The MSC Group today announced its entry into the luxury cruise market with the launch of a new brand created for the next generation of luxury travelers: Explora Journeys. Built by Fincantieri, the first of four luxury ships will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships following in 2024, 2025, and 2026. All will feature the latest cutting-edge maritime technology, providing exploratory voyages to both new and familiar ports. Passengers will experience a ship like no other, with the highest level of service and comfort.
“Building a luxury brand that redefines the cruise experience and creates its own category has been a long-held vision of my family and me,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Business. “Inspired by our personal travel desires, Explora Journeys will be a maritime escape that allows passengers to relax, create memories, and cherish their time at sea with loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury,” he added.
Created in collaboration with the world's leading luxury hotel and superyacht designers, these innovative vessels will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship. Featuring 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy breathtaking ocean and harbor views from floor-to-ceiling windows and private verandas. Suites will start at 35 square meters, making them among the most spacious in the industry in this category.
Fourteen decks will provide ample interior common space while maximizing passenger privacy. The generous exterior decks will boast over 2,500 square meters of ocean views, with 64 private cabanas surrounding three outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow for swimming and relaxation in any weather. In addition, there are several indoor and outdoor hot tubs along the ship's promenade, which has been designed with water as a focal point to help passengers achieve a state of mind directly connected to the ocean.
“Explora Journeys has been designed for passengers who want to stay longer and travel more intensely,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “Focusing on the customer is at the heart of everything we do. We conducted extensive research, held focus groups, and participated in roundtables with global luxury experts to design the perfect ship for our guests. Explora Journeys will bring a fresh perspective to the travel industry, reinventing the classic cruise experience for the next generation of luxury travelers.”
With the perfect blend of relaxed and lively areas, a 1.25:1 passenger-to-crew ratio ensures dedicated service at all times. Tailored to individual preferences, dining times are flexible across nine distinct restaurants, offering unparalleled variety at sea. Each venue showcases global culinary talents, utilizing sustainably sourced, healthy ingredients from the company's local suppliers. In addition, several indoor and outdoor bars and lounges further enhance the onboard experience. Passengers can relax from the moment they arrive, without having to worry about extra costs.
Personalization continues with wellness, through a spacious indoor/outdoor spa and onboard gym. With treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group classes, and personal training sessions, customized programs will make staying fit on vacation easy and enjoyable. Tailored wellness experiences at each destination will make relaxation and rejuvenation readily accessible both onboard and ashore.
In partnership with Fincantieri, Explora Journeys is building ships for the future, incorporating the latest environmentally friendly technologies. They will also be ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available. The design includes provisions for battery storage, enabling future hybrid power generation. It also features the latest selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, which facilitates a 90% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. All four ships will be RINA DOLPHIN certified for their reduced underwater noise. Furthermore, the ships will be built with ship-to-shore power capability to avoid CO2 emissions while docked and will be fueled by marine diesel. Single-use plastics will not be used on board or offered during onshore experiences, as Explora Journeys is committed to leaving a positive impact on the places visited and the people who live there.
“The MSC family knows the sea like few others, and from that knowledge comes passion, love, and above all, a deep respect,” continued Pierfrancesco Vago. “Our ships will use the latest technology to ensure we are leading the movement toward a more sustainable future. Together with our partners, we are currently developing innovative technologies that will raise the bar for this and future generations.”
With voyages starting at seven nights, the passenger experience promises relaxing mornings and exciting nights. Unconventional arrival and departure times, combined with overnight stays in port, will allow Explora Journeys to offer its passengers exclusive access to unique experiences. With ships sailing both north and south of the equator, the inaugural season itineraries will offer the perfect blend of renowned destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Bordeaux, and Reykjavik, and hidden gems like Kastellorizo, Bozcaada, and the Lofoten Islands. Explora Journeys will take passengers to less-traveled ports for a more authentic experience and a more relaxed journey.
Inspired by a mandala, the Explora Journeys logo was designed by Alexa Aponte-Vago, Chief Financial Officer of the MSC Group, daughter of founder Gianluigi Aponte and wife of Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. Rooted in spirituality, the design represents a journey of discovery and self-realization. The lotus flower illustrations symbolize purity of body, speech, and mind, while a nod to the fleur-de-lis represents humility and a connection to her European heritage. A sophisticated typeface alludes to the subtle curves of the sea.
This morning, the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, hosted the steel-cutting ceremony for Explora Journeys, Explora I, scheduled to set sail in 2023. Mr. Vago and Mr. Ungerer were present, along with representatives from Fincantieri's management team, for this ceremony steeped in maritime tradition. Bookings for the inaugural 2023 season will open in the fall of 2021.
