Explora Journeys has taken delivery of its second ship as part of a €3.5 billion plan to create a fleet of six vessels by 2028.
Explora II will depart on its maiden journey on September 16 from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, to Sicily, Malta and Spain.
The ship will then operate in the Caribbean this winter and return to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2025.
The new ship for the MSC Group luxury brand has 461 suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and a range of wellness venues.
Meanwhile, a keel-laying ceremony for Explora III also took place at the same Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa in Italy.
The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel is due to enter service in 2026.
The shipping group described LNG as a “direct pathway” to renewable drop in substitutes like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.
A steel cutting ceremony was held at the shipyard to start the construction of Explora IV, which will also be fuelled by LNG, and is set for completion in early 2027.
Explora V is also due to join the fleet in 2027 and Explora VI in 2028.
A project is underway for both to have large fuel cell capacity capable of transforming renewable LNG into hydrogen and “significantly” reducing emissions.
MSC cruise division executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “The delivery of Explora II represents a significant milestone for Explora Journeys and the MSC Group, in our commitment to set new standards in global luxury travel at sea.
“This special day also sees us celebrate the coin ceremony for Explora III and the start of construction of Explora IV as we continue to deliver on our commitment to create a fleet of six best-in-class ships offering even more guests a luxury ocean travel experience like no other.”
Pic credit: Ivan Sarfatti