Explora Journeys reached a major milestone in its fleet development with a triple ceremony at the Fincantieri Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, that marked significant progress on three vessels in the brand’s growing fleet.
The ceremony celebrated three key shipbuilding milestones: the technical launch (float out) of EXPLORA IV, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V and the steel cutting of EXPLORA VI. The event highlights the continued expansion of the cruise line’s next-generation ships, which are being constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard.
Among those attending the ceremony were Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; and Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri. They were joined by Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, along with local officials and shipyard representatives.
This marks the third triple ceremony for Explora Journeys in just 18 months. Two ships are already in service, while EXPLORA III is scheduled for delivery and launch in July. In total, four vessels are currently under construction at the Genoa shipyard.
“For the first time, all six ships in our fleet are either in service or under construction — a defining moment as we bring the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to life on an even greater scale,” said Nash, in a media statement. “These ships realise the Aponte-Vago family’s vision of an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination — inviting wellbeing, discovery and a deeper connection with the ocean.”
Fleet Expansion Continues with EXPLORA III
Attention now turns to EXPLORA III, which is expected to be delivered ahead of schedule this July. Following delivery, the ship will embark on a Mediterranean Prelude Journey before its official naming ceremony on August 1 at MSC’s new cruise terminal in Barcelona.
Future ships in the series are scheduled to enter service over the next several years, with EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V launching in 2027 and EXPLORA VI joining the fleet in 2028.
For the coin ceremony of EXPLORA V, two godmothers were appointed: Captain Serena Melani, representing Explora Journeys and Alice Gallo from the Fincantieri Sestri Ponente shipyard. Melani previously served as the first master of both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II and will also command EXPLORA III. Cristina Bacigalupo from Fincantieri’s outfitting workshop served as godmother for the technical launch of EXPLORA IV, representing the skilled workforce behind the ship’s construction.
Sustainability and LNG-Powered Ships
Explora Journeys and the MSC Group Cruise Division are working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for marine operations by 2050, supported by investments in advanced technology, operational efficiencies and alternative fuels. All ships in the Explora fleet will feature shore power connectivity, allowing vessels to plug into port electrical grids and eliminate direct emissions while docked.
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.
