By
Laura Hyde |
Explora Journeys and shipbuilder Fincantieri held a triple celebration to mark the delivery of Explora II, the keel-laying for Explora III and the first steel cutting for Explora IV in Italy. The luxury cruise brand, which is owned by MSC Group, is scheduled to have six ships operational by 2028.
The delivery of Explora II took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa, Italy, and was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division. He was joined by Fincantieri’s chairman Biagio Mazzotta and CEO and general manager Pierroberto Folgiero, as well as Stefania Vago, representatives of MSC’s construction team, and managers and workers from the shipyard.
The ship will be christened by marine environmentalist and ship godmother Rosalba Giugni at a ceremony on 15 September ahead of its first passenger voyage on 16 September, when it sails from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain. The ship will spend the winter season sailing itineraries in the Caribbean before returning to the Mediterranean for summer 2025. It will be helmed by Captain Serena Melani, who was previously master of Explora I, which was delivered by Fincantieri in July 2023.
Explora II’s maiden voyage is scheduled for 16 September
Explora Journeys also commemorated another construction milestone for its third ship, Explora III with a keel-laying ceremony. A commemorative coin placed was inside the ship as a sign of blessing and good fortune by the vessel’s two godmothers, Verena Koetzle, global head of public relations for Explora Journeys, and Martina Giardina, public area supervisor at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente yard. Explora III, which is due to enter service in 2026, will be the cruise brand’s first LNG-powered ship.
The third milestone celebrated at the event was the steel-cutting ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on Explora IV, which will be Explora Journeys’ second LNG-powered ship. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.
Explora IV is scheduled to begin operations in 2027
“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 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.”