MSC Group’s new spinoff luxury line — Explora Journeys — is well on its way to launching in May of 2023. Its first cruise ship, Explora I, just had its coin ceremony late last month, and the vessel’s initial itineraries have also been revealed.
“Today marks another major milestone in our journey toward developing a truly defining and highly desired luxury lifestyle brand,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “Following our initial investment of 2 billion euros, this demonstrates another positive step forward, and shows that we are on track to offer an ocean experience like no other.”
During the coin ceremony, which is a centuries-old maritime tradition, two newly minted coins were placed inside the ship as a blessing and to commemorate the construction milestone.
The building of the line’s second ship, Explora II, began in November 2021 ahead of its spring 2024 launch, and a third and fourth vessel will come online in 2025 and 2026.
Explora I’s first voyages will range from six-night cruises to a 44-night Grand Journey. During its maiden year, Explora I will head to 132 ports in 40 countries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the U.K., Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the eastern U.S., the Caribbean, South America and Hawaii.
According to Explora, two calls in particular — Kastellorizo, Greece, and Saint Pierre, Martinique — have never been visited by a cruise ship before.
“Our ambition is to reflect the desire of today’s and tomorrow’s luxury traveler and their curiosity for remarkable exploration,” Ungerer said. “We have created a collection of journeys that offer the perfect blend of celebrated destinations and less traveled ports, both seen from a new and original point of view to inspire and excite our curious, discerning guests and the next generation of luxury travelers.”
A full schedule of Explora Journeys’ itineraries — from May 2023 to May 2024 — can be found on Explora’s new website.
“Explora I and our subsequent three ships will allow guests to enjoy a more immersive, authentic experience and a slower pace of travel,” Ungerer added. “They are designed to offer refined-yet-effortless luxury with the opportunity for exploration and transformation, offering our guests the chance to experience what we call an ‘Ocean State of Mind’— a mindset that can be achieved when we escape to the ocean, relax, create memories and reconnect with what matters most in our lives.”
Explora ships will each include 461 oceanfront suites with verandas, plus nine culinary experiences, four pools, private cabanas, a spa and entertainment offerings.
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Explora Journeys
