Explora II is delayed until September, five cruises canceled

This means the cancellation of five seven-night cruises.

Sept. 16 maiden voyage

Explora II had been scheduled to debut in August. The new delivery date is Sept. 12, and the maiden voyage is now set for Sept. 16 from Civitavecchia (Rome). This will be a seven-night itinerary including Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, Valletta and Tarragona.

More time needed for final touches

'After careful and detailed reviews of Explora II, it was decided that more time is needed for the final finishes to the ship to guarantee the highest quality luxury standards and to ensure that the new ship delivers to the fullest on the brand’s promise of an unmatched luxury ocean experience,' MSC Group said in a statement.

Explora Journeys is contacting passengers to arrange an alternative journey on Explora II or Explora I, which is also sailing in the Mediterranean.

Western Mediterranean debut

Explora II is scheduled to spend the balance of summer in the Western Mediterranean with visits to many chic yachting destinations such as Portofino, Porto Cervo, Saint-Tropez, Calvi, Mahon and Monte Carlo with cruises including overnight and longer stays in port.