Explora II floated out and steel cut for LNG-powered Explora III

The double ceremony was witnessed by Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero, Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci and other regional officials.

On hand for Explora III's steel cutting, from left, Fincantieri's Luigi Matarazzo, MSC's Emilio La Scala, Fincantieri's Pierroberto Folgiero, Explora Journeys' Michael Ungerer and Fincantieri's Stefano Guzzetti

Explora II is scheduled to enter service in summer 2024 on an inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Construction of the 63,900gt ship began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard near Naples where the keel was laid in May 2022.

Work on Explora IV, also LNG-powered, is set to begin in January 2024 with the ship's completion due in early 2027.

€2.3b for four ships

MSC Group's investment for the four Explora Journeys newbuilds is approximately €2.3b.

The Explora Journeys story continues, CEO Michael Ungerer said

'Following the successful launch of Explora I and the incredibly positive feedback from the first guests, travel advisors and media, who had a chance to experience the "Ocean State of Mind," the story continues,' Ungerer said. '... We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.'

See the just-out September issue of Seatrade Cruise Review for a look inside Explora I