Following the successful delivery of EXPLORA I, luxury brand Explora Journeys continues construction of EXPLORA II and EXPLORA III with the total investment of 2.3 billion euros for a fleet of four luxury ships.
Just two months after the delivery of EXPLORA I, the construction of the fleet of Explora Journeys is further progressing. Today the brand celebrated two maritime milestones during a double event at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa in Italy.
During the ceremony, the brand celebrated both the float out of EXPLORA II and the steel cutting of EXPLORA III, representing the second and third ships out of a total of four ordered by Explora Journeys.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said, “The double event today marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers. 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, and we are now beyond thrilled to witness the next important construction milestones for both EXPLORA II and our first LNG powered ship EXPLORA III. We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”
The float out is a traditional maritime event that represents a significant moment in the construction of a new ship as it is the first time that the ship will touch water and will then enter the final phases of construction to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings.
EXPLORA II will embark on her maiden journey in the summer of 2024, spending her first season in the Mediterranean discovering the most striking locations of the Mare Nostrum, including Italian destinations such as Portofino, Argentario, Rome, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero, and the Emerald Coast.
With the traditional steel cutting ceremony, the brand marked a celebration of the construction of EXPLORA III, which will enter service in summer 2026 and will be the first of the Explora fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) – the world’s cleanest maritime fuel available at scale, playing a key role towards the decarbonisation of international shipping.
In January 2024, construction will begin on EXPLORA IV, also fuelled by LNG, which will be completed in early 2027.
Contact us for more information or to book your luxury voyage with Explora Journeys.