On 20th July 2023, the delivery of EXPLORA I was completed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The construction of this impressive 63,900 GT vessel had started on 10th June 2021.
The highly anticipated maiden journey of EXPLORA I is scheduled to embark on 1st August 2023, departing from Copenhagen, Denmark. This seven-night sailing adventure will take travellers to the stunning destination of Reykjavik, Iceland, with exciting visits en route to Lerwick, Shetland Islands, and Kirkwall, Orkney.
With a remarkable seafaring history spanning over 300 years, Explora Journeys promises an unparalleled ocean escape that invites travellers to celebrate the spirit of discovery in all its magnificent forms. This journey also provides a precious opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters most in life.
Explora I
This exquisite luxury ship joins the brand’s fleet, setting sail from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The investment poured into this remarkable vessel amounted to an impressive €500 million, forming part of the larger €2.5 billion investment plan for the four ships commissioned by the brand.
The delivery ceremony of EXPLORA I marks a momentous occasion, signalling a new chapter in the brand’s journey. Discerning luxury travellers of today can now indulge in a truly transformative and purposeful ocean travel experience like never before, as they embark on voyages with Explora Journeys. This ship promises to offer a level of opulence, exquisite dining and meaning that is unmatched in the world of luxury travel, elevating the notion of ocean exploration to extraordinary heights.
The traditional maritime event was attended by Gianluigi Aponte, Founder and Chairman of the MSC Group; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Zoe Africa Vago, for Fincantieri Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer as well as representatives of MSC’s construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said,
“Today is a historic day, and represents a decisive step in our growth path, because it marks the entry of the MSC Group into the luxury travel sector. This segment has strong growth prospects, in which we strongly believe and whose standards we aim to redefine, focusing as always on excellence and luxury.”
Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys added,
“This traditional maritime moment marks the most important milestone for Explora Journeys as we will finally be able to showcase our highly anticipated, extraordinary new ship. We have pushed the boundaries of innovation and design to create a ship that embodies our commitment to excellence. With the delivery of EXPLORA I our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences has become an incredible reality. We invite our guests to embark on transformative journeys, offering an opportunity for inner and outer discovery inspired by the ocean, resulting in physical, intellectual and spiritual rejuvenation. We call this the ‘Ocean State of Mind’.”
Itineraries
The luxurious vessel will embark on an extensive voyage through Northern Europe. It offers a diverse array of itineraries, both familiar and off the beaten path. From there, it will venture across the Atlantic Sea, passing through Greenland. Then, she will spend the autumn exploring North America, the winter indulging in the Caribbean, and the spring journeying along the US West Coast and Hawaii. Finally, in Summer 2024, the ship will return to Europe for a captivating collection of journeys in the Mediterranean Sea.
Throughout all sailings, the ship will make stops at lesser-travelled ports, ensuring guests can relish in more authentic and unique experiences. The journeys, ranging from seven to 11 nights, are all combinable, offering guests the flexibility to curate their dream voyage. With a commitment to delivering a best-in-class guest experience, Explora Journeys promises leisurely mornings and exhilarating evenings. Unconventional arrival and departure times, along with overnight stays in ports, grant exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences and a more relaxed pace of travel, setting the stage for unforgettable memories.
About the fleet
EXPLORA I embodies a seamless fusion of elegant Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship. The ship is meticulously designed in collaboration with the world’s foremost superyacht and hospitality designers. It aims to ignite the senses and foster an ‘Ocean State of Mind’. This philosophy draws inspiration from the brand’s European heritage, a profound sense of style, and an instinctive approach to design and luxury.
Currently, EXPLORA II is under construction at the esteemed Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, Italy. It will commence service in August 2024. Following closely, EXPLORA III will be the inaugural vessel among two LNG-powered additions to the Explora Journeys’ fleet, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Finally, EXPLORA IV will grace the fleet in 2027.
Environmental consciousness lies at the heart of all Explora Journeys’ vessels. Each ship will be equipped with cutting-edge environmental and marine technologies. This includes selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, and underwater noise management systems. These are all designed to safeguard marine life. Moreover, a comprehensive range of onboard energy-efficient equipment will optimise engine usage. This further reduces emissions and demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainable exploration.
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