Explora Journeys and Fincantieri Celebrate a Triple Milestone in Genoa: A New Era in Luxury Cruising

At Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, a significant event took place on July 14th, marking a triple milestone for Explora Journeys. The company celebrated the float-out of Explora III, the keel-laying of Explora IV, and the steel-cutting for Explora V. This series of ceremonies highlights the ongoing construction of a six-vessel fleet set for completion by 2028, following the successful deployment of the first two ships, Explora I and Explora II, which are currently operating at nearly full capacity.

Explora III, designed to accommodate 922 guests, will be the brand’s first LNG-powered ship and is scheduled to launch in 2026. Deliveries for its sister ships, Explora IV and Explora V are planned for 2027, while Explora VI is expected by 2028. Notably, the latter two vessels are being equipped with technologies to support future fuel cell systems that can convert LNG into hydrogen, further supporting Explora’s commitment to clean energy.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, stated that the ceremonies symbolize the company’s vision of reimagining ultra-elegant ocean travel, underscoring the collaboration among the MSC Group, Fincantieri, and the Aponte-Vago family leadership. The event also included a coin ceremony for Explora IV, which featured a blessing led by Caroline Cooney-Hurrell, recognized for her contributions to enhancing guest experiences.

This expansion is backed by a substantial EUR 3.5 billion investment from the MSC Group aimed at fortifying Italian shipbuilding and meeting environmental objectives. All new vessels will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, such as shore power connections and efficient engines. With LNG propulsion forming the foundation from Explora III onward, the ships also have the capacity to transition to bio-LNG, synthetic LNG, and to utilize hydrogen fuel cells, aligning with the industry’s evolving energy standards.

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