By
Laura Hyde |
Explora Journeys’ second luxury ship Explora II has successfully completed sea trials in Italy ahead of its maiden voyage in August 2024.
The 63,900gt vessel is the second ship to be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for Explora Journeys, a luxury ocean travel brand owned by MSC Group. The first ship, Explora I, was delivered in July 2023 by Fincantieri, which will build six ships in total for Explora Journeys.
“The launch of Explora I last year was the realisation of a long-held family dream to offer guests an unmatched luxury at sea experience,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group. “Explora II successfully completing her sea trials is the next milestone on our Explora journey. In summer 2024 discerning travellers will now have the opportunity to travel on our two ships on carefully created and combinable itineraries both in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, embarking from easy access ports and uncovering hidden gems in lesser travelled destinations.”
Explora II’s maiden voyage is scheduled for 11 August from Barcelona in Spain to Civitavecchia in Rome, Italy. Following this, the ship will sail the West Mediterranean until November 2024 before repositioning to the Caribbean for the winter months.
Explora III, the first of two LNG-powered vessels, is expected to join Explora Journeys’ fleet in 2026, followed by Explora IV in 2027.