Explora Journeys celebrated this week at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy as Explora II was delivered, becoming the second ship in the luxury fleet.
Owned by MSC Group, the Explora Journeys fleet is on track to grow to six vessels by 2028 with a total value of €3.5 billion.
Explora II sails on her maiden journey next week on 16 September from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain.
The traditional maritime event when a shipbuilder delivers the new vessel to its owner was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Stefania Vago, as well as Fincantieri’s Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero.
Explora II will operate in the Caribbean Sea in the winter and return to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2025. The new luxury ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six different restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and a range of wellness venues.
During the event, a keel-laying ceremony for Explora III also took place today at the shipyard when commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the vessel’s two godmothers, Verena Koetzle, Global Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys; and Martina Giardina, Public Area Supervisor, Fincantieri Shipyard Sestri Ponente.
The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Explora III will enter service in 2026.
A third celebration saw a steel cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard to start the construction of Explora IV, which will also be fuelled by LNG, and will be completed in early 2027.
Explora V will join the luxury fleet in 2027 and Explora VI in 2028 – with a project underway for both to have large fuel cell capacity capable of transforming renewable LNG into hydrogen and significantly reducing emissions.
“The delivery of Explora II represents a significant milestone for Explora Journeys and the MSC Group, in our commitment to set new standards in global luxury travel at sea,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group.
“This special day also sees us celebrate the coin ceremony for Explora III and the start of construction of Explora IV as we continue to deliver on our commitment to create a fleet of six best-in-class ships offering even more guests a luxury ocean travel experience like no other,” he said.
Captain Serena Melani will be the Master of Explora II which marks an historic moment as a female captain to lead a ship for Explora Journeys for the second time, following her role as Master of Explora I.
Explora II has been developed to further enhance the guest experience. Its Journeys Lounge, casino and Fil Rouge restaurant have refreshed colours and materials while maintaining their original layouts of sister ship Explora I. The Explora Lounge, Crema Café and Atoll Pool have all been enhanced with new design and furniture to create more space for guests.
The Ocean Wellness Spa features a new concept with updated decor and materials throughout and the addition of Australian spa brand, Subtle Energies. The Anthology restaurant has been redesigned to offer Italian fine-dining and Explora II will also feature the first at sea Buccellati jewellery boutique.
For more information visit explorajourneys.com
