First Shetland, Orkney and Iceland, then the world… Explora Journeys’ first vessel, EXPLORA I, has departed on its maiden 7-night voyage, sailing through the landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before arriving in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Following its inaugural northern European voyage, EXPLORA I will travel on a series of itineraries spanning three continents.
And it will operate with Explora Journeys’ ‘Ocean State of Mind’ philosophy at its core, promising guests physically, intellectually and spiritually rewarding experiences along the way.
Along with its onboard experiences, guests aboard the first voyage will also have the chance to kayak on Copenhagen’s waterways, discover Shetland through its famous ponies, and overnight inside the Golden Circle in Iceland.
After sailing a variety of itineraries in Northern Europe for several weeks, EXPLORA I will head to North America and the Caribbean for winter, before returning to Europe for voyages in the Mediterranean Sea in summer 2024.
Special event
Explora Journeys marked EXPLORA I’s departure this week with a ceremony in Copenhagen, which included a traditional crest exchange (that celebrates a ship’s first visit to a destination) with the ship’s master captain Serena Melani and Explora Journeys’ CEO Michael Ungerer, among other dignitaries.
“It is our absolute honour to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment with them as we embark on the maiden journey of EXPLORA I from Copenhagen,” Ungerer said.
“Our guests will be able to experience the very best European hospitality at sea and our vibrant, cosmopolitan sense of luxury, while discovering some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.
“A new era of transformative luxury ocean travel begins now with the first sailing of EXPLORA I.”
The luxury lifestyle brand of cruise giant MSC Group, Explora Journeys expects its second ship, EXPLORA II, to come into service in August 2024.
Its third and fourth vessels, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV, are also due for delivery in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
The cruise line’s first four ships represent a €2.5 billion (approximately AU$4.7 billion) fleet investment.
Earlier this year, Explora appointed PEPR Agency in Australia and New Zealand to promote and raise awareness of the new brand.
Also, check out our interview with Explora Journeys Chief Sales Officer Chris Austin.
