Explora Journeys celebrated two important milestones in the construction of its fleet at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Genoa, Italy. The double ceremony commemorated the launch of EXPLORA V and the coin presentation of EXPLORA VI, the fifth and sixth ships in the brand's fleet.
Following the delivery of EXPLORA III in July 2026, construction of the remaining ships continues to progress. EXPLORA IV is scheduled to enter service in spring 2027, followed by EXPLORA V towards the end of the year. EXPLORA VI is expected to enter service in summer 2028, completing the fleet of six ships for the class.
The ceremonies were attended by representatives of national and local institutions, maritime authorities and the maritime sector in general, along with Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, Managing Director of the Merchant Ship Division of Fincantieri.
The ceremonies also paid tribute to the maritime traditions associated with shipbuilding. Anna Nash and Camilla Ronco, director of the PRS workshop at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard, served as godmothers during the EXPLORA VI coin ceremony, placing commemorative coins inside the vessel—a maritime tradition symbolizing good luck and protection during its construction and throughout its life at sea. Consuelo Brunelli, a Fincantieri production planner, was the godmother at the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the launch of EXPLORA V. The event was hosted by Marina Minetti, a Genoa-born presenter, writer, and actress.
For Anna Nash, serving as godmother of EXPLORA VI is a particularly significant moment, culminating a visionary project that has shaped the Explora Journeys fleet. As the sixth and final ship to join the fleet, EXPLORA VI marks a major milestone in realizing Explora Journeys' vision of creating a new category of ocean travel. A godmother was appointed for each of the six ships in recognition of her contribution to the fleet's development, while also paying tribute to the many individuals whose dedication and expertise made the construction of each vessel possible. “EXPLORA VI marks a significant milestone in our journey and reflects how far we have come in creating a new category of ultra-elegant ocean travel. Joining Explora Journeys at such a pivotal stage in its development and becoming godmother of the sixth ship in our fleet is an extraordinary honor and a very special moment for me. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and excited about what lies ahead as we continue to shape the future of ocean travel and create increasingly meaningful experiences for our guests. EXPLORA VI marks the culmination of our first generation of six ships, but it is by no means the final chapter,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
Advanced marine technology
All Explora Journeys ships are equipped with shore power systems, allowing them to connect to local electricity grids while in port and shut down their engines, thus eliminating direct emissions from onboard power generation during connection. EXPLORA III was the first ship in the fleet powered by LNG. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also use LNG and have been designed to utilize renewable and next-generation fuels, such as bio-LNG, synthetic LNG, and biofuels. Furthermore, EXPLORA VI will incorporate fuel cell technology to facilitate more efficient power generation, while EXPLORA V is being designed to accommodate this technology in the future. These advancements support the MSC Group’s long-term energy transition strategy, which combines advanced maritime technologies with the increasing use of renewable and low-emission fuels.
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