By
Laura Hyde |
Explora Journeys will officially name its second ship, Explora II, at a ceremony in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy, on 15 September 2024. Christening duties will be carried out by ship godmother Rosalba Giugni, a marine environmentalist and president of the Marevivo Association, an environmental conservation organisation with over 30,000 members.
The ceremony will follow the ship’s delivery from Fincantieri, which is scheduled for 12 September at the shipbuilder’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa, Italy.
“We are honoured to have Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of Explora Journeys’ magnificent new luxury ship, symbolising the dedication of the MSC Group and our MSC Foundation to preserve the natural beauty of the oceans that are fundamental to our journeys around the world,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division at MSC Group, owner of the Explora Journeys brand. “Her commitment to marine conservation and the protection of the sea makes her an inspiration to us all. Rosalba’s passion for the sea extends to scientific dissemination and public advocacy, making her a fitting godmother for Explora II.”
Explora II successfully completed sea trials in June
“This role holds special significance for me, as it reflects our shared commitment to experiencing the world in a meaningful and respectful way,” said Giugni. “I am pleased to support Explora Journeys and the MSC Group in promoting and advancing a cultural shift towards greater protection of our precious marine ecosystem. Our future is tied to the health of the sea, and its wellbeing depends on the choices we make. The climate crisis is a clear warning: we are out of time. The ecological transition needs to begin now, tomorrow may already be too late.”
The following day, Explora II will depart on its maiden voyage, a seven-night journey to Tarragona, Spain, visiting Sorrento, Lipari in the Aeolian Islands, Trapani and Siracusa in Sicily, Italy, and Valletta in Malta.
Read CFR’s interview with Achille Staiano and Koray Savas of Explora Journeys in which they discuss how the brand’s boutique ships, personalised services, flexible itineraries and exclusive excursions are helping to redefine the luxury cruise experience