The float out of EXPLORA 1, the first out of 4 luxury expedition ships ordered by MSC Group (world's largest container shipping company) for MSC Cruises' new luxury brand Explora Journeys, took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone (Italy) on Monday, May 30.
The vessel, whose construction started in June 2021, is scheduled to enter service at the end of May 2023. The construction of EXPLORA 2, the second vessel of the new brand, is proceeding with delivery expected in summer 2024.
The official float-out ceremony was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, by Fincantieri Chairman, Claudio Graziano, and Fincantieri CEO, Pierroberto Folgiero.
MSC Explora 1 cruise ship ("Explora I", currently under construction) is the first in a series of four MSC EXPLORA-class expedition ships, with sisters Explora 2 (2024), Explora 3 (2025) and Explora 4 (2026).
The construction of the Explora Journeys fleet, commissioned to Fincantieri by the MSC Group back in 2018, continues at a fast pace due to a total order worth more than EUR 2 billion for 4 units.
The ships will have a gross tonnage of ~64,000 tons, featuring the latest available technologies in terms of sustainability.
What is known so far is that the cruise ship offers plenty of interior public spaces, 2500+ m2 (~27000 ft2) of exterior deck spaces, spacious Sundeck (with 64 private cabanas), three outdoor swimming pools (two aft, one forward), one midship swimming pool covered by a retractable glass roof (with 2-deck sunbathing area and a large LED screen for movies, Ultra-HD images and videos, real-time sea views), 9x different dining options (restaurants and food bars), modern wellness complex (with indoor-outdoor Spa and Gym, treatment rooms, latest fitness equipment, separate Studio /for group classes, personal training sessions).
All public facilities (restaurants, lounges, bars) are with floor-ceiling windows with unobstructed views. All sundecks are wind-protected (via a wraparound glass wall), furnished with premium patio furniture (3-seater sofas, padded loungers, double daybeds, deckchairs) and decorated with large living plants.
The onboard dining experience is all-inclusive and marked by flexible dining times and gourmet dishes prepared with sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.
The passenger-to-crew ratio of 1,25 guarantees attentive services by a dedicated staff.