Explora Journeys will partner with Steinway & Sons, the iconic brand that makes handcrafted grand pianos, the most refined in the world, which have been played by the greatest pianists in history since 1853.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, stated: “This exceptional partnership offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate and share musical excellence with a legendary and trusted luxury brand, with whom we share a passion for talent. It also testifies to our unwavering commitment to quality. We look forward to embarking on this journey together, with pianos supplied by Steinway & Sons, as well as a cultural enrichment program that will bring some of the world’s finest musicians on board to interact with our travelers.”
Starting in the summer of 2023, on the occasion of EXPLORA I's inaugural voyage through northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, established pianists and promising young talents, recognized for their virtuosity and collaborations with the world's great orchestras, will delight cruise passengers with live performances inspired by the regions the ship will sail through.
Ben Steiner, CEO of Steinway & Sons, added: “From the outset, we realized that Explora Journeys was doing something very special and innovative in the realm of luxury travel, just as we have innovated in the piano world with Spirio. We perceived an instant synergy between our companies due to a shared vision of excellence, and the more I learn about Explora Journeys and its incredible ships, the more impressed I am.”
Each Explora Journeys ship will feature three Steinway Spirio pianos, allowing guests to enjoy high-resolution audio of piano performances. In addition to listening to live artists, guests can also enjoy recitals by renowned pianists in the world's greatest concert halls.
The special collaboration between these two luxury brands will offer the opportunity to enjoy world-class live musical performances and exceptional onboard entertainment.
On October 3, 2023, "A Celebratory Journey," a special cruise from Quebec to New York, will begin. Four celebrated Steinway artists will join the voyage and perform for passengers during the crossing between the two cities. Along the way, the ship will call at La Baie (Saguenay), Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and Halifax, before arriving in New York on October 13.
The journey will culminate in New York, the birthplace of Steinway & Sons. A VIP morning visit to the legendary Steinway workshops, located just outside Manhattan, will allow cruise passengers to experience firsthand the unchanging, exceptional craftsmanship that has given Steinway pianos their unique richness and color for over a century. Afterward, a luncheon will be served, accompanied by exquisite live music performed by a Steinway artist, offering a final opportunity to experience the unique sound of this piano. A perfect tribute to the brand and the rich family business history behind it.
The "A Celebratory Journey" initiative was announced at a joint event held at Steinway Hall in New York on December 8, 2022.
