Two months after the delivery of EXPLORA I, which took place in Monfalcone on July 20, 2023, the construction of the Explora Journeys continues to progress. The brand celebrated two maritime milestones today during a double event at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa, Italy.
During the ceremony, the brand officiated the launch of EXPLORA II and the steel cutting of EXPLORA III, which respectively represent the second and third ships of a total of four commissioned by Explora Journeys.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, stated: “Today’s double event marks another major step forward in our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s most discerning luxury travelers. We are thrilled to witness the next significant milestones in the construction of both EXPLORA II and our first LNG-powered vessel, EXPLORA III.”
The EXPLORA II will enter service in the summer of 2024. Construction of the GT 63,900 ship began in October 2021 at Fincantieri's Castellammare di Stabia shipyard in Naples, Italy, where its keel was also laid in May 2022.
The launching ceremony of the EXPLORA II was attended by the main Ligurian and Genoese authorities, Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, and Leonardo Massa, Managing Director of Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises for Italy, as well as the CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri's Merchant Ships division.
EXPLORA II will embark on its maiden voyage in the summer of 2024, spending its first season in the Mediterranean discovering the most amazing places in the Mare Nostrum, including Italian destinations such as Portofino, Argentario, Rome, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero and the Emerald Coast.
In addition, with the traditional steel-cutting ceremony, the brand celebrated the construction of EXPLORA III, which will enter service in the summer of 2026 and will be the first in the Explora fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
All Explora Journeys vessels will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction technology, plug-in connectivity to the electrical grid, underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life, and a wide range of energy-efficient equipment on board to optimize engine use and further reduce emissions.
Construction of EXPLORA IV, also powered by LNG, will begin in January 2024 and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
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