Luxury Afloat: New Cruise Ship Christened and Sets Sail on Its Maiden Voyage

You can receive daily cruise news updates directly to your inbox, so you don’t miss a thing! Go ahead and Subscribe here.

It’s full speed ahead for Explora II, MSC’s latest addition to its luxury Explora Journeys fleet, after a naming ceremony in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, on September 16, 2024.

The second in six ships planned for Explora Journeys, Explora II’s special event was marked by a traditional maritime ceremony, symbolized by a ribbon cutting and breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow.

The honor was carried out by the vessel’s godmother, Rosalba Giugni, founder and president of Marevivo Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of marine environments.

International dignitaries, MSC leadership, and renowned personalities such as Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and acclaimed director Giuseppe Tornatore, prominent for his movie Cinema Paradiso that secured an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, were present at the ship’s christening.

The celebration concluded with a gala dinner, a performance by British musician Tony Hadley, former lead singer of the 1980s band Spandau Ballet, alongside a drone light show in honor of Explora Journeys.

“Initiating a new ship is an esteemed maritime tradition, and tonight’s festivities signify our ongoing expansion as we transform luxury ocean travel,” remarked Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division.

He further explained, “Our journey started with the contemporary brand MSC Cruises, where we crafted a premium segment with MSC Yacht Club and subsequently discovered a growing demand for luxurious experiences at sea.”

Read Also: MSC’s Luxury Cruise Brand Celebrates Three Milestones

Last week, Explora Journeys also observed two significant construction milestones for its upcoming luxury ships at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa. The keel-laying ceremony for Explora III and the steel-cutting ceremony for Explora IV took place, with planned delivery in 2026 and 2027, respectively. These vessels are part of a six-ship fleet aimed at offering a luxurious ocean adventure to highly desirable locations.

According to Vago, guests should anticipate uniform excellence and high-quality service throughout the global fleet.

Explora II sets off on its inaugural voyage today, September 16, 2024, for a 7-night expedition through the Mediterranean. The route includes visits to Sorrento, Lipari Island, Trapani, and Siracusa in Italy, ultimately concluding in Valletta, Malta on September 21.

The journey wraps up on September 23 in Tarragona, Spain, where the ship readies for further escapades.

Highlighted among its new attractions is the inaugural Buccellati jewelry boutique on the ocean, presenting exclusive designs from the famed Italian jeweler. The ship also features “The Journey” boutique, which hosts a curated collection of partnerships with luxury labels such as Borsalino, Kampos, and Massaba, offering exclusive, limited-edition products.

Guests looking to unwind will find solace in the newly revamped Ocean Wellness Spa, providing a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic and holistic treatments. Additionally, the ship’s outdoor areas have been enhanced, including the Helios Pool & Bar which now boasts specially crafted Unopiù furnishings.

With a “Green Plus” certification from Registro Italiano Navale, this vessel, alongside Explora I and upcoming sister ships, features shore power connectivity, systems for managing underwater noise to safeguard marine wildlife, and utilizes various energy-saving technologies.

MSC emphasizes its environmental initiatives by appointing Giugni as godmother in recognition of her three and a half decades of work in ocean conservation. Furthermore, the ship boasts a marine photography exhibit that highlights the beauty and significance of underwater ecosystems in promoting ocean conservation efforts.

Following its initial voyage in the Mediterranean, Explora II will join Explora I for the winter and navigate towards the Caribbean to explore locales such as St. Barts, Aruba, and Antigua. By the summer of 2025, it plans to return to the Mediterranean and visit iconic ports including Barcelona and Monte Carlo.

The future lineup for the Explora Journeys includes Explora V and Explora VI, scheduled to launch in 2027 and 2028, both currently under construction at Fincantieri.

If you found this article insightful and are interested in receiving straightforward daily cruise news directly to your inbox, you can Subscribe here.

Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! We’ll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox.

We’ll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox.

---

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.