Explora Journeys has had to cancel the maiden voyage of Explora I due to material issues, affecting up to 45 ships.
- The vessel was initially set to sail from Southampton on 17 July but will now launch from Copenhagen on 1 August.
- The Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri was informed that its supplier lost safety certification for a fire-resistant panel used on Explora I.
- Explora Journeys prioritised safety by delaying delivery and canceling the inaugural cruise, a responsible step to ensure compliance.
- Work is underway to replace faulty materials, with plans for the ship’s safety certificate and rescheduled delivery on 24 July.
Explora Journeys faced an unexpected challenge leading to the cancellation of Explora I’s maiden voyage, initially scheduled from Southampton on 17 July. The cruise line discovered that certain materials used on the vessel did not meet necessary safety certifications, which prompted immediate action to address the shortcomings.
This decision stemmed from a notification received by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, who was informed in late May that a particular supplier had lost its safety certification. The compromised materials involved fire-resistant panels, a concern that could potentially affect up to 45 operational ships in the fleet.
To ensure the utmost safety for both guests and crew, Explora Journeys has delayed the delivery of the vessel, opting not to proceed with the first sailing. This cautious approach underlines the company’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards across its operations.
In collaboration with Fincantieri, Explora Journeys is taking ‘immediate and responsible’ measures to replace the affected materials. Discussions are ongoing with classification societies to secure the ship’s safety certificate at the earliest opportunity.
Despite the understandable disappointment among guests, comprehensive efforts are in place to resolve the issue efficiently. The vessel is now anticipated to be delivered on 24 July, with its first sailing re-scheduled for 1 August from Copenhagen.
Explora Journeys remains committed to safety and transparency, diligently working towards resolving material issues before the rescheduled maiden voyage.
