Explora
Journeys—MSC Group’s
luxury cruise brand—today celebrated, not one, but three major milestones at
the Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa, Italy. Firstly, the delivery of Explora
II; secondly, the keel-laying of of Explora III; and, thirdly, the
commencement of construction for Explora IV. These developments underscore the
company’s accelerated growth, as it pursues its aim of launching a total of five
new ships by 2028.
The Explora II was
officially delivered today, becoming the brand’s second ship in the fleet, and
is set to embark on its maiden voyage on September 16 from Civitavecchia (Rome),
Italy, and making stops in Sicily, Malta and Spain. This new addition weighs
63,900 gross tons and boasts 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, along
with an array of luxury amenities. It also boasts six onboard restaurants, 12
bars, four pools and several wellness venues. Following its inaugural Mediterranean
routes, the ship will shift to the Caribbean
for the winter season before again returning to the Mediterranean for Summer
2025.
Executives held a
ceremonial maritime event, as is traditional when a shipbuilder delivers a new
vessel, which was attended by Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise
Division, Pierfrancesco Vago; the ship’s godmother, Stefania Vago; Fincantieri’s
Chairman, Biagio Mazzotta; and Fincantieri’s CEO and General Manager,
Pierroberto Folgiero. Representatives of MSC's construction team, along with
some of the shipyard’s workers and managers, were also in attendance.
Explora Journeys' Explora II is officially christened. (Photo Credit: Explora Journeys)
A keel-laying
ceremony was also held for Explora III, during which commemorative coins were
placed within the structure of the ship, traditionally believed to bestow
blessings and good fortune. The ship’s two godmothers—Verena Koetzle, Global
Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys and Martina Giardina, Public Area
Supervisor for Fincantieri Shipyard Sestri Ponente—did the honors. This third
vessel in the fleet, which will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is
expected to begin operations in 2026. LNG serves as a transition to more
sustainable alternatives like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, marking a move toward
greener technology in maritime travel.
The third
milestone came with the steel-cutting ceremony for Explora IV, which signals
the commencement of its construction. Also powered by LNG, the ship’s build is
set for completion in early 2027. The cruise line is also planning for two
other ships in the pipeline, Explora V and Explora VI, to enter service in 2027
and 2028, respectively. Both will feature large fuel cell technology aimed at
converting renewable LNG into hydrogen, further reducing greenhouse gas
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, said MSC Group’s Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, Pierfrancesco
Vago. 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.”
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