Dr. Sylvia Alice Earle (1935-born American marine biologist, oceanographer, and conservationist) has been selected as the Godmother of MSC Explora Journeys' first ship - EXPLORA 1, according to an announcement by MSC's new luxury travel brand.
Dr. Earle will name the vessel during its ceremony in Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy) on July 8, 2023. Curiously, there's a boat named after her - the 2021-built Sylvia Earle, currently chartered by Aurora Expeditions Australia (fleet).
Sylvia Earle's involvement with Explora Journeys reinforces MSC's commitment to sustainable luxury sea travel and ocean conservation.
EXPLORA I is the first of up to 6 new ships, with a strong focus on the latest environmental technologies and alternative energy solutions. The 15-night maiden voyage ("Into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle" itinerary) departs on July 17th, 2023, out of Southampton UK.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, expressed his gratitude for Dr. Earle's involvement, while Dr. Earle expressed her eagerness to partner with Explora Journeys and the MSC Foundation to safeguard and restore the world's oceans.