Explora Journeys Celebrates Next Stage of Explora IV Build

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, today announced the successful launch of the troncone, the forward lower section of EXPLORA IV, the fourth of six luxury ships to enter service by 2028. The ceremony, a maritime tradition that celebrates a section of the ship being transferred from land to water for the first time, was held at Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard in Sicily. The ceremony was attended by over 350 guests and marks an important step in bringing this next-generation ship to life.

The upcoming EXPLORA IV is set for delivery in 2027 and will further redefine the future of luxury ocean travel. Once the outfitting phase of the bow section is completed, it will be moved to the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, where her build will be completed.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone in the construction of EXPLORA IV. This ship represents our unwavering commitment to delivering a new standard of excellence in luxury ocean travel. Our partnership with Fincantieri, one of the finest shipbuilders in the world, is built on shared values of innovation and the relentless pursuit of quality,” said Anna Nash, Global President of Explora Journeys.

Reaching this important milestone further highlights the expertise and dedication of the Fincantieri team, whose craftsmanship is essential in ensuring that EXPLORA IV meets the highest standards of performance, innovation, and luxury. The ship will form part of Explora Journeys’ growing fleet, purposefully designed to offer transformative, immersive experiences that connect guests with the ocean and the world around them.

All ships in the Explora Journeys luxury fleet embody the very best of “Made in Italy” craftsmanship and are at the forefront of naval design and innovation. Four of the upcoming vessels — EXPLORA III through VI — will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury at sea.

More than € 3.5 billion is invested by the Cruise Division of MSC Group in Explora Journeys’ six ships, all built by Fincantieri, that will feature innovative design and be equipped with the latest technologies. This investment has an economic impact of over 15 billion euros on Italy, with significant downstream effects and the creation of thousands of jobs. The construction of each ship requires over seven million work hours and provides employment for an average of 2,500 people for two to three years.

EXPLORA I has been sailing since August 1, 2023, marking the debut of Explora Journeys’ luxury fleet. The second ship, EXPLORA II, was delivered on September 12, 2024. EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively, with both ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI are set to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, continuing the brand’s ambitious growth and commitment to sustainable innovation.