Explora Journeys Celebrates Milestones for Three New Ships
Explora Journeys recently celebrated milestones for three ships at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy. These milestones were major stepping stones as the new luxury brand continues to grow towards its total of six ships planned by 2028.
EXPLORA II was delivered to Explora Journeys, making it the second ship to join the fleet. The vessel will set sail on her maiden journey on September 16 from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain. The traditional maritime event was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, ship godmother Stefania Vago, Fincantieri Chairman Biagio Mazzotta, the constructor’s CEO & General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, along with representatives of MSC's construction team and workers from the shipyard.
The new EXPLORA II will operate in the Caribbean Sea in the winter of 2024-2025 and return to the Mediterranean Sea for the summer of 2025. EXPLORA II has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and wellness venues.
A keel-laying ceremony for EXPLORA III also took place at the shipyard when commemorative coins were placed inside the vessel as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune. Coins were laid by the vessel’s two future godmothers, Verena Koetzle, Global Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys and Martina Giardina, Public Area Supervisor - Fincantieri Shipyard Sestri Ponente. The LNG-powered EXPLORA III will enter service in 2026.
Explora Journeys’ third celebration was a steel-cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard to start the construction of EXPLORA IV (also be fueled by LNG) which will be completed in early 2027. EXPLORA V will join the luxury fleet in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.
“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. 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,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group.
Captain Serena Melani will be the Master of EXPLORA II, the female captain to lead a ship for Explora Journeys for the second time following her role as Master of EXPLORA I. EXPLORA II was designed and built under RINA Class, has earned several additional voluntary notations due to innovative design and construction focused on environmental sustainability and passenger comfort.
The vessel embodies a fusion of elegant Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship, with every aspect of the new ship designed to evoke an ‘Ocean State of Mind’. Its Journeys Lounge, casino, and Fil Rouge restaurant have refreshed colors and materials while maintaining their original layouts, and the Explora Lounge, Crema Café and Atoll Pool have all been enhanced with new design and furniture. Bespoke Unopiu outdoor furniture has been added to the Helios Pool & Bar. Also updated from EXPLORA I are the design of the Ocean Wellness Spa and the Anthology restaurant.
EXPLORA II will feature original artwork by Emilio Isgró and Prince Hussein Aga Khan`s ‘Marine Encounters’. The collection of marine photography was gifted to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and ‘Focused on Nature’.
Bookings for all sailings on EXPLORA II through March 2026 are now available.
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