Explora Journeys Celebrates EXPLORA I Float Out

Explora Journeys is celebrating another important milestone in the construction of EXPLORA I with the float out ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

This is the first of four ships from the luxury ocean travel brand with EXPLORA I set to be delivered in just 12 months at the end of May 2023. EXPLORA II will launch in summer 2024 and is already under construction with the keel being laid earlier this month.

The event was celebrated with senior representatives from the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Explora Journeys, Fincantieri, travel advisors and international media.

Explora Journeys is committed to creating a positive impression on the destinations and communities visited by its ships. All four ships in Explora Journeys’ fleet on order will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, will feature the latest selective catalytic reduction technology to enable a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, will be equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce emissions in port and fitted with underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life.  All four vessels will also have a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimize engine use to further reduce emissions.

At the event, the brand also indicated that it will explore the introduction of engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) on EXPLORA III and IV.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group said: “At Explora Journeys we are building ships for tomorrow, utilizing today’s latest technologies and while being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available. At the same time, the brand’s commitment to sustainable ocean travel extends beyond just the environmental and maritime technologies but is also embedded in our onboard guest experience. Destination experiences will be designed to leave a positive impression and footprint on the places and people visited by placing a spotlight on local talents, craftsmanship, culture, gastronomy, and traditions. This is all part of the brand’s commitment to its guests and the destinations we visit with them.”

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said that: “The float out of EXPLORA I is a hugely significant milestone in the realization of our vision to redefine the ocean travel experience with a new luxury travel brand that we have designed to connect travellers with the ocean and themselves. Today’s event is a great opportunity for our valued travel partners to see how the ship is taking shape and build even more excitement for EXPORA I’s launch in just 12 months.”

EXPLORA I will feature 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, ten distinct culinary experiences, ten indoor and outdoor bar and lounge experiences with curated entertainment, four swimming pools with poolside dining and lounging, and generous outdoor decks, holistic wellness and fitness facilities and much more.

EXPLORA I will commence her inaugural Mediterranean Journey at the end of May 2023 with an 11-night journey from Barcelona to Athens. In her first year at sea, EXPLORA I will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations – Kastellorizo in Greece and Saint Pierre in Martinique — that have never been previously visited by any cruise ships.

EXPLORA I’s inaugural journeys collection includes Canada, Hawaii, the East Coast of the United States of America, the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland, and South America. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.