Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, celebrated a significant milestone today in its mission to redefine hospitality at sea. The brand continues to solidify its position in the ultra-luxury travel segment.
The triple ceremony took place at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Group's Cruises division, was joined by Anna Nash, Pierroberto Folgiero, Luigi Matarazzo, and local authorities to celebrate three key milestones in the construction of Explora Journeys' next-generation fleet: the float-out ceremony of EXPLORA IV, the coin-cutting ceremony of EXPLORA V, and the steel-cutting ceremony of EXPLORA VI.
This marks Explora Journeys' third triple ceremony in just 18 months, reflecting the pace at which the brand's six-ship fleet is being consolidated. With two ships already sailing successfully at full capacity and EXPLORA III on track for delivery and launch in July 2026,
today’s event reinforces Explora Journeys’ continued momentum and commitment to having six ultra-elegant ships by 2028. For the first time, the entire Explora Journeys fleet is now in various stages of development, reflecting the brand’s ability to rapidly realize an ambitious vision. Each ship is an emblem of Italian shipbuilding, incorporating design innovations and technological advancements that push the boundaries of excellence at sea, while generating significant economic and employment benefits for the country.
“For the first time, all six ships in our fleet are either in service or under construction—a pivotal moment as we bring the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to life on an even grander scale,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “These ships embody the Aponte-Vago family’s vision of offering an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination, inviting well-being, discovery, and a deeper connection with the sea. As our fleet grows, we are presenting more discerning guests with a new expression of luxury in ocean travel, a unique proposition that challenges the notion that luxury must always be anchored to land, finding its true home on the horizon.”
A ceremony that marked a triple milestone at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa included the float-out ceremony of EXPLORA IV, the coin-making ceremony of EXPLORA V and the steel-cutting of EXPLORA VI, solidifying Explora Journeys' progress towards its goal of having a fleet of six ultra-luxury ships by 2028.
This vision is further reflected in Explora Journeys’ new global campaign, Explore the Ocean State of Mind, launched last month in New York. Developed by McCann Paris and directed by the award-winning Jonas Lindstroem, the campaign challenges traditional cruise conventions and invites a new generation of high-spending travelers to redefine the concept of luxury travel. Each ship is presented as a five-star floating hotel, where the ocean itself becomes the destination, reinforcing Explora Journeys’ position in a unique category and transcending the boundaries between conventional cruising and land-based luxury.
While the ceremony honored the maritime traditions that define the shipbuilding process, it also celebrated the future of Explora Journeys’ next-generation fleet and the brand’s vision for ultra-luxury ocean travel. Two godmothers were named for the EXPLORA V coin ceremony: Captain Serena Melani, representing Explora Journeys, and Alice Gallo of Fincantieri. Captain Serena Melani was the first captain of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, contributing significantly to the brand's success, and will also captain EXPLORA III. In addition, Cristina Bacigalupo, from the outfitting workshop at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard, served as godmother for the technical launch of EXPLORA IV, representing the expert craftsmanship behind the ship's construction.
A Legacy in Motion:
The €3.5 billion investment in Explora Journeys’ six-ship fleet represents a cornerstone of the MSC Group’s broader commitment to the maritime sector. Combined with the four MSC Cruises ships previously built by Fincantieri, the Group’s total investment in the shipyard reaches approximately €7 billion. This collaboration continues to uphold an uncompromising standard of naval artistry and technical excellence, ensuring that Explora Journeys remains at the forefront of the industry.
Now, the focus is on the highly anticipated EXPLORA III, scheduled for delivery ahead of schedule this July. Following delivery, she will undertake a Mediterranean prelude before her christening ceremony on August 1 at the MSC Group’s new terminal in Barcelona.
With EXPLORA IV and V slated to enter service in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028, each new ship will continue to embody the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.
Explora Journeys leads sustainability at sea with its next-generation fleet.
As part of the MSC Group's cruise division, Explora Journeys is committed to taking meaningful and measurable steps that will have a positive long-term impact. The cruise division is working to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its maritime operations by 2050 by investing in new technologies, improving operational efficiency, and promoting renewable fuels.
Renewable fuels are a key part of this decarbonization strategy. Explora Journeys views LNG (liquefied natural gas) as a fuel that facilitates a direct transition to bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80%.
EXPLORA III will be the first ship in the fleet capable of running on LNG, reflecting the brand's efforts to decarbonize its maritime operations. EXPLORA IV, V, and VI are also being designed with the capability to use this fuel.
All Explora Journeys ships are equipped with docking power systems, allowing them to shut down their engines and connect to the local power grid while docked, thus eliminating direct emissions during their time in port.
Furthermore, Explora Journeys is currently developing a project to analyze the feasibility of a large fuel cell that converts LNG into hydrogen, significantly reducing emissions. EXPLORA V will be built to allow for the future retrofitting of this technology, while EXPLORA VI will be delivered already equipped with an onboard fuel cell.
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