Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle brand of MSC Group, celebrated the official delivery of its first ship - EXPLORA I, from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone Italy. The shipbuilding cost for this new ship exceeded EUR 500 million, and the total investment plan for four units/sisterships in the fleet amounts to EUR 2.5 billion.
The delivery ceremony marked a significant milestone for Explora Journeys, offering discerning luxury travelers a transformative and purposeful ocean travel experience. The event was attended by key figures from the MSC Group and Fincantieri.
Pierfrancesco Vago (Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises) expressed his excitement about entering the luxury travel sector, aiming to redefine its standards with a focus on excellence and luxury. Michael Ungerer (Explora Journeys' CEO) emphasized the ship's innovative design and commitment to providing unparalleled luxury experiences, inviting guests to embark on transformative journeys with an 'Ocean State of Mind.'
EXPLORA I's maiden journey will commence from Copenhagen Denmark on August 1st, 2023, taking guests on a 7-night sailing through majestic landscapes before heading to various destinations in Northern Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and the US West Coast. The ship will return to Europe for journeys in the Mediterranean Sea in the summer of 2024, calling at lesser-traveled ports for a more authentic experience.
The ship has been meticulously designed in partnership with world-renowned superyacht and hospitality designers, blending elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, reflecting the brand's European roots, style, and approach to design and luxury.
The next ships in the fleet, EXPLORA II and EXPLORA III, are already under construction and are expected to join in August 2024 and 2026, respectively. All Explora Journeys vessels will feature the latest environmental and marine technologies, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions.