EXPLORA I Makes Maiden Call to PortMiami
New luxury operator Explora Journey’s ship EXPLORA I made its maiden call to PortMiami on Friday, November 3, 2023, marking the ship’s debut in South Florida.
To celebrate the occasion, the maritime tradition of a crest exchange was held to mark the ship’s first visit to a destination. The event was attended by EXPLORA I’s master Captain Diego Michelozzi, and Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.
“We take immense pride in introducing our remarkable new ship, EXPLORA I, to the Magic City,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “Miami is a paramount destination and important gateway to the Caribbean for ocean travel and it is a privilege to showcase our new ship and immersive journeys to this market. Our team has spared no effort in pushing the limits of innovation and delivering a product that we're thrilled for guests to experience as they embark in South Florida.”
Also in attendance were Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO.
“As the cruise industry continues to rebound and make a strong comeback, we are grateful for our new partnership with Explora Journeys,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Their commitment to providing a world-class experience to passengers and a net zero-carbon emissions target by 2050 is critical to keeping PortMiami on the cutting edge of the cruise industry.”
Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO added, “As we continue to expand our operations and partnerships, we look forward to cruise activity growth with Explora Journeys, which will benefit all of our passengers.”
EXPLORA I will next set sail from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ship will spend November through March sailing itineraries in the Caribbean and Central America, before heading to the West Coast in the spring.
The ship is the first in a fleet of six for the luxury ocean travel brand, which is part of the MSC Group. EXPLORA I first set sail in July 2023. Upcoming vessel EXPLORA II will enter service in the summer of 2024, and sail until April 2025 in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV (both of which will be powered by liquefied natural gas) are slated to enter service in 2026 and 2027. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI (both to be powered by hydrogen) are scheduled to enter service in 2027 and 2028.
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