New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys has celebrated the keel laying for the second of four luxury ships. The ceremony took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy.
Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle travel brand of the MSC Group, has celebrated the keel laying for Explora II. With the traditional ceremony Explora II is one (small) step closer to her delivery in 2024.
The event at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia (Italy) was attended by senior executives of the MSC Group and Fincantieri.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said: “We are thrilled to witness this key milestone for Explora Journeys, which signals our firm commitment to launch a luxury lifestyle brand that incorporates effective sustainability planning and maximizes social and economic benefits for the communities that our ships will visit and leave a positive legacy for the next generation.”
All four ships in Explora Journeys fleet of luxury vessels will offer 461 suites and residences at sea. Suites start at 35 square feet, making them some of the most spacious for this category. Guests can enjoy nine restaurants and ten bars and lounges, some of which are open-air. The generous outdoor decks will offer over 2,500 square feet of sea views and 64 private cabanas spread over 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool with a retractable glass roof will allow swimming and relaxation in all weather conditions.
Explora II follows the Explora I which is currently under construction at the Fincantieri yard in Monfalcone. If everything goes according to plan, the ship will enter service at the end of May 2023. Explora II is due to welcome its first guests in Spring 2024. Two further new ships will join the fleet in 2025 and 2026