Last updated: 7:05 PM ET, Tue July 2, 2024
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that EXPLORA II has successfully completed its sea trials. It will be the second in a fleet of six luxury ships to be built for Explora Journeys by Fincantieri in Italy, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders. The final phase of construction of the 63,900 GT vessel took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa, Italy.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group Cruises, said: “The launch of Explora I last year was the realisation of a long-held family dream: to offer guests an unrivalled luxury experience at sea. Explora II, which has successfully completed its sea trials, is the next step in our Explora journey. In the summer of 2024, discerning travellers will now have the opportunity to sail on both of our ships on carefully created and combinable itineraries in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, embarking from easily accessible ports and discovering hidden gems in less-visited destinations. This summer, EXPLORA II offers access to some of the most enchanting and less-explored destinations in the Western Mediterranean, ensuring guests experience the splendour of the Mediterranean’s most celebrated locations, rich in history and culture. Itineraries will feature distinctive ports such as Portofino, Porto Cervo, St-Tropez, Calvi, Mahon or Monte Carlo. With overnight stays and longer stays in select destinations, guests can explore local cultures and experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Voyages start at seven nights and can extend to 14 or 21 nights, all departing from easily accessible ports such as Barcelona, Spain or Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy – while avoiding port duplication on combinable voyages.
Explora Journeys offers today’s discerning luxury travelers the opportunity to experience a truly transformative and purposeful ocean travel experience, reflecting both the essence of each destination visited and the brand’s vibrant, cosmopolitan European luxury. On each voyage, guests can enjoy elegant suites with private ocean-facing terraces, nine unforgettable inclusive culinary experiences, unlimited premium beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi via Starlink connectivity, dynamic entertainment and ocean-inspired wellness.
