Explora Journeys Announces Two Additional Ships

Luxury operator Explora Journeys announced that it has ordered two new ships from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The upcoming EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will be hydrogen-powered vessels, and continue the brand’s push towards a net zero-carbon emissions target by 2050. 

These new vessels will make Explora Journey’s (part of the MSC Group) fleet count at six and will complete a total investment of €3.5 billion. According to the operator, the “contracts are subject to access to financing as per industry practice.”

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will be built with a number of state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures. They will be capable of using alternative fuels, including bio and synthetic gas and methanol. The cruise operator will work with Fincateri to equip the vessels with future technologies like carbon capture and advanced waste management systems. 

“With Explora Journeys we have created a luxury brand that has been successful at redefining luxury at sea. We are seeing continued growth in the luxury segment and the investment in these two new ships shows our commitment to continue to grow within this sector as well as to invest in ships of the future. Together with Fincantieri we will study the newest technology that the world has to offer and continue with our commitment to introduce these technologies to drive efficiencies across the whole spectrum of ship performance. And of course we will continue to deliver the very best luxury travel experience, immersing our guests in the ocean state of mind with a sustainable soul,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division for MSC Group. 

The two new ships will operate using liquid hydrogen with fuel cells for hotel operations while docked in ports to eliminate carbon emissions. Additionally, the ships will incorporate a new generation of LNG engines. 

“Sustainability in luxury is the new craftmanship and our new two confirmed orders are a testament to our determination to preserve and protect our precious oceans. This is what the discerning traveler of tomorrow expects so it is an absolute imperative that we not only just deliver on that anticipation, but we must and will exceed such aspirations,” said Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys. 

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will be delivered to Explora Journeys in 2027 and 2028.

The cruise line’s first ship EXPLORA I went into service in July 2023 and is currently sailing in Northern Europe. The vessel will sail in the fall season in North America and winter in the Caribbean. Come spring 2024, EXPLORA I will sail the U.S. West Coast and then return to Europe for summer 2024. 

Recently, Explora Journeys marked two construction milestones for EXPLORA II and EXPLORA III. EXPLORA II completed its float out on September 6, 2023, in preparation to enter service in summer 2024. This ship will sail its first season in the Mediterranean through April 2025. EXPLORA III was also celebrated on September 6, 2023, with a steel-cutting ceremony, marking the start of construction on the vessel. This ship will begin service come summer 2026. 

Construction of LNG-powered EXPLORA IV will begin in January 2024 and will be completed in early 2027.

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