Steel cut for Explora Journeys’ Explora II

Vago described the construction of the second ship in MSC Group’s Explora Journeys' fleet, which is scheduled for delivery in spring 2024, as signalling ‘firm commitment to our tourism partners ... with a significant financial investment …’

He added that MSC Group will ‘continue to invest in its expansion to attract the growing number and aspirations of the next generation of discerning luxury travellers.’

Design

At 64,000gt, Explora II will follow the same design as Explora I, offering 461 ocean front suites and with provision for battery storage to allow future hybrid power generation, as well as the latest selective catalytic reduction technology.

2bn euros

Fincantieri will build all four Explora Journeys vessels on order: under construction in Monfalcone, Explora I launches May 2023 with two further ships joining the fleet in 2025 and 2026.

Explora II will be built at the Sestri Ponente, Genoa yard.

The order for the new class of ships totals more than €2bn.

Positive reception

Ungerer remarked, ‘We are greatly encouraged by the tremendous enthusiasm and support we have received so far from the travel advisor community...

‘Explora Journeys has also been awarded “preferred” status with a number of leading travel agency groups, an honour not normally bestowed on a brand prior to its coming into service, that demonstrates an unprecedented recognition from the luxury travel industry and which reinforces our commitment to, and confidence, in our robust B2B2C strategy.’