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Touch of luxe: Explora Journeys makes a splash with first luxury ship EXPLORA I

Luxury cruise line Explora Journeys marks a milestone with its first ship, EXPLORA I, on the way to Copenhagen to embark on her maiden voyage, a seven-night cruise to Reykjavik, Iceland on 1 August 2023.

Luxury cruise line Explora Journeys marks a milestone with its first ship, EXPLORA I, on the way to Copenhagen to embark on her maiden voyage, a seven-night cruise to Reykjavik, Iceland on 1 August 2023.

After a two-year build at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, EXPLORA I is the first of four ships on order, representing a €2.5 billion (approximately AUD$4.7 billion) fleet investment.

The luxury ship offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences – all with private terraces –along with six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges and a Chef’s Kitchen.

Also on board are four swimming pools, wellness facilities and entertainment options.

Part of the MSC Group, the privately owned Explora Journeys luxury lifestyle brand will offer “remarkable itineraries that blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports”.

EXPLORA I MichaelUngerer CaptainSerenaMelani
Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer & Captain Serena Melani. Image: Ivan Sarfatti

Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer said: “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. With the delivery of EXPLORA I, our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences has become an incredible reality.”

EXPLORA I will sail Northern Europe for several weeks before crossing the Atlantic via Greenland to spend autumn in North America, winter in the Caribbean and spring on the US West Coast and Hawaii.

The luxury ship will return to Europe to cruise the Mediterranean in summer 2024. The itineraries range from seven to 11 nights and are all combinable.

EXPLORA II is currently being built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, Italy and is due in August 2024.  EXPLORA III will become the first of two LNG-powered vessels to join the fleet with the ship due for delivery in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027.

Find out more at explorajourneys.com