Just two months after the delivery of EXPLORA I, which took place in Monfalcone on July 20, 2023, the construction of the fleet of Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, is further progressing. Today the brand celebrated two maritime milestones during a double event at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa in Italy.
During the ceremony, the brand celebrated both the float out of EXPLORA II and the steel cutting of EXPLORA III, representing the second and third ships out of a total of four ordered by Explora Journeys.
Said Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys during the ceremony, “The double event today marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travelers. Following the successful launch of EXPLORA I and the incredibly positive feedback from the first guests, travel advisors and media, who had a chance to experience the Ocean State of Mind, the story continues, and we are now beyond thrilled to witness the next important construction milestones for both EXPLORA II and our first LNG powered ship EXPLORA III. We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”
Construction of the GT 63,900 EXPLORA II began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022.
The float out is a traditional maritime event that represents a significant moment in the construction of a new ship as it is the first time that the ship will touch water and will then enter the final phases of construction to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings.
Explora’s Plan: Launch Four New Ships Between 2023 and 2027
EXPLORA II will embark on her maiden journey in the summer of 2024, spending her first season in the Mediterranean discovering the most striking locations of the Mare Nostrum, including Italian destinations such as Portofino, Argentario, Rome, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero, and the Emerald Coast.
EXPLORA III will come into service in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027.
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.
