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Explora Journeys cancels Explora I delivery ceremony

Explora Journeys has cancelled Explora I’s delivery ceremony as the vessel undergoes “further enhancements”.

The MSC Group’s luxury brand was scheduled to host media and partners at the ceremony in Monfalcone, Italy on July 6 but cancelled the event on Tuesday.

The company issued a statement saying the vessel will remain at the Fincantieri shipyard for “a few weeks” while the enhancements are completed.


More: MSC UK chief hints at Explora Journeys team expansion after restructure


The inaugural sailing from Southampton is still scheduled for July 17, confirmation of which will come “in a few days”, the line said.

Explora Journeys has previously cancelled both a shakedown sailing for media and Explora I’s initial inaugural sailing, citing “global supply chain complications”.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Fincantieri shipyard and the cruise division of MSC Group have agreed to make further enhancements to the final work of Explora I, the first cruise ship for the new luxury brand Explora Journeys.

“Unfortunately, the time required for the work will extend the vessel’s stay at the shipyard by a few weeks.

“As a subsequent result, the company together with the shipowner have decided to postpone the delivery ceremony that was scheduled for July 6 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy to a later date.”

On the inaugural sailing, the company said: “While we are unable to provide a firm answer now, we will provide a punctual update in a few days as soon as the new delivery date for the ship is confirmed.”

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