First Explora Journeys ship, Explora I, makes maiden call to Barcelona

The luxury Explora Journeys ship was delivered last week by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy and will commence its maiden voyage from the Danish capital with passengers aboard on August 1. 

Plaque exchange ceremony 

The customary plaque exchange took place between the ship’s master, capt. Serena Melani, and Lluís Salvadó, president of the Barcelona Port Authority. Explora’s CEO Michael Ungerer and local port officials also attended the event.

‘Barcelona is one of the most important ports in the Western Mediterranean, and it is our absolute honour to finally showcase our highly anticipated, extraordinary new ship Explora I,’ stated Ungerer. ‘We have pushed the boundaries of innovation and design to create a ship that embodies our commitment to excellence. We are delighted to showcase our ship today in Barcelona, offering a taste of what Explora Journeys will offer her guests.’ 

A new MSC cruise terminal on the way 

MSC is building a new cruise terminal in Barcelona that will be dedicated to both Explora Journeys and sister company MSC Cruises when completed in 2024.

Sustainability at the port

Lluís Salvadó, president of the Port of Barcelona, said that the 'commissioning of ships like Explora I is strategic for Barcelona and for the maritime sector as a whole. Incorporating sustainability innovations to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by 90% and with equipment to connect to electricity on land, eliminating emissions when docked, is important for the ports and cities that host them because it shows how the sector works to achieve clean maritime activity.’ 

Salvadó said it also serves as an example of Barcelona's success in its strategy to ‘make the necessary infrastructure available to ships to make this emission-free future a reality.’ 

Explora I’s Itinerary 

Explora I’s sailing from Copenhagen comprises a seven-night journey to Reykjavik, Iceland with calls en route in Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney. 

Explora I will spend several weeks in Northern Europe, offering a range of different itineraries, and will then cross the Atlantic Sea via Greenland to spend the autumn in North America, the winter in the Caribbean Sea and spring 2024 on the US West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in the summer for a collection of voyages in the Mediterranean Sea.