Explora Journeys' inaugural ship, Explora 1, will be delayed by several weeks in order to allow the brand more time to improve and enhance the vessel. The original plan was to deliver the ship during a ceremony in Italy on July 6th, but now it will remain at the shipyard for a few weeks longer.
According to a source from MSC Cruises, the final fittings are taking more time than anticipated. However, the main priority is to ensure that Explora I is perfect in every aspect for its first journey and all subsequent voyages. The christening ceremony, originally scheduled for July 8th in Civitavecchia-Rome Italy, has not been given a new date yet.
MSC's spokesperson expressed regret for the situation and apologized for any inconvenience caused to the guests who were planning to attend the event. They assured that a new date for the delivery ceremony would be communicated as soon as possible.
It is also uncertain whether the ship will depart on its planned 15-day maiden voyage from Southampton UK on July 17th. The MSC Group source explained that since they don't have an exact delivery date for the ship, they cannot determine the impact on the inaugural journey at this time.