Explora Journeys, MSC’s luxury cruise brand, canceled the naming ceremony and subsequent inaugural cruise of Explora I that was to sail from the United Kingdom on July 17, 2023.
In communication from Michael Ungerer, chief executive of MSC subsidiary Explora Journeys, the delay is due to a “critical issue” that needed to be immediately addressed. Booked guests received the following:
“While the ship is fully ready and our team of hosts is eagerly awaiting to welcome the very first guests, our shipbuilders have identified a critical issue that must receive immediate attention.”
“Certain materials from a third-party supplier do not meet the required certifications and we therefore could not take delivery of the ship as planned on July 6, 2023.”
“We are working together with Fincantieri on resolving the situation to ensure that Explora I will meet the highest standards, as the safety and security of our guests and hosts is, of course, of utmost importance to us.”
With this information the delivery of the ship was pushed back to July 24, 2023. The inaugural cruise is now scheduled for August 1, 2022.
The “critical issue” has since been identified as faulty fire-resistant panels.
The Financial Times reported that the company which manufactures fire-safe insulation panels and materials for cruise ships, Paroc, informed Fincantieri shipyard in May that one type of its panels had lost its safety certification. Later, a second type of panel lost its certification.
The panels have been recalled from suppliers since the finding; however, according to the manufacturer, they have been used in at least 45 other ships.
Passengers booked on Explora I’s inaugural sailing will receive a full refund, and a 30% future cruise credit of the original booking. The FCC is good for 12 months and can be used for any sailing. Guests are also being asked to reach out to the Explora Experience Centre to discuss solutions for pre-planned travel arrangements.