MSC Group’s luxury ocean brand, Explora Journeys, celebrated three important milestones at Fincantieri’s Sistri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy. During a triple ceremony held on March 3, 2026, representatives from MSC, Explora Journeys and Fincantieri were joined by civil and military authorities to celebrate the float out of Explora IV, the coin ceremony of Explora V and the steel cutting of Explora VI.
This marks the third triple ceremony for Explora Journeys since September 2024 brings the luxury cruise line even closer to completion of its six-ship fleet by 2028. All six of the cruise line’s ships are now either completed or in some stage of development. Explora I and Explora II are already in service, and Explora III is currently undergoing sea trials and is set to enter service in July 2026.
“For the first time, all six ships in our fleet are either in service or under construction — a defining moment as we bring the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to life on an even greater scale,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “These ships realise the Aponte-Vago family’s vision of an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination — inviting wellbeing, discovery and a deeper connection with the ocean. As our fleet grows, we are introducing more discerning guests to a new expression of luxury ocean travel — one that stands in a category of its own and challenges the idea that luxury must always be anchored to land, instead finding its home on the horizon.”
The ceremony not only honored the maritime traditions that define the shipbuilding process, but also appointed godmothers for the coin ceremony of Explora V and the float out of Explora IV. Both Captain Serena Melani of Explora Journeys and Alice Gallo from Fincantieri were appointed as godmother for the coin ceremony of Explora V. Captain Serena has served as the first Master of Explora I and Explora II, and will also serve as the Master of Explora III. Cristina Bacigalupo from Fincantieri was appointed godmother for the float out of Explora IV.
When Explora III enters into service in July, she will embark on a one way 5-day journey from Genoa, Italy to Civitavecchia-Rome to conclude just ahead of her naming ceremony on August 1, 2026 at MSC’s new cruise terminal in Barcelona. She will sail in the region through September before embarking on a 30-day one way voyage to North America where she will homeport in the cruise capital of the world, Miami.