Explora
Journeys has officially celebrated the naming ceremony of its latest luxury
ship, Explora
II, at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy, near Rome. The event marked
another significant milestone for the MSC Group’s
luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, following the ship’s official delivery
just days ago.
Explora II is the
second of six vessels in the fleet and was christened by godmother Rosalba
Giugni, a distinguished marine environmentalist and founder of the Marevivo
Foundation, who was honored for her lifelong commitment to ocean conservation.
The time-honored
maritime ceremony was hosted by Italian actress Lorella Cuccarini, featured a
symbolic ribbon-cutting and the breaking of a bottle on the ship’s bow, both of
which were presided over by Explora II’s godmother, Rosalba Giugni, a
distinguished marine environmentalist, and founder and president of the
Marevivo Foundation.
The naming
ceremony was attended by prominent figures from around the world, including
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani; Admiral
Nicola Carlone; ART President Nicola Zaccheo; the President of the Port
Authority, Pino Musolino; the Mayor of Civitavecchia, Marco Piendibene; and
Italian film director, screenwriter and Academy Award winner, Giuseppe
Tornatore. They were joined by MSC Group representatives, key travel partners
and members of the international media.
Explora Journeys' Explora II is officially christened. (Photo Credit: Explora Journeys)
The event concluded
with a traditional parade of the ship’s officers and was followed by further
evening festivities, including a gala dinner, a performance by English pop
singer Tony Hadley and a spectacular drone show that told the tale of Explora
Journeys as a brand, and featured a stunning representation of the Explora
Journeys logo and Mandala.
“Naming a new ship
is a proud maritime tradition, and tonight’s celebration marks our continued
growth as we redefine luxury ocean travel,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive
Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group. “Our vision began with the
contemporary brand MSC Cruises where we developed a premium offer with MSC
Yacht Club and from there we identified a further demand for luxury experiences
at sea. With Explora Journeys we offer an unparalleled value proposition and a
unique offering compared to other types of luxury holiday. By 2028 the Explora
Journeys fleet will comprise six ships offering a spirit of luxurious ocean
adventure visiting sought-after destinations, where our guests can expect the
same high standards and quality service across our fleet, all over the globe.”
Following the
naming ceremony, Explora II embarked on its maiden seven-night voyage, with
ports of call in Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, and Valletta, and
culminating in Tarragona, Spain.
The ship, along
with its sister vessel Explora I, will relocate to the Caribbean
for the winter season, offering itineraries to destinations such as St.
Barts, Aruba
and Antigua.
During the summer of 2025, Explora A II will return to the Mediterranean,
visiting renowned ports like St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Porto Cervo and
Barcelona.
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