Explora Journeys staged a triple celebration at the Fincantieri shipyard as the brand continues to grow towards a total of six ships planned by 2028.
Explora II was delivered and will become the second ship to join MSC Group’s fleet of six vessels.
On 16SEP, she will set sail on her maiden journey from Civitavecchia, Italy, to Sicily, Malta, and Spain.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division; Stefania Vago, the ship’s godmother; Biagio Mazzotta, chairman of Fincantieri, and Pierroberto Folgiero, the constructor’s CEO and General Manager, attended the traditional maritime event. Also present were representatives of MSC's construction team, managers, and shipyard workers.
The 63,900 GT Explora II will operate in the Caribbean Sea in the winter and return to the Mediterranean Sea in the summer of 2025.
The new ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six different restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and a range of wellness venues.
A keel-laying ceremony for Explora III also took place at the shipyard. The liquefied natural gas (LNG)--powered Explora III will enter service in 2026. LNG is a direct pathway to renewable drop-in substitutes like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.
Explora Journeys’ third celebration was a steel-cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard to start the construction of Explora IV, which will be completed in early 2027. Explora V will join the luxury fleet in 2027 and Explora VI in 2028.
Explora II has been developed to further enhance the guest experience. Like her sister ship Explora I, it embodies a fusion of elegant Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship. In collaboration with leading superyacht and hospitality designers, every aspect of the new ship was designed to evoke an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to reflect Explora Journeys’ approach to luxury.
Explora II’s Journeys Lounge, casino, and Fil Rouge restaurant have refreshed colours and materials while maintaining their original layouts. The Explora Lounge, Crema Café, and Atoll Pool have all been enhanced with new designs and furniture to create more space for guests. Bespoke Unopiu outdoor furniture has been added to the Helios Pool & Bar to elevate the outdoor ocean experience.
The Ocean Wellness Spa has a refined new concept with updated decor and materials throughout, and Australian spa brand Subtle Energies has been added. The Anthology restaurant has been redesigned to offer exceptional Italian fine dining, and Explora II will also feature the first at-sea Buccellati jewellery boutique to complement the luxurious onboard shopping experience.
Explora II has also earned several voluntary notations due to innovative design and construction focused on environmental sustainability and passenger comfort. It received RINA's "Green Plus" notation for comprehensive environmental performance. The ship was also awarded the "Comfort Noise and Vibration" notation for its low noise and vibration levels, enhancing onboard comfort. Additionally, it received the "Dolphin" notation for minimizing noise impact in ecologically sensitive marine areas and is certified under the Polar Code C, enabling safe navigation in Polar waters.
