Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle cruise brand of the MSC Group, has achieved a major shipbuilding milestone with the simultaneous advancement of three ships in its fast-growing fleet.
The company celebrated the float-out of EXPLORA III, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA IV and the steel cutting for EXPLORA V at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, Italy—a triple ceremony underscoring the brand’s steady expansion and commitment to redefining ultra-luxury ocean travel.
Major Milestones for Explora
The celebrations mark a significant step toward Explora Journeys’ goal of introducing a six-ship fleet by 2028. With EXPLORA I and II already in service and operating at near full capacity, the brand is seeing strong demand for its elegantly relaxed approach to cruising. EXPLORA III is scheduled for delivery in 2026, followed by EXPLORA IV and V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.
“Today marks a proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we celebrate three remarkable ships—each a symbol of our ambition to redefine ultra-elegant ocean travel,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, in a media statement. “This triple celebration reflects the strength of our vision and the power of collaboration between our team, our partners at Fincantieri, and the unwavering support of the Aponte-Vago family. Guided by our values of care, respect, and excellence, we are not just building ships – we are creating a legacy of transformative journeys that will endure for generations to come.”
During the coin ceremony for EXPLORA IV, Caroline Cooney-Hurrell, Customer Journey Strategist at Explora Journeys, was named godmother in recognition of her dedication to enhancing the guest experience since the brand’s inception. From Fincantieri, Franca Parisi, Head of Quality and Performance Improvement, served as the shipyard’s godmother for the occasion.
Explora Journeys is investing billions in its six-ship fleet, all under construction by Fincantieri, one of the world’s premier shipbuilders. The partnership not only fuels the brand’s ambitions but also reinforces the importance of Italy’s shipbuilding sector.
Launched just two years ago, Explora Journeys has quickly carved out a niche in the competitive luxury cruise market. Its ships are designed to offer a blend of immersive itineraries, thoughtfully curated cultural experiences and sophisticated onboard environments that promote relaxation and personal connection.
Focus on Sustainability and Future-Ready Technology
The company is also making sustainability a central pillar of its growth strategy. All Explora ships are equipped with advanced environmental technologies, including shore power connectivity to reduce emissions while docked and underwater noise management systems to help protect marine ecosystems.
Notably, EXPLORA III and subsequent vessels will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel that significantly lowers emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. The ships will also be capable of utilizing renewable energy alternatives, such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.
Looking ahead, EXPLORA V and VI are being designed with the potential to integrate next-generation fuel cell technology, enabling the conversion of LNG into hydrogen for further emission reductions, especially while in port.
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.
