Explora II, the second ship of Explora Journeys, has been officially christened in the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near the country's capital, Rome.
With a vision to redefine luxury ocean travel for the most discerning travelers, Explora Journeys combines European hospitality with 300 years of maritime heritage, offering its guests the opportunity to experience a unique “Ocean State of Mind”, connecting them with the sea and select destinations.
The traditional maritime ceremony included the symbolic cutting of a ribbon to break a bottle at the bow of the ship. This honor was bestowed upon EXPLORA II's godmother, Rosalba Giugni, founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, a non-partisan environmental conservation organization committed to preserving marine environments, founded in 1985.
The naming ceremony brought together distinguished guests from around the world, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Antonio Tajani; Admiral Nicola Carlone; ART Chairman Nicola Zaccheo; Port Authority Chairman Pino Musolino; the Mayor of Civitavecchia, Marco Piendibene; and the renowned Italian film director, screenwriter, and Oscar winner Giuseppe Tornatore, as well as international journalists, key travel partners, and senior representatives of the MSC Group, including its Founder and Chairman, Gianluigi Aponte. The event was hosted by Italian actress and television presenter Lorella Cuccarini and concluded with the traditional parade of the ship's officers.
Following the formal ceremonies, the guests enjoyed a gala dinner and an evening of celebrations, which included a musical performance by English pop singer Tony Hadley, along with an impressive drone show that creatively narrated the story of Explora Journeys, with a stunning display of the mandala and the Explora Journeys logo.
Chairman of Cruises, Pierfrancesco Vago, stated: “Naming a new ship is a proud maritime tradition, and tonight's celebration marks our continued growth as we redefine luxury ocean travel. Our vision began with the contemporary MSC Cruises brand, where we developed a premium offering with MSC Yacht Club, and from there we identified a growing demand for luxury experiences at sea. With Explora Journeys, we offer an unparalleled value proposition and a unique offering compared to other types of luxury vacations. By 2028, the Explora Journeys fleet will consist of six ships, offering a spirit of luxury ocean adventure to coveted destinations, where our guests can expect the same high standards and quality service across our entire fleet, worldwide.”
EXPLORA II introduces new features to enhance guests' luxury ocean travel experience, including new retail options: the first Buccellati jewelry boutique at sea and special collaborations and limited editions from Borsalino, Kampos and Massaba for Explora Journeys, available exclusively at the "The Journey" boutique .
The redesigned Ocean Wellness Spa offers a range of new treatment programs inspired by authentic Ayurvedic principles. And the Helios pool and bar have been renovated with Unopiù outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati.
EXPLORA II presents original artwork by Emilio Isgró and “Marine Encounters” by Prince Hussain Aga Khan, with an exhibition of his marine photographs showcasing diverse underwater species and ecosystems. This exquisite collection of marine photography was donated to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and Focused on Nature, reflecting a shared vision to educate and inspire action on the need to preserve marine life and biodiversity.
EXPLORA II's inaugural 7-night voyage will include stops in stunning Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Syracuse, and Valletta, and will conclude in Tarragona, Spain. EXPLORA II and EXPLORA I will be repositioned in the Caribbean for the winter season, offering incredible itineraries.
Last week, Explora Journeys celebrated the EXPLORA III coin ceremony and the first steel cutting of EXPLORA IV at the Fincantieri shipyards in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa, Italy. EXPLORA III, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be the first of four liquefied natural gas-powered ships in the Explora Journeys fleet, followed by EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.
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