Introducing New Cruise Line Explora Journeys
Explora I Exterior Aft Image: The MSC Group/Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys - ‘An Ocean State of Mind’
I am so excited to bring you this breaking news hot off the press. I was enjoying the sunshine when the press-wires began to sizzle - and this little gem popped into my inbox. Maybe I’ve been snoozing, but this has come right out of the blue to me. Oh, but what a wonderful surprise!
May I introduce to you today a brand new cruise brand, Explora Journeys - Tah- dah!!
During the announcement Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division, stated:
“Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family. Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury.”
Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created at the heart of Swiss luxury hospitality. The brand stems from the long-held vision of the Aponte-Vago family to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning travellers, drawing on the Aponte family`s 300 years of maritime heritage. The brand’s aspiration is to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and like-minded people, while remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports, for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.
How Many Ships In Explora Journeys Fleet?
A fleet of six ships, two of which are under construction, will be launched from 2023 to 2028. Equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a modern style of transformative ocean travel.
Built by Fincantieri, the first of their six luxury ships will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025 and 2026. So something to look forward to each year. Each ship will use the latest in cutting-edge maritime technology to provide journeys of discovery through destinations on and off the beaten path. Guests will be hosted on a ship like no other, with the highest level of service and amenities.
EXPLORA I
EXPLORA I will offer 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for guests, all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of 11 distinct culinary experiences across six restaurants, plus in-suite dining, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, Chef`s Kitchen four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company`s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience respectful and intuitive hospitality.
Explora I Lobby Image: The MSC Group/Explora Journeys
With fourteen decks, there will be ample indoor public space, plus very generous outdoor decks boasting more than 2,500 square metres overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather. Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind.
Explora I Indoor Pool with retractable roof Image: The MSC Group/Explora Journeys
The ship will have flexible dining in nine restaurants which will celebrate global culinary talents, with a focus on wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners.
Of course, what would a luxury ship be without its indulgent wellness program? The luxury cruising experience is all about relaxation and rejuvenation. The ship will therefore include a spacious indoor/outdoor spa and fitness area with treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes and personal training.
This is truly a much needed boost to the industry, and a very luxurious one to boot.
Steel Cutting of Explora I
Explora Journeys hosted a steel cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. A long held maritime tradition, this moment celebrates the commencement of the building process for the first ship from Explora Journeys, Explora I, which is scheduled to set sail in 2023. Mr. Vago and Mr. Ungerer were both in attendance, alongside representatives from Fincantieri’s management team.
During the ceremony Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division, stated:
“Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family. Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury.”
This is such good news for the industry, and gives the cruising community something to look forward to after the darkness of the past eighteen months or so. Explora Journeys’ mantra is ‘An Ocean State of Mind’ - and I think we can all relate to that. Watch this space for further news, details and photos - or to learn more about Explora Journeys, visit ExploraJourneys.com or follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn