Explora Journeys celebrates float-out...

New cruise ship Explora II to enter service in summer 2024

Explora Journeys has celebrated the float-out of Explora II at builder Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa in Italy.

Explora II will spend its first season operating in the Mediterranean Sea.

Construction of the 63,900-ton ship began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy, where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022. Further ships are also planned by the MSC Group-owned cruise brand.

Explora III, which celebrated its steel-cutting at the same event, is due to launch in summer 2026 and will be the first of Explora Journeys’ four luxury vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world's cleanest maritime fuel available at scale that is playing a key role in the decarbonisation of international shipping.

Explora IV, also fuelled by LNG, is due for completion in early 2027.

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Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer said: “The double event today marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers. Following the successful launch of Explora I and the incredibly positive feedback from the first guests, travel advisors and media, who had a chance to experience the Ocean State of Mind, the story continues, and we are now beyond thrilled to witness the next important construction milestones for both Explora II and our first LNG-powered ship, Explora III. We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”

For more information, visit: www.msccruises.com