Explora I, the first ship for the brand-new luxury cruise line Explora Journeys, was delivered on July 20, 2023.
Explora Journeys is an upscale brand that is owned by the MSC Group that aspires to create a unique "Ocean State of Mind" by connecting guests not only with the sea, but with themselves and other like-minded individuals on sailings to less common ports of call to evoke a sense of discovery.
Construction on the $550 million Explora I began on July 10, 2021 at the at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Three other ships have been ordered, totaling $2.78 billion. They are expected to enter service between 2024 and 2027.
“Today is a historic day, and represents a decisive step in our growth path, because it marks the entry of the MSC Group into the luxury travel sector," said Pierfrancesco Vago, the Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group, said.
"This segment has strong growth prospects, in which we strongly believe and whose standards we aim to redefine, focusing as always on excellence and luxury.”
Read more: Guide to Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises
Explora I ship details
In recent years, headlines about new cruise ships tend to be dominating by mega ships that measure over 150,000 gross registered tons and offer seemingly endless amounts of onboard thrills, like roller coasters, go-karts, and more.
Explora Journeys is focused on providing an unparelled experience to a new generation of luxury travelers, meaning they do not care about having the biggest and boldest at sea -- think Icon of the Seas.
Explora I only measures 63,900 gross registered tons and 813 feet long. Onboard, there are 461 staterooms, which they call "Homes at Sea," that average 452 square feet. This is different than the small interior rooms that you will find on MSC Cruises' newest ship, World Europa.
Within the 14 decks, guests will find eleven culinary experiences, six unique restaurants, and twelve bars and lounges, as well as three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, and over 10,700 square feet of wellness and fitness facilities.
Environmental supporting technologies
Explora Journeys utilizes today’s latest technologies to build ships that are as environmentally friendly as they can be.
Explora I features a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, as well as an advanced wastewater treatment system, ballast water treatment system, shore-to-ship power connectivity, recycling and sold waste management systems, RINA Dolphin-certified underwater noise reduction, an innovative hull design to help optimize hydrodynamics, trim optimization, anti-fouling paint, and LED lightning.
When will Explora I enter service?
The ship will embark on her inaugural sailing on August 1, 2023, sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark on a 7-night cruise through the landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands, and Kirkwall, Orkney. The sailing will conclude in Reykjavik, Iceland.
After that, Explora I will spend a few weeks sailing around Northern Europe before making a transatlantic voyage in order to spend the winter in the Caribbean. In the spring of 2024, she will sail to the United States' West Coast and Hawaii, finally returning to Europe on June 10 following a 13-night cruise from Miami.
Itineraries range from 3-nights to 35-nights and offer a best-in-class guest experience that strays from the traditional cruise experience, such as non-conventional arrival and departure times and overnight stays in port.
Explora Journeys' fleet expansion
As of July 2023, Explora II is still under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, Italy. She is expected to enter service August 2024.
When Explora III launches in 2026, she will be the first of two LNG-powered ships to join the brand's fleet. Explora IV will follow in 2027.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
