Explora Journeys – the luxury arm of MSC Cruises – has entered a partnership with legendary piano maker Steinway & Sons.
Michael Ungerer, chief executive of Explora Journeys said: “This exceptional partnership brings a unique opportunity to celebrate and share musical excellence with a trusted, legendary luxury brand that shares our passion for talent, and demonstrate our commitment to undeniable quality. With the pianos supplied by Steinway & Sons and an enrichment programme bringing the finest musicians in the world to interact with our guests, we are thrilled to take this journey together.”
Starting in Summer 2023 with EXPLORA I`s maiden journey in Northern Europe and Arctic Circle, both acclaimed as well as up-and-coming pianists, recognised for their virtuosity and collaborations with the world’s great orchestras, will enthral guests with live performances that reflect the regions through which the ship will sail.
Ben Steiner, chief executive Steinway & Sons commented: “From the very beginning, we realized that Explora Journeys were doing something very special and innovative in the luxury travel space, much in the way that we have innovated in the piano world with Spirio. We felt an instant synergy between our companies due to our shared vision of excellence, and the more I see of Explora Journeys and their incredible ships, the more impressed I have become.”
Three Steinway Spirio high resolution player pianos will be onboard each of Explora Journeys ships. In addition to listening to live performing artists, guests will therefore also be able to enjoy recitals by iconic pianists at the world’s great concert halls.
‘A Celebratory Journey’ from Québec to New York City, will begin on 3 October 2023. Four celebrated Steinway Artists will join this journey to perform for guests as they travel from Québec to New York. Along the way, the ship will call at La Baie (Saguenay), Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Halifax, before arriving in New York, on 13October.
The journey will culminate in New York, the home of Steinway & Sons. A morning VIP tour of the legendary Steinway workshops just outside Manhattan will allow guests a glimpse of the same exceptional handcraftsmanship that has given the Steinway piano its unique richness and colour for over a century. Lunch, accompanied by exquisite music performed live by a Steinway Artist, will offer a final chance to witness this piano’s unique sound – a perfect tribute to the brand and the rich family business history behind it.
‘A Celebratory Journey’ was announced at a joint event at Steinway Hall in New York on 8 December 2022.
