EXPLORA I, the first of up to six vessels scheduled to join the fleet of Explora Journeys, will be officially named on July 8 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy.
The ship will then transfer to Southampton for her inaugural journey on July 17 for a 15-night sailing in Northern Europe to Copenhagen.
Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys CEO, said at the recent coin ceremony event for EXPLORA II – a key maritime construction milestone – at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa: “The announcement that EXPLORA I will be named in just a few months from now in Civitavecchia is further proof that we are on track to get this exciting new lifestyle brand up and running and the first of our luxurious vessels at sea.
Explora Journeys is the luxury arm of MSC Cruises.
The coin ceremony of EXPLORA II, the second of up to six ships planned by Explora Journeys, took place on Februray 8.
Construction of the GT 63,900 vessel began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022. EXPLORA II will enter service in August 2024.
The time-honoured maritime ceremony saw commemorative coins placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the newbuilds’ Godmothers, Feliciana Maresca, Executive Assistant to Explora Journeys’ Chief Executive Officer Michael Ungerer represented the owners and Martina Mosca, Supervisor of Hull Fabrication Department, for Fincantieri represented the ship builder.
The event was attended by key executives including Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, Michael Ungerer and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.
Between August 2024 and April 2025 EXPLORA II will sail in the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa and feature 82 ports in 26 countries.
The ship will be fitted with 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences and feature six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, nearly 1,000 square metres of wellness and fitness facilities, plus refined entertainment and enrichment.
