The port of Southampton welcomed Explora Journeys’ Explora I for her maiden port of call on August 29, 2023. She is currently sailing a 9-night voyage around the United Kingdom.
The first cruise ship for Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise line for MSC Group, was welcomed by port officials and cruise line executives. The ship’s captain, Serena Melani, and Rebekah Keeler of Associated British Ports Southampton celebrated Explora I’s first visit to the port with a crest exchange, a maritime tradition.
Also on hand was Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explorer Journeys, who said, “Southampton is one of the UK’s major ports and one of the most significant within Europe, and it was a great pleasure and honor to present our highly anticipated and brand-new ship, Explora I. We continue to work meticulously and tirelessly to showcase our new product which fuses innovation and sophisticated design, and our commitment to excellence.”
Keeler said, “We were delighted to welcome Explora I to Southampton which reflects the continued growth of our partnership with the MSC Group. Working with partners who share in our drive for a sustainable future, such as Explora Journeys, will make the ambition a reality and we look forward to welcoming the ship when she has the opportunity to return.”
Explorer I’s current voyage is sailing around the UK to Greenock in Glasgow, Scotland. Before arriving in Glasgow she will have called on Edinburgh, Invergordon, and Isle of Skye in Scotland, Newcastle upon Tyne and Liverpool in England, and Greencastle in Ireland.
After sailing a series of Northern Europe cruises through October, Explora I will reposition to North America. She will sail a variety of 7- to 14-night Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida. All those itineraries will include MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
Keep your eye on Explora Journeys. Explora I is just the first ship in what will be its four-ship fleet.