Luxury lifestyle travel brand Explora Journeys (MSC Cruises' travel brand) announced an update to the coming into service schedule of its first ship, EXPLORA I.
The maiden journey of the vessel will now leave from Southampton (England UK) on July 17, 2023.
Explora was originally scheduled to launch on May 31, 2023, with an 11-night "Maiden Journey into Mare Nostrum" from Barcelona (Spain) to Athens-Piraeus (Greece).
Michael Ungerer, chief executive officer, Explora Journeys, said that from day one, their vision and purpose had been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other.
"This must be truer than ever with the launch of our brand’s first new and ground-breaking class of ships, EXPLORA I. To achieve this, we are working with one of the world’s foremost ship and super yacht builders to create the best luxury hospitality brand and experience. However, taking into consideration the challenging situation facing the world today including global supply chain complications we have had to take the difficult decision, agreed with the shipyard, Fincantieri, to update our ship’s coming into service schedule."
He added that the additional time at the shipyard and at sea prior to her first journey would be utilized to ensure that EXPLORA I "can and will deliver to the fullest" on the brand’s promise and vision, "making absolutely no compromise on quality and luxury."
Travel advisors, their clients, and any guests who have booked directly with the brand have been updated on the new dates of the inaugural voyage. Passengers have been offered a full refund and a full booking value offered as a Future Journey Credit (FJC). Travel agencies/advisors will have the full value of the commission protected already paid on the originally booked journey and will receive the commission on the FJC value booked.