Explora Journeys has confirmed the successful launch of the bow section (Troncone) of EXPLORA V, the fifth of the six ships that will enter service by 2028. This important milestone took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, where the section was moved from land to water for the first time, following a maritime tradition that marks the beginning of the next phase of construction.
EXPLORA V, scheduled for delivery in 2027, embodies the next stage in the brand's strategic expansion and its commitment to a new, more refined way of experiencing sea travel. After an initial fitting-out phase in Palermo, the bow section will be transferred to the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa), where its construction will be completed.
“We are delighted to celebrate the launch of the bow section of EXPLORA V, a significant milestone in the ongoing development of our fleet,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “As we grow, we are welcoming more guests to a new expression of ocean travel. We now look forward to the delivery of EXPLORA III this July and its maiden voyages, from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland.”
This milestone highlights the experience and dedication of the Fincantieri team, whose expertise is essential to ensuring that EXPLORA V, like the rest of the fleet, meets the highest standards of performance, innovation, and luxury. The ship will join the brand's growing fleet, designed to offer space, time, and a deeper connection to the Ocean State of Mind, connecting guests with the sea and the world around them.
Each vessel is an expression of the excellence of Italian shipbuilding, incorporating innovative design and advanced technologies that push the boundaries of excellence at sea. All future vessels in the brand's fleet, from EXPLORA III to EXPLORA VI, will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), as part of the brand's long-term commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its maritime operations by 2050, along with continued investment in advanced environmental technologies.
MSC Group's Cruises division has invested over €3.5 billion in the six Explora Journeys ships, all built by Fincantieri, reflecting the Group's broader commitment to the Italian maritime sector. Including the four MSC Cruises ships previously built by Fincantieri, the Group's total investment reaches approximately €7 billion. The construction of each ship requires over seven million work hours and generates employment for an average of 2,500 people over a period of two to three years.
EXPLORA I has been sailing since August 1, 2023, marking the debut of Explora Journeys' luxury fleet. The second ship, EXPLORA II, was delivered on September 12, 2024. EXPLORA III will maiden in July 2026, while EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V will enter service in 2027, all powered by LNG. EXPLORA VI will join the fleet in 2028, reinforcing the brand's ambitious growth and its commitment to sustainable innovation.
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