Explora I named in 'ocean state of mind' gala by oceanographer Sylvia Earle

During festivities alongside the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Explora Journeys ushered in the first ship of a brand that's a passion for the Aponte-Vago family.

'This is our dream'

''This is our dream. We dreamed this on our yacht in the Mediterranean. Every little detail for us is so personal,' Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group's cruise division, told guests at the ceremony in Explora I's Journeys Lounge.

He and wife Alexa Aponte aspired to something different from traditional luxury cruises, something that would appeal to people who've never considered a sea journey.

'We want to offer your home at sea ... Refined yet effortless luxury ... and choice,' Vago said. 'This is the time to connect with what matters most, time and space to explore the world and explore yourself.'

'Incredible reviews'

They seem to have succeeded.

'The reviews so far have been incredible,' Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer said.

MSC Group recently firmed two more newbuild orders so, by 2028, there will be a fleet of six Explora Journeys ships sailing the world — in the Mediterranean, the Pacific, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Asia.

'No matter where you go around the world, you will always have the ocean state of mind,' Vago said.

He thanked the people of MSC Group, more 200,000 strong, for the company's success, and Ungerer, 'who brought our passion and our vision to life.'

Mission Blue 'Hope Spot'

And Vago thanked Earle for her Mission Blue collaborating with the MSC Foundation 'and the validation it gives us to protect the environment.'

Mission Blue has declared MSC's Ocean Cay in the Bahamas — where important research in super corals, those most resilient to ocean warming, is under way — a 'Hope Spot' — a place that, if protected, could provide hope for recovery of the oceans and the planet.

Hope leads to action

'Hope leads to action,' Earle said. '... It's time to change this trajectory of despair. We have the power to change and move in the right direction.' She urged everyone to 'do something together with an ocean state of mind.'

On that uplifting note, flanked by Vago, Ungerer, MSC Foundation's Daniela Picco and Capt. Diego Michelozzi, Earle then cut a ribbon sending a bottle of Champagne smashing against Explora I's bow.