The Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy hosted a triple celebration with Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury brand of ships. The Italian shipbuilder commemorated the delivery of EXPLORA II, the coin ceremony of EXPLORA III and the steel cutting for EXPLORA IV. These milestones bring the luxury travel brand one step closer to its goal of growing to a total of six ships by 2028.
The event was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Stefania Vago, as well as Fincantieri’s Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, along with representatives of MSC’s construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard.
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.”
EXPLORA II has 461 ocean-front suites, four heated pools, six restaurants, and 12 bars and lounges. Additionally, she offers a wide-range of venues promoting fitness, beauty and wellbeing. She will also showcase original artwork by Italian artist and writer Emilio Isgró as well as the marine photography of Prince Hussain Aga Khan–“Marine Encounters.” The photographs feature diverse underwater species and ecosystems and were gifted to the MSC Foundation through a partnership with Focused on Nature.
EXPLORA II will embark on her maiden voyage on September 16, 2024 from Civitavecchia, Italy to Tarragona, Spain with ports of call in Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, and Syracuse in Italy as well as Valletta, the capital of Malta.