Explora Journeys has taken ownership of its first luxury vessel, the Explora I, marking a significant milestone for the company.
- The official handover occurred at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on 21 July 2023, despite earlier delays.
- Explora I will embark on its inaugural journey from Copenhagen on 1 August 2023, exploring Northern Europe initially.
- The vessel will later traverse the Atlantic to operate in North America and the Caribbean over autumn and winter.
- This event signals the MSC Group’s expansion into the luxury travel sector, with further ships under construction.
Explora Journeys has taken a substantial step forward by taking delivery of Explora I, its first luxury cruise ship, on the 21st of July, 2023. This landmark event was hosted at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Despite an initial setback caused by material issues that led to the cancellation of Explora I’s original maiden voyage, the company is now prepared to launch its operations with an adjusted timeline.
The highly anticipated first cruise of Explora I is scheduled to commence from Copenhagen on the 1st of August, 2023. The ship is set to explore various Northern European destinations for several weeks, providing an exciting array of itineraries to its passengers. Following this, Explora I will embark on a transatlantic journey via Greenland, positioning itself for operations in North America in autumn and within the Caribbean for the winter season.
Pierfrancesco Vago, the executive chairman of the MSC Group cruise division, described the delivery as a historical moment and an integral part of the company’s growth trajectory. He emphasised the group’s commitment to entering the luxury travel market, underscoring their intent to redefine standards in this burgeoning segment. His vision is shared by Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, who expressed that the delivery marked a pivotal milestone allowing the company to demonstrate its innovative ship design, which pledges to offer unparalleled luxury experiences to its clientele.
In addition to Explora I, Explora Journeys has already embarked on further expansion plans, with Explora II currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, expected to join the fleet in August 2024. Following this, Explora III will be equipped as the first of two LNG-powered vessels, due for delivery in 2026, followed closely by Explora IV in 2027. This strategic development underscores the MSC Group’s aggressive expansion into luxury cruising.
Explora I’s delivery represents a transformative chapter for Explora Journeys, signifying its ambitious entry into luxury cruising.
