The coin ceremony of EXPLORA II, the second of the 6 ships planned by MSC Group's Explora Journeys, took place on Wednesday, February 8th, at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard (close to Genoa Italy).
Construction of the 63,900 GT vessel started in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard (Naples, Italy) where the keel was laid in May 2022.
MSC EXPLORA II is scheduled to enter service in August 2024.
The maritime ceremony saw commemorative coins placed inside the newbuild as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the Godmothers, Feliciana Maresca, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys Michael Ungerer represented the owners and Martina Mosca, Supervisor of Hull Fabrication Department, for Fincantieri IT represented the shipbuilder.
The official event was attended by key executives: Pierfrancesco Vago (Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, Michael Ungerer and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.
According to Michael Ungerer (Explora Journeys' CEO), the event was another major step forward on their mission to redefine ocean travel for today`s discerning luxury travelers.
"EXPLORA II – and her sister ship EXPLORA I, due to perform her inaugural journey in mid-July from Southampton, UK – will blend renowned destinations seen through a different lens and unique off-the-beaten-path ports, offering the next generation of luxury travellers highly curated, transformative and immersive experiences.”
Between August 2024-April 2025, EXPLORA II is due to sail in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Indian Ocean, and Africa and visit 82 ports in 26 different countries. The vessel will be fitted with a total of 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences and feature 6 restaurants, 12 indoor/outdoor bars and lounges, 4 swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, ~1,000 square metres of wellness & fitness facilities, plus refined entertainment.
EXPLORA I is currently being constructed at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and will launch the fleet of Explora Journeys in July 2023 with her inaugural voyage in Northern Europe.
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.