Triple celebration for explora journeys

• EXPLORA II delivered at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
• Keel laid in coin ceremony for liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered EXPLORA III
• First steel cut for LNG-fuelled EXPLORA IV  

EXPLORA II was delivered to become the second ship to join the luxury travel brand of the MSC Group’s €3.5 billion fleet of six vessels.  The ship will set sail on her maiden journey on 16 September from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain.

The traditional maritime event when a shipbuilder delivers the new vessel to its owner was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Stefania Vago, as well as Fincantieri’s Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, along with representatives of MSC's construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard.

The 63,900 GT EXPLORA II will operate in the Caribbean Sea in the winter and return to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2025.  The new luxury ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six different restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and a range of wellness venues.  

A keel-laying ceremony for EXPLORA III also took place today at the shipyard when commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the vessel’s two godmothers, Verena Koetzle, Global Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys and Martina Giardina, Public Area Supervisor - Fincantieri Shipyard Sestri Ponente. The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered EXPLORA III will enter service in 2026. LNG is a direct pathway to renewable drop in substitutes like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.  

Explora Journeys’ third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard to start the construction of EXPLORA IV, which will also be fuelled by LNG, and will be completed in early 2027. EXPLORA V will join the luxury fleet in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028, with a project underway for both to have large fuel cell capacity capable of transforming renewable LNG into hydrogen and significantly reducing emissions.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “The delivery of EXPLORA II represents a significant milestone for Explora Journeys and the MSC Group, in our commitment to set new standards in global luxury travel at sea. This special day also sees us celebrate the coin ceremony for EXPLORA III and the start of construction of EXPLORA IV as we continue to deliver on our commitment to create a fleet of six best-in-class ships offering even more guests a luxury ocean travel experience like no other.”

Captain Serena Melani will be the Master of EXPLORA II which marks an historic moment as a female captain to lead a ship for Explora Journeys for the second time following her role as Master of EXPLORA I.

Explora II, designed and built under RINA Class, has earned several additional voluntary notations due to innovative design and construction focused on environmental sustainability and passenger comfort. It received RINA's "Green Plus" notation for comprehensive environmental performance. The ship was also awarded the "Comfort Noise and Vibration" notation for its low noise and vibration levels, enhancing onboard comfort. Additionally, it received the "Dolphin" notation for minimizing noise impact in ecologically sensitive marine areas and is certified under the Polar Code C, enabling safe navigation in Polar waters.

EXPLORA II has been developed to further enhance the guest experience and, as with her sister ship EXPLORA I, embodies a fusion of elegant Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship. In collaboration with leading superyacht and hospitality designers, every aspect of the new ship was designed to evoke an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to reflect the Explora Journeys’ approach to luxury.

EXPLORA II’s Journeys Lounge, casino and Fil Rouge restaurant have refreshed colours and materials while maintaining their original layouts and the Explora Lounge, Crema Café and Atoll Pool have all been enhanced with new design and furniture to create more space for guests. Bespoke Unopiu outdoor furniture has been added to the Helios Pool & Bar to elevate the outdoor ocean experience.   

The Ocean Wellness Spa has a refined new concept with updated decor and materials throughout and Australian spa brand Subtle Energies has been added.  The Anthology restaurant has been redesigned to offer exceptional Italian fine-dining and EXPLORA II will also feature the first at sea Buccellati jewellery boutique to complement the luxurious onboard shopping experience.

EXPLORA II will feature original artwork by Emilio Isgró and Prince Hussein Aga Khan`s ‘Marine Encounters’`, an exhibition of his marine photographs showcasing diverse underwater species and ecosystems. The exquisite collection of marine photography was gifted to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and `Focused on Nature`, reflecting a shared vision to educate and inspire action on the need to preserve marine life and biodiversity.