First Explora Journeys Ship Begins Maiden Voyage

Luxury cruise operator Explora Journeys has officially hit the high seas! Today, marked the start of the maiden voyage of the line’s first ship, EXPLORA I, sailing a 7-night cruise from Copenhagen to Reykjavik. 

Explora Journeys shared the following video to Facebook for today’s launch of EXPLORA I: 

Explora Journeys Official Facebook

The launch of Explora Journeys has been many years in the making. The brand is the new luxury arm of the MSC Group and has set out to establish a new oceangoing cruise experience unlike anything else on the market. Explora Journeys will build six total vessels over the coming years, with EXPLORA I being the first in the fleet to launch. 

EXPLORA II is currently being built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, Italy. This ship is on track to come into service come August 2024. EXPLORA III will become the first of two LNG-powered vessels to join the Explora Journeys’ fleet with the ship due to be delivered in 2026. EXPLORA IV will come into service come 2027.

All Explora Journeys vessels will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy-efficient equipment to optimize engine use to reduce emissions.

According to an announcement shared with travel advisors, EXPLORA I set sail today with 750 guests on board, welcomed by Captain Serena Melani, Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer, and other MSC Group dignitaries. Guests were welcomed to their suites with a complimentary bottle of champagne to toast to the start of their unforgettable experience.  

EXPLORA 1 was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The stunning ship has 461 stateroom and suite options, all with sweeping ocean views and private terraces. Guests can select from any of the 11 eatery options onboard - six restaurants, in-suite dining, twelve bars and lounges, and the Chef`s Kitchen. Onboard amenities include four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, wellness facilities, a spa, and refined entertainment/enrichment options. 

The ship will spend its first few weeks sailing cruises in Northern Europe and then will cross the Atlantic to spend the fall season in North America and the winter in the Caribbean. Come spring 2024, EXPLORA I will reposition to the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii and then spend the summer 2024 season sailing Mediterranean voyages. 

Cruises on EXPLORA I range from seven to 11 nights. Most itineraries have non-conventional arrivals/departure times and overnight stays, allowing for more time for guests to visit ports. 

Ready to experience the new Explora Journeys? Check out all cruises on EXPLORA I