
Day 3 | Saturday | 17.5.2025
ANCONA | ITALY
Immerse yourself in the coastal attractions of Ancona, Italy. The city with its maritime heritage and cultural wealth invites you to discover the charm of the sea. From the tranquil harbour to the inviting cafés, every moment in Ancona unfolds like a graceful dance between history and the enchanting ambience of the Adriatic.
In the evening, the celebrated opera diva Diana Damrau, together with the Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin in an exclusive concert at the Teatro delle Muse in Ancona. Look forward to a grandiose performance in an enchanting ambience.
Day 4 | Sunday | 18.5.2025
BARI | ITALY
Bari, the metropolis of Apulia. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Mercato Coperto which is filled with the flavours of Italian cuisine. The warm-hearted people of the city, and its cultural richness, invite you to enjoy the beauty of the Adriatic coast. Every moment in Bari reflects the essence of Italian coastal magic.
In the evening, you will experience the Kammerorchester Wien-Berlin in a very special ambience. Conductor Rainer Honeck will create an unforgettable evening with the virtuoso musicians.
DAY 5 | MONDAY | 19.5.2025
KOTOR | MONTENEGRO
The beautiful bay of Kotor, which nestles like an amphitheatre in the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, welcomes you with its mesmerising turquoise waters, framed by emerald green slopes. The church Crkva Gospe od Zdravlja (Church of Our Lady of Health) offers a spectacular view of the red-roofed roofs of Kotor, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A man-made jewel amid inspiring landscapes.
Day 6 | Tuesday | 20.5.2025
AT SEA
During the day you can enjoy the Mediterranean and the facilities of the Explora I - the bars, the decks, the restaurants and, of course, the magnificent pools.
When evening falls, we invite you to a song recital with piano accompaniment. Fatma Said, the Egyptian-born singer, and perhaps one of the most exciting opera stars of her generation, will give an insight into her repertoire on board and inspire you with her stunning voice and unique charisma.
Day 7 | Wednesday | 21.5.2025
CHANIA (CRETE) | GREECE
Always a muse for artists and poets, Chania is a cultural crossroads, where the varied architecture bears witness to past cultures. The stalls of the markets are filled with olive oil and fragrant herbs from the surrounding hills. Beyond the old shipyards and leather tanneries of Halepa stretches a Homeric wonderland with endless beaches.
Day 8 | Thursday | 22.5.2025
MARMARIS | TURKEY
Travel to Marmaris on the Turkish Riviera. Explore the vibrant bazaars, where the scent of spices mingle with the lively atmosphere. Take a stroll along the marina, which is framed by majestic mountains and admire the beauty of the castle of Marmaris.
When we are back at sea, we can look forward to the last musical highlight of the trip. Joseph Calleja, who is already being compared to Luciano Pavarotti, invites us on a musical journey through the world of opera. It will be a truly special experience to hear the man from Malta in a very special environment.
Day 9 | Friday | 23.5.2025
SAMOS | GREECE
Embark on an idyllic journey to Samos, Greece, where the Aegean Sea whispers stories of timeless beauty. Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders
of the Heraion, where myth and history come together. Explore the lively Pythagoreion,
a picturesque harbour named after the famous mathematician. Every moment on Samos is a revelation of Greek island charm and serenity.
Day 10 | Saturday | 24.5.2025
PIRAEUS (ATHENS) | GREECE
We end our journey in the place where so much of our culture has its origins - in the cradle of civilization, Athens, the capital of Greece, which despite its rich history has never forgotten to reinvent itself.
Categories & Pricing
OCEAN SUITES
35m² to 39m² (incl. terrace)-
category OT1-OT4 - Ocean Terrace Suite 35m² (incl. 7m² terrace)
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category GT - Ocean Grand Terrace 39m² (incl. 11m² terrace)
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Ocean Penthouses
45m² to 64m² (incl. terrace)-
category PH - Penthouse 45m² (incl. 11m² terrace)
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category DP - Deluxe Penthouse 55m² (incl. 15m² terrace)
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category PP - Premier Penthouse 52m² (incl. 10m² terrace)
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category GP - Grand Penthouse 64m² (incl. 17m² terrace)
Ocean Residences
76m² to 149m² (incl. terrace)-
category CO - Cove Residence 76m² (incl. 20m² terrace)
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category RR - Retreat Residence 78m² (incl. 15m² terrace)
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category SR - Serenity Residence 120m² (incl. 60m² terrace)
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category Cocoon Residence 149m² (incl. 75m² terrace)
Owner`s Residence
280m² (incl. terrace)-
Owner`s Residence 280m² (incl. 155m² suite and 125m² terrace)
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YOUR INCLUDED SERVICES
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Exclusive music programme and concerts as listed (The ticket category will be allocated according to the suite category)
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Autograph sessions and meet & greet with the artists
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9 nights in the booked suite category
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A bottle of champagne and something sweet in the suite as a welcome gift
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A bottle of wine and a bottle of spirits of the guest‘s choice on arrival
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Unlimited fine drinks included: fine wines and premium spirits as well as speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks, including minibar in the suite*
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8 culinary experiences and in-suite dining
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Supervision by experienced MS6 tour guide & host team
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Suites from 35 m2 with elegant interior design, private terrace, large windows, walk-in wardrobe with dressing table
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Three outdoor pools, one indoor pool with retractable glass roof, 64 private cabanas and several indoor and outdoor whirlpools
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Ten indoor and outdoor bar and lounge experiences with selected entertainment and performances in an intimate atmosphere
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Casino, art gallery and exclusive shopping experiences
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Access to over 700 m2 of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities and over 270 m2 of fitness facilities with the latest equipment
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Free high-speed Wi-Fi
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All gratuities on board
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Infotainment system with Smart TV and easy connectivity for personal devices
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Phones with voicemail, on-demand TV and wireless connectivity
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Individual air conditioning in each suite
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Shuttle service from port to city centre and concert transfers if required
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* For lovers of exceptional wines and spirits, an exquisite selection of wines, spirits and liqueurs is available for an additional fee.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES ON BOARD
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24-hour concierge service
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24-hour in-suite dining
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Twice daily housekeeping service, including evening turndown service
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Shoe shine service
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24-hour butler service from the residence hosts for Ocean and Owner‘s Residences
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24-hour laundry, dry cleaning and ironing service
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED: Arrival and departure, pre-programme, airport transfers, excursions, laundry & ironing service, not included drinks such as extraordinary spirits, selected wines, cocktails, personal expenses such as hairdresser, massages, etc.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after return. Passport details and arrival times must be sent to us at least 10 weeks before departure. Programme subject to change. Due to time constraints, not all artists can come on board.
MUSICAL PROGRAMMES: We are in close contact with all the artists in order to put together a wonderful and very varied musical programme for your trip. We expect to be able to present a detailed programme at least 6 months before departure.
AT A GLANCE
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ULTIMATE LUXURY
The Explora I, completed and christened in 2023, belongs to a new generation of luxury cruise ships that place the comfort of guests above all else. A guest-to- staff ratio of 1.25 to 1, outstanding culinary delights in 11 restaurants and bars, extensive pools and spa areas offer a ship experience of the highest quality. -
OUTSTANDING DESIGN
Designed as a pure suite ship, the Explora I offers on-board residences from 35m2 (Ocean Suites) up to 280m2 (Owner‘s Residence). All suite categoriesare designed by leading interior designers and and include their own, private terrace. -
TOP MEDITERRANEAN DESTINATIONS
From Venice to Athens, you visit a total of 5 countries (Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey, Greece). You can discover the cities and ports yourself, or take part in special excursions and trips. -
EXCLUSIVE MUSIC PROGRAM WITH
WORLD STARS - ON BOARD AND ASHORE
As part of the cruise and the preliminary program in Venice you will experience concerts and recitals with Diana Damrau, cellist Gauthier Capuçon, the tenor Joseph Calleja, the pianist Lauma Skride, soprano Fatma Said and probably the best chamber orchestra in the world: the Kammerorchester Wien- Berlin, conducted by Rainer Honeck. -
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Travel with music enthusiasts from all over the world and experience the artists up close, enjoy introductory lectures, meet & greets and excursions especially for culture enthusiasts.
WHAT WE DO FOR YOU
PERSONAL
Service
Our team deeply cares about all your wishes - before, during, and after our trips.
UNIQUE
EXPERIENCES
All our trips are tailored around the respective artists, the locations and the destinations.
PERFECT ORGANISATION
We care about all the details, as we know that it is sometimes the small things that we keep in our memories.
EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS
We plan and curate our trips in partnership with renowned artists and agencies. Because we love music and travelling.
LET'S STAY IN CONTACT
We take great care to describe our trips as extensively as possible. However, should you have specific requests or questions, we will be happy to take care of those.
Feel free to contact us - if you wish, we will also call you back.
