Explora Journeys' second ship, the Explora II, has successfully completed its sea trials, the company announced.
The Explora II, with a capacity for 922 passengers, is the second in a series of six luxury ships that the Fincantieri shipyard is building for the brand.
The final phase of construction of the 63,900-ton vessel took place at Fincantieri's facilities in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa (Italy).
“The launch of Explora I last year was the realization of a long-cherished family dream: to offer guests an unparalleled luxury experience at sea. The successful completion of Explora II’s sea trials is the next milestone on our Explora journey,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division.
“In the summer of 2024, discerning travelers will have the opportunity to travel on our two ships on carefully crafted and combinable itineraries in both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, embarking from easily accessible ports and discovering hidden gems in less-traveled destinations,” he added.
Scheduled to enter service on August 11, the Explora II will sail the Western Mediterranean this summer.
According to Explora Journeys, the ship's itineraries provide access to some of the region's " most enchanting and least explored destinations ."
The ports the ship will visit include Portofino, Porto Cervo, St-Tropez, Calvi, Mahón and Monte Carlo.
With longer overnight stays and extended stays at destinations so that passengers can explore local cultures and experiences.
Cruises start with seven nights and can be extended to 14 or 21 nights, with combinable trips that avoid repeating ports.
All itineraries depart from easily accessible ports, such as Barcelona (Spain) or Civitavecchia, near Rome (Italy).
The Explora II succeeds the Explora I, which entered service in August 2023. Continuing its expansion, the company plans to add four more luxury ships before 2028.
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