EXPLORA I, the first of 6 ships to join the Explora Journeys' fleet by 2028, is to be officially named on July 8th in Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy).
The vessel will then transfer to Southampton England UK for the inaugural voyage on July 17th (15-night itinerary ending in Copenhagen Denmark).
Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys CEO, said at the coin ceremony event for EXPLORA II at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente (close to Genoa, Italy):
“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.”
Up to EUR 3.5+ billion will be invested by the Cruise Division of MSC Group in the 6 ships of Explora Journeys which will all feature innovative designs and be equipped with the latest environmental technologies.
EXPLORA III is scheduled to join Explora Journeys’ fleet in 2026, and EXPLORA IV in 2027. In case the options are confirmed, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI are expected to join in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
EXPLORA III, EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V, and EXPLORA VI will be all powered by LNG-liquefied natural gas. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also utilize hydrogen fuel to power both ships’ hotel operations while in port in order to allow the vessels to switch off the engines for zero emissions.