Explora Journeys has staged a triple celebration at Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy as the luxury cruise line continues to grow its fleet.
EXPLORA II was delivered to the shipyard to become Explora Journeys’ second ship to join the fleet of the MSC Group’s luxury vessels. This milestone came before setting sail on her maiden voyage on Monday 16th September 2024 from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Sicily, Malta, and Spain.
The traditional event in which a shipbuilder delivers the new vessel to its owner was attended by many high-profile individuals with ties to the new ship, including: Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Stefania Vago, Godmother of EXPLORA II; Fincantieri’s Chairman, Biagio Mazzotta; the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero; and representatives of MSC’s construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard.
EXPLORA II will sail the Caribbean Sea during winter, before returning to the Mediterranean for summer 2025. Developed to enhance further the guest experience, along with her sister ship EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II embodies a fusion of Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship.
Guests onboard the new luxury ship can indulge in 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residencies, six different restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, plus a range of wellness venues. In collaboration with leading superyacht and hospitality designers, every aspect of the new ship has been designed to evoke an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ – reflecting the Explora Journeys approach to luxury.
Captain Serena Melani will be the Master of EXPLORA II, marking the second time a female captain has lead a ship for EXPLORA Journeys, following her role as Master of EXPLORA I.
As part of Explora Journeys’ triple celebration, a keel laying ceremony also took place for EXPLORA III (launching in 2026) at Fincantieri shipyard, where commemorative coins were placed inside the ship by its two godmothers- Verena Koetzle, Global Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys, and Martina Giardina, Public Area Supervisor. This acts as a blessing during construction and a symbol of good fortune for the ship in the future.
Explora Journeys’ third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony, also held at Fincantieri shipyard, to initiate the construction of EXPLORA IV; to be completed in early 2027. Additionally, EXPLORA V will join the luxury in fleet in 2027, and Explora VI in 2028, with a project underway for both to have large fuel cell capacity capable of transforming renewable LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) into hydrogen- significantly reducing emissions.
“The delivery of EXPLORA II represents a significant milestone for Explora Journeys and the MSC Group, in our commitment to set new standards in global luxury travel at sea. This special day also sees us celebrate the coin ceremony for EXPLORA III and the start of construction of EXPLORA IV as we continue to deliver on our commitment to create a fleet of six best-in-class ships offering even more guests a luxury ocean travel experience like no other.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group
