The new luxury cruise line from MSC Cruises ‘Explora Journeys‘ has marked the first stage in the development of its second luxury ship with a steel cutting ceremony in Italy.

Taking place at the Fincantieri shipyard, where sister ship Explora I is also under construction ahead of her May 2023 launch, the event was attended be xecutives including Pierfrancesco Vago, Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Fincantieri.

Explora II will launch in spring 2024, ahead of two further ships for the new luxury cruise line in 2025 and 2026. All will accommodate 922 guests in all-balcony suites. Its 14 decks will feature four pools, including one sheltered by a retractable roof, as well as nine dining experiences and a crew to guest ratio of almost 1:1.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division,said: “The start of Explora Journeys’ second ship signals our firm commitment to our tourism partners for the coming-to-market of our new luxury brand with a significant financial investment in a fleet of innovative, elegant ships, that will bring together our vision and purpose to create an ocean state of mind like no other.

“Given our belief in this brand to create a new category in luxury, lifestyle travel, we will continue to invest in its expansion to attract the growing number and aspirations of the next generation of discerning luxury travellers.”

Find out more about Explora Journeys here.

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