Explora Journeys has confirmed that EXPLORA I has successfully completed its sea trials. It is the first ship in a fleet of six luxury cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for Explora Journeys.
Following successful sea trials, EXPLORA I will undergo final preparations before embarking on its maiden voyage in July of this year. Explora Journeys aims to offer discerning travelers an experience that reflects the essence of each destination.
Construction of this 63,900-gross-ton vessel began on June 10, 2021, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The christening ceremony for EXPLORA I will take place on July 8 in Civitavecchia, near Rome, Italy. It will then set sail on July 17 from Southampton, UK, for a 15-night voyage through the Norwegian fjords and the Arctic Circle to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, commented on this new milestone: “From day one, our vision and purpose have been to offer an unparalleled ocean travel experience. We are thrilled that the first ship of our pioneering new class, EXPLORA I, will begin sailing the seas in July 2023. Our team has worked tirelessly to design and build a ship that offers the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and sustainability. We can’t wait to share this achievement with our guests.”
Highlights of EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I has been carefully designed to stimulate the senses and reflect the brand's philosophy of inducing an "Ocean State of Mind," which includes:
- 14 rooftops totaling 16,000 square meters of common areas.
- 461 "Homes at Sea" with ocean views and an average area of 42 square meters. They include 1 exclusive Owner's Residence, 22 Ocean Residences, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 301 Ocean Terrace Suites and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites.
- 11 gastronomic experiences, with 6 exclusive restaurants and 12 bars and lounges.
- 248 meters in length, 32 meters in beam and 56 meters in height above the waterline.
- The Ocean Wellness spa center offers 1000 square meters of indoor and outdoor wellness and fitness facilities, as well as nine treatment rooms and a beauty salon.
- An exclusive permanent entertainment program in all lounges and bars.
- 3 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool and 64 private cabanas.
- A ratio of 1.25 guests per host.
EXPLORA I Environmental Technologies
Explora Journeys, as part of the MSC Group, is committed to building ships with the future in mind. As an example, EXPLORA I employs the most advanced environmental technologies and is prepared to incorporate alternative energy solutions as soon as they become available.
- Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system: reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%.
- Advanced wastewater treatment system: complies with the strict regulations of International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution MEPC.227(64), the so-called "Baltic Standard".
- Ballast water treatment system: approved by the United States Coast Guard, it has an ultraviolet filter to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the marine environment through ballast water discharges, in compliance with the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention.
- Electrical grounding: allows minimizing the use of motors in ports that have an electrical supply infrastructure from land.
- State-of-the-art recycling and solid waste management: comprehensive systems to reduce, recycle and reuse all components of waste generated on board.
- Underwater noise reduction with RINA Dolphin certification: the hull and engine room design minimizes acoustic impact.
- Innovative hull design and improved hydrodynamics: minimizes water resistance while sailing.
- Trim optimization: A software application monitors and optimizes the vessel's trim, or stability, in real time. This helps reduce fuel consumption and improve performance.
- Anti-fouling paint.
- Intelligent climate control systems, with automated energy recovery circuits, that redistribute heat and cold to reduce demand.
- LED lighting.
