54 INTERIOR VIEW Guests will be able to “immerse themselves in effortless luxury” and experience an “ocean state of mind” onboard new luxury cruise ship Explora II when it debuts in August 2024, according to operator Explora Journeys. It will be the second ship for the brand, which is part of family-owned shipping business MSC Group and debuted its first vessel, Explora I, in August 2023. Following positive feedback from guests and the wider cruise industry that it successfully achieved its goal of delivering a superyacht-style experience onboard Explora I, the brand has opted not to make significant design changes to Explora II. Consequently, the newbuild will offer the same elegant interiors, upscale amenities, fine dining and personalised hospitality services. “Explora II’s design mirrors that of Explora I, which is the epitome of European luxury at sea,” says Antonio di Nenno, director of architecture and design for both Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises. “To ensure the design reflects our ‘ocean state of mind’ philosophy, we’ve incorporated the use of light, colour, space, privacy and maximised the connection to the sea.” Spanning 14 decks, Explora II will boast more than 2,500 square metres of outdoor public spaces, which will include three pools surrounded by a total of 64 private cabanas, a promenade deck with whirlpools, and poolside dining venues and bars. Other highlights will include a pool with a retractable roof, an art gallery, a casino, a boutique retail space, a 1,000-square-metre Ocean Wellness and fitness complex, six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. In addition, the ship will have 461 expansive ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. Decorated with serene colour palettes and luxurious furnishings, the suites will offer a “real home at sea” for guests and range from 35 to 250 square metres in size. Explora Journeys has collaborated with renowned superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, outfitters and product suppliers to create Explora II. Several, including AD Associates, previously worked on the brand’s first ship. “AD Associates has developed Sakura, a Pan-Asian restaurant inspired by the ancient tea rooms of Kyoto in Japan, as well as the Marble & Co. Grill European steakhouse, and Anthology, our culinary stage for illustrious chefs,” says Di Nenno, noting that all dining spaces will retain the same signature designs as on Explora I. Similarly, Italian firm Studio DAZ has once again designed the retail area. “Together we’ve maximised natural and Explora II Explora Journeys’ Antonio di Nenno explains to Rebecca Gibson how the brand is working with partners to deliver an effortlessly luxurious cruise experience onboard its latest vessel Italian designer Matteo Nunziati has created bespoke outdoor furniture with a modular structure inspired by the architecture in the Swiss town of Davos for the Helios Pool & Bar
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