Explora Journeys has celebrated a new milestone in the construction of EXPLORA II, the second of six ships planned by the MSC Group's cruise division for the luxury travel brand. The traditional coin-laying ceremony for the new vessel took place today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa, Italy.
Construction of this 63,900 gross tonnage vessel began in October 2021 at Fincantieri's shipyards in Castellammare di Stabia, Naples (Italy), where the keel was laid in May 2022. After continuing its construction at the Sestri Ponente shipyards, EXPLORA II is scheduled to enter service in August 2024.
At today's ceremony, commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a symbol of good luck during its construction and for the future. This traditional maritime ritual was attended by the godmothers of the new vessel. Representing the owners was Feliciana Maresca, Executive Assistant to Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys; while Martina Mosca, Supervisor of Hull Fabrication Department at Fincantieri, represented the shipbuilder.
In addition to Michael Ungerer himself, other prominent executives attended the event, including Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group's cruise division, and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, said: “Today’s milestone marks another major step forward in our mission to redefine cruising for discerning guests. EXPLORA II—and its sister ship, EXPLORA I—will combine renowned destinations approached from a fresh perspective and ports off the beaten track, offering the next generation of luxury travelers the chance to immerse themselves in exclusive, world-changing experiences.”
Between August 2024 and April 2025, EXPLORA II will sail the Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and Africa, visiting 82 ports in 26 countries. The ship will feature 461 suites, penthouses, and oceanfront residences. It will boast six restaurants, 12 bars, indoor and outdoor lounges, four swimming pools, expansive outdoor decks with private cabanas, and nearly 1,000 square meters of wellness and fitness facilities, in addition to a curated entertainment and enrichment program.
EXPLORA I is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyards in Monfalcone, Italy. Its maiden voyage through Northern Europe, scheduled for July 2023, will mark the launch of the new Explora Journeys fleet.
EXPLORA III will join the Explora Journeys fleet in 2026, EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V will be launched in 2027, and EXPLORA VI will arrive in 2028. EXPLORA III, IV, V, and VI will operate on liquefied natural gas. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also use hydrogen as fuel for hotel operations while in port, allowing them to shut down their engines and reduce emissions to zero.
