Explora Journeys celebrates key construction milestone with float out of Explora I

Geneva, Switzerland – 30 May 2022 – Explora Journeys today celebrated another important milestone in the construction of EXPLORA I with the float out ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. This is the first of four ships from the luxury ocean travel brand and EXPLORA I is set to be delivered in Summer 2023. EXPLORA II will launch in summer 2024 and is also already under construction with the keel being laid earlier this month.

The float out is a traditional maritime event that is 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 as work moves to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings. The event was celebrated in the presence of senior representatives from the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Explora Journeys, Fincantieri, travel advisors and international media.

A deep-rooted commitment to the environment

Explora Journeys is committed to create a positive impression on the destinations and communities visited by its ships. All four ships in Explora Journeys’ fleet currently on order will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies and will feature the latest selective catalytic reduction technology to enable a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent, be equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce emissions in port and fitted with underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life. All four vessels will also have a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions.

At the event, the brand also indicated that it will explore the introduction of engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) on EXPLORA III and IV.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group said, “At Explora Journeys we are building ships for tomorrow, utilising today’s latest technologies and while being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available. Destination experiences will be designed to leave a positive impression and footprint on the places and people visited by placing a spotlight on local talents, craftsmanship, culture, gastronomy, traditions. This is all part of the brand’s commitment to its guests and the destinations we visit with them.”

LNG - currently the cleanest marine fuel available at scale and it virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions like sulphur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%) and particles (98%). In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard marine fuels. In addition, with the increasing availability of bio and synthetic forms of LNG in the future, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonised operations.

EXPLORA I launches in Summer 2023

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, commented, “The float out of EXPLORA I is a hugely significant milestone in the realisation of our vision to redefine the ocean travel experience with a new luxury travel brand that we have designed to connect travellers with the ocean and themselves.

Today’s event is great opportunity for our valued travel partners to see how the ship is taking shape and build even more excitement for EXPORA I’s launch in just 12 months.”

EXPLORA I will feature 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences and with ten distinct culinary experiences, ten indoor and outdoor bar and lounge experiences with curated entertainment, four swimming pools with poolside dining and lounging, and generous outdoor decks, holistic wellness and fitness facilities and much more.

EXPLORA I’s journeys in her first 12 months of operation will visit over 138 ports in more than 40 different countries. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.

Explora Journeys offers the perfect blend of celebrated destinations and lesser known off the beaten path locations, focusing on a slower pace, spending more time in each destination, to ensure guests can feel fully exhilarated and immerse themselves in the local culture and environment, whilst not leaving their mark on the destination. EXPLORA I’s inaugural journeys collection includes Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the East Coast of the United States of America, the Caribbean Sea, South America and Hawaii. Sailings start from six-night journeys and culminate in a spectacular 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey. 

Photo Credit: Ivan Sarfatti