Explora Journeys Set To Officially Name First Vessel
EXPLORA I, the first of up to six vessels scheduled to join the fleet of Explora Journeys, will be officially named on July 8 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy.
The ship will then transfer to Southampton, UK for its inaugural journey on July 17 for a 15-night sailing in Northern Europe to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys CEO, said at this week’s coin ceremony event for EXPLORA II – a key maritime construction milestone – at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa, Italy, that: “The announcement that EXPLORA I will be named in just a few months from now in Civitavecchia is further proof that we are on track to get this exciting new lifestyle brand up and running and the first of our luxurious vessels at sea.”
The event was attended by key executives including Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, Michael Ungerer and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.
Between August 2024 and April 2025 EXPLORA II will sail in the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa and feature 82 ports in 26 countries.
EXPLORA I is currently being built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and will launch Explora Journeys’ fleet in July 2023 with her inaugural sailing in Northern Europe.
Up to more than €3.5 billion will be invested by the Cruise Division of MSC Group in Explora Journeys’ six ships that will all feature innovative design and be equipped with the latest environmental technologies.
EXPLORA III will join Explora Journeys’ fleet in 2026, and EXPLORA IV in 2027. If the options are confirmed, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will join Explora Journeys’ fleet in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
EXPLORA III, EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will be powered by liquefied natural gas. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also utilise hydrogen fuel to power both ship’s hotel operations while in port to allow the vessels to switch off their engines for zero emissions.
Sail on over to www.explorajourneys.com for more.
