EXPLORA II, the second ship in the fleet of the MSC Group's luxury lifestyle brand, Explora Journeys, has been officially christened in the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near the country's capital, Rome.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 71 – December 2024
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.
Rosalba was chosen for this position as a friend and partner of the MSC Foundation, but also as a sign of respect for her 35-year commitment to protecting the world's oceans.
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.
Next summer he will be doing Mediterranean cruises.
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.
MSC Group's Executive 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 ship's "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.
The redesigned Ocean Wellness Spa offers a range of new treatment programs inspired by authentic Ayurvedic principles.
EXPLORA II's 7-night inaugural voyage began on September 16, including stops in stunning Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Syracuse and Valletta, and ending in Tarragona, Spain.
EXPLORA II and EXPLORA I will be repositioned in the Caribbean for the winter season, offering incredible itineraries. Highlights include Gustavia in St. Barthélemy, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John's in Antigua. In the summer of 2025, EXPLORA II will sail the Western Mediterranean, visiting ports such as Barcelona in Spain, St. Tropez in France, and Monte Carlo and Porto Cervo in Italy.
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.
All the ships incorporate modern environmental and marine technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction systems, plug-in connectivity to the shore power grid, underwater noise management systems to protect marine life, and a wide range of energy-efficient onboard equipment designed to optimize engine use and reduce emissions. The ship has been designated “Green Plus” by RINA, the highest level awarded by this certification body for environmental sustainability.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys
Anna Nash made an excellent debut as President of Explora Journeys at the christening ceremony of Explora II.
Nash has arrived to strengthen the Explora Journeys management team with a remarkable career of more than two decades in leading ultra-luxury hospitality brands.
Previously, she was Commercial Director at Aman, where she played a key role in shaping the company's global business strategies and expanding the brand. During her ten years at Aman, she also held the positions of Marketing Director and Communications Director.
The ship has been designated “Green Plus” by RINA, the highest level awarded by this certification body in matters of environmental sustainability.
She brings extensive experience in Global Sales, Brand Development, Marketing, Digital, Public Relations, Communication and Business Intelligence to this newly created position, having also worked at Rosewood Hotels and Orient-Express, before joining Aman in 2014.
It continues to dazzle, by Virginia López Valiente.
It couldn't be more beautiful. Explora II is practically identical to Explora I, except for a few decorative elements and some new shops. The design, both exterior and interior, of this ship is so sophisticated that it's breathtaking. Each space makes you stop and admire the detail. My favorite is the whisky bar, which creates an intimate atmosphere with leather and wood, and just the right amount of lighting. The lighting is a very prominent feature of this ship's decor.
Explora Journeys hired British designer Martin Francis to join the creative team. Francis has been involved in yacht design since 1980, and his main task was to make the Explora II's exterior profile look more like a superyacht than a traditional cruise ship.
Challenge accomplished, no matter how you look at it.
Explora I and Explora II let you enjoy the sea from your balcony, sipping a drink or soaking up the sun, or both. But also by the pool, smoking, strolling, or gazing at the horizon.
The ship beckons you to sail; pick up a book, relax on the chaise longue on your balcony, and enjoy the sunset. Your suite has everything you need to stay and savor it.
I have enjoyed these days because in addition to the beauty and hospitality of Explora, I have danced to the songs of my adolescence with Tony Hadley and cried with Ennio Morricone, but with those tears that take you back to moments of the past, which you long for but no longer hurt so much.
The Explora II looks more like a superyacht than a traditional cruise ship.
I have already added to my to-do list that peaceful trip that will allow me to calmly savor every moment and every corner, but with the beauty and sophistication that Explora Journeys has put in our path.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
