On 10th June 2021 the MSC Group revealed its new luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys, described as having been created for the next generation of discerning luxury travellers. Built by Fincantieri, the first of a quartet of luxury ships was scheduled to enter service in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Each would utilise the latest in cutting-edge maritime technology to provide voyages to destinations on and off the beaten track. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business said that building a luxury brand to redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own had been a long-held vision of his and his family. He had been inspired by the family’s own travel wishes with Explora Journeys being created as an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax and cherish being at sea, with time being the ultimate luxury. Designed in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative ships in the new fleet were intended to blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship.

Upon the launch of Explora Journeys, the CEO, Michael Ungerer, stated that the company was designed for guests who want to stay longer, leave later, and travel deeper with the aim of bringing a new perspective to the travel industry and reinventing the classic cruise experience. In partnership with Fincantieri, Explora Journeys is building ships for tomorrow rather than today, thus incorporating a degree of future-proofing. The design utilises the latest in environmental-supporting technologies, while being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available. The design incorporates provision for battery storage allowing future hybrid power generation, as well as the latest selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, enabling a reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 90%. Built with ship-to-shore power capabilities to avoid CO2 emissions while alongside in a port and powered by marine gas oil, all four of the initial batch of ships are RINA Dolphin certified for reduced underwater noise.

Single-use plastics are not used onboard the ships, nor will they be offered during land-based experiences, as the company is focused on leaving a positive impression on the places and people visited. Inspired by the mandala, the Explora Journeys logo was created by Alexa Aponte-Vago, CFO of the MSC Group, daughter of founder Gianluigi Aponte and wife of Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. With roots in spirituality, the pattern represents a journey of personal discovery and fulfilment. Illustrations of the lotus flower symbolise purity of body, speech, and mind, while a nod to the fleur-de-lis represents humility and a connection to European heritage. The finishing touch is a sophisticated typeface that alludes to the subtle curves of the sea.

A Fresh Approach

The MSC Group was founded in Naples, Italy, in 1970 with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. MSC Cruises was formed in 1988 when the company bought the cruise ship Monterey. A year later the compay took over Lauro Cruise Line, which was only a one-ship operation with the now infamous Achille Lauro. The newly formed company took the name of StarLauro until December 1994 when the Achille Lauro caught fire and sank off the coast of Somalia whilst on her way to South Africa.

In 1995 StarLauro Cruises was renamed MSC Cruises and the Cunard Princess was purchased to become the MSC Rhapsody, being joined by the MSC Symphony. In 1997 the Melody joined the company to bring the fleet to 4 ships. The cruise operation blossomed from 2003 when the MSC Cruises that we know today began to grow with Pierfrancesco Vago at the helm and a €5.5 billion investment program to build the world’s most modern cruise fleet, starting with what became four Lirica Class ships, the original MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia (ex-Festival Cruises) and the refined newbuilds MSC Lirica/MSC Opera. All four were stretched a few years later but not before the Writer took his very first cruise aboard the MSC Armonia from Dover in May 2008. It was superb. The €5.5 billion investment plan also produced the highly successful Musica Class and Fantasia Class of ships.

As the world’s largest independent cruise company, MSC Cruises not only announced the new premium band of Explora Journeys on 10th June 2021 but, that same day, the steel cutting ceremony was hosted at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy for the brand’s new ship, the Explora I. Both Mr Vago and Mr. Ungerer were in attendance, alongside representatives from Fincantieri’s management team.

The new company and ship chart an innovative course in the luxury cruises sector and this includes a new approach to popular aspects of any cruise in the form of the crewmembers being known as hosts, the staterooms are homes at sea and shore excursions have been renamed as destination experiences. The ship’s theatre is referred to as a lounge and the shows are re-branded as evening-long performances. This is perhaps the only awkward new description, and the buffet is known as the marketplace, a name that does have some resonance with one or two mainstream companies.

The coin ceremony for the keel laying of the Explora I took place on 24th February at the Monfalcone Shipyard in a time-honoured fashion when the first section of the ship was lowered into the building dock, and two newly minted coins were placed inside a ship block for blessing and good fortune by two long-standing employees representing the shipyard and the ship owner, acting as godmothers for the ceremony. The godmothers for this ceremony were Alessandra Fontana, Chief Marketing Officer for Explora Journeys and Ester Fugazzi, Head of General Services for Fincantieri. Construction work had commenced on the Explora II in November 2021 at Genoa’s Sestri Ponente Shipyard, also in Italy. On 30th May 2022 the Explora I was floated out during a traditional ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard. At the event, mention was also made of the installation of LNG powered engines aboard the Explora III and Explora IV. A few weeks later, on 4th July, the company announced the ordering of Explora V and Explora VI. These will be powered by both LNG and hydrogen, and this will require them to each be lengthened by 19m to accommodate both the LNG system and storage plus a 6-megawatt fuel cell. The ships will also feature a new generation of LNG engines that will tackle the issue of methane slip and will also be equipped with industry first environmental technologies and solutions, including a containment system for liquid hydrogen that will enable them to use this promising low-carbon fuel. The hydrogen fuel cell will produce emissions-free power for the hotel operation and allow the vessels to run on ‘zero emissions’ in port, with the engines switched off.

These latest newbuilds will come into service in 2027 and 2028, respectively and their increased length has provided an opportunity to enhance the mix of suites with an additional number of Ocean Residences and larger public spaces. Back to the Explora I and, on 7th June 2022, the ship’s Master was announced as Captain Serena Melani. The Executive Chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division said that it was gratifying to see Captain Melani join Explora Journeys and that she represents all that he and the founding family envisioned for the new luxury lifestyle brand as a disruptive force in the cruise sector that will make it more diverse and inclusive. Serena’s impressive background led in 2020 to her becoming the world’s first female Captain to bring a cruise ship out of a shipyard. Back in 2010, Serena became Bridge Officer with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and was swiftly promoted to Master in 2016, leading to her becoming their first female Captain and first Italian-born female cruise ship Captain. Serena was born and grew up in Livorno and now splits her time between the home country and her home in Croatia where she lives with her husband.

The Explora I’s Godmother was announced on 5th April 2023 as Dr. Sylvia Earle, the world-renowned oceanographer, explorer, and conservationist. Dr. Earle also has an expedition cruise ship named after her, Sunstone Ships’ 8,076gt/2022-built Sylvia Earle. At the time of the announcement, the Explora I was scheduled to depart Southampton on her maiden voyage on 17th July 2023. On 13th April came the news that the sea trials had been completed and that the naming ceremony would take place in Civitavecchia on 8th July, two days after the revised delivery date of 6th July (originally expected to be 31st May 2023). The plans subsequently hit a glitch with the delivery, naming and maiden voyage all being cancelled rather unexpectedly. The reason? A fire safety issue had potentially impacted a large quantity of newbuilds after onboard fire insulating panels failed routine safety tests. The media stated that the faulty panels from Paroc had been installed aboard 45 cruise ships, with that company being a key supplier to both Fincantieri and Meyer Werft. After the relevant checks had taken place, Fincantieri and MSC Group were pleased to announce on 20th July that the Explora I had been delivered at the Monfalcone Shipyard, around 7 weeks later than planned originally. The global supply chain issues that are affecting so much also played their part.

Another traditional maritime event, the hand over was attended by Gianluigi Aponte, Founder and Chairman of the MSC Group and Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division. The role of godmother was taken by Zoe Africa Vago. The ship then sailed to Barcelona to welcome her first admirers before she continued to Portsmouth on a hastily revised itinerary, arriving early on 29th July to mark her UK debut (above). At 08.00 on 30th July the ship departed Portsmouth bound for Denmark. Reaching Copenhagen on 1st August, the ship welcomed her first paying guests that day and departed on her 7-night maiden voyage to Reykjavik via Kirkwall and Lerwick. The ship then made her Southampton debut on 24th August.

Time to Explora

The opportunity to view this impressive new ship was offered prior to the arrival in Portsmouth so the Writer could not say no. Even without setting foot aboard, the ship looks stunning, with a profile that has a hint of the styling of ships that were built for Celebrity Cruises several cruising generations ago, namely the 46,811gt/1990-built Horizon and 47,255gt/1992-built Zenith (both scrapped 2022) plus the larger Century Class trio that include the now 76,522gt/1996-built Marella Explorer (built as the Galaxy).

That said, the 63,621gt Explora I, with an overall length of 248m, a moulded beam of 32.60m, a maximum draught of 7.10m, a 56m air draught and 14 decks also features a strong influence of the modern superyacht profile, enhanced by a sleek dark blue hull. Embarkation was via Deck 4, starboard side, leading guests into the Lobby & Lobby Bar, the hub of the ship, which features a three-tier atrium and a soothing and refined chic décor. The whole ship has an abundance of fine-crafted woods, gleaming marble and ample space that generates an uncluttered modern, boutique hotel setting for up to 922 guests. It was not difficult to be impressed or think “wow” at every turn.

The Lobby (above) is 891m2 with the second level being 518m2 and the smaller upper level being 33m2. Moving forward from The Lobby are the Guest Services/Destination Experiences desks, the Casino (port side) with the 638m2 and 198-seater Journeys Lounge (theatre) located in the bow.

Aft on Deck 4 are 2 of the 6 restaurants, the Med Yacht Club and the Fil Rouge (French inspired international cuisine) with a combined area of 1,125m2 and open seating. The former boasts lounge seating and a bar for 34 guests, 102 restaurant seats, nautical artifacts, and ship models. The Fil Rouge can seat 222 guests. The decks with guest access are 3-14 and on Deck 5 forward can be found the Ocean Wellness Spa covering over 700m2, with 11 treatment rooms and 21 treatment options. This area also features the Thalasso Pool, with an area big enough for 43 people although such numbers would not generally be using it at once!

The ship also has a gym (Deck 10), a running track on Deck 12 plus a sports court and open-air wellness area aft of the funnel on Deck 14.

The Sky Bar (above) is also up on Deck 14 overlooking the stern. There is an outside sun deck on Deck 5, on the stern, with the appropriately named Astern Pool and Bar (above). The infinity pool here has capacity for 21 guests. Inside adjacent to the pool deck is the Astern Lounge/Bar with small stage area, full height video screen and even a pool table.

On the port side aft is the 223m2/82-seater Sakura Restaurant, Asian cuisine, with some outside seating too, (above). Moving forward, guests walk through the art gallery and the MSC Foundation office is also here.

Next is the 306m2/90-seater Marble & Co. European-style steakhouse restaurant (reservation required, includes 10 outdoor seats). This area also features a spiral staircase to the restaurants below on Deck 4, which has a large crystal sculpture hanging above it, and illuminated marble stairs. Forward on the port side is the Anthology Restaurant. This venue (48 indoor seats & 22 alfresco seats) includes the option for a table of 10 at a €190 supplement, wines included, hosted by a celebrated guest chef. The restaurant is an innovative culinary concept that involves collaborations with a series of guest chefs, the first of which was esteemed chef Mauro Uliassi. The entance is off the second level of the atrium and on the starboard side here is the Crema Café (stylish coffee shop/lounge).

Decks 6-10 feature 461 ocean-front suites and residences with a design focus on refined European elegance, comfort and simplicity. The on-board accommodation options include one Owner’s Residence, 22 Ocean Residences, 67 Ocean Penthouses, and 371 Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace suites. There is a total of 82 connecting suites.

The Ocean Terrace suites (above) are 35m² each, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. Each Ocean Grand Terrace suite features a larger ocean-front terrace of 11m² with an outdoor dining area and daybed. The Ocean Penthouse suites are available in 4 categories, namely Penthouse, Deluxe Penthouse, Premier Penthouse and Grand Penthouse. Each penthouse includes a private dining area for 4, a workspace and is designed with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces. The total area of each penthouse suite ranges from 43m² to 68m², of which the suite area is between 34m² and 47m² while the terrace area ranges between 9m² and 21m². The Ocean Residence category is available as Cove, Retreat, Serenity and Cocoon residencies, which all feature a personal terrace with dining area, private outdoor whirlpool and dedicated butler service. The suites have a living area ranging between 56m² and 74m² plus a terrace area ranging between 14m² and 75m².

The Owner’s Residence is the largest onboard accommodation, with panoramic ocean views from a private outdoor terrace. It features a spacious whirlpool and dedicated private butler service, has a suite area of 155m² and a 125m² terrace. Accommodation visited during the time aboard was a spacious Ocean Terrace Suite complete with seating area, luxurious bed, dressing room area, spacious bathroom and a state-of-the-art Dyson hairdryer as standard.

The generous outdoor decks (above) boast an area in excess of 2,500m2 overlooking the sea, with 64 private cabanas split between 3 outdoor pool areas. The Explora I offers a blend of intimate and social spaces not to mention a guest to crew ratio of 1.25 to 1. The restaurants operate on flexible dining times for the convenience of guests and even the ship’s arrival and departure times are aimed at being non-conventional. Aft on Deck 11 is home to the 985m2/271-seater Emporium Marketplace (buffet) and this also has an open deck at the stern with further seating for 70 guests.

This area takes up around 50% of Deck 11 with the Conservatory Pool and Bar situated forward (above). This magradome with sliding roof has an area of 1,162m2 and the pool area being large enough for 66 guests. There are also 2 whirlpool baths here with 2 more located in the open air on Deck 12.

Explora Journeys says that the ship was designed with water as a focal point to put guests in an ocean state of mind. Moving forward from here on the port side is the 136m2/38-seater Malt Whisky Bar/Smoking Room and Library plus the Nautilus Club and Chef’s Kitchen on the starboard side. This 65m2 venue provides an ocean-front private kitchen experience for 12 guests. In all, there are 6 restaurants as well as 12 bars and lounges, with the former having a combined area of 2,795m2 and a total of 951 seats. Bread for each restaurant is made on board daily from specially milled flour. Overlooking the bow on Deck 11 is the 584m2/131-seat Explora Lounge/Bar with open air seating forward of this. Above on Deck 12 is the open-air Helios Pool (capacity for 13 guests), Bar and sun deck, again located forward. Deck 10 has a sun deck with loungers and the Atoll Pool, located at the stern and large enough for 17 bathers. The ship also carries a trio of Steinway grand pianos, and these can be found on Deck 5 in The Lobby atrium, in the Explora Lounge and in the Journeys Lounge.

Cruising Time

The retail outlets on board are located on Deck 4 on either side of The Lobby and one has become the very first outlet for premium Swiss watch brand Rolex. Of particular interest to the Writer, who is a Horologist, the Explora I has the world’s first Rolex boutique at sea. Joining this are watch outlets for Cartier and Panerai plus the watch and jewellery store of Piaget and the in-house retail offering of The Journey. What makes the ship herself tick is a quartet of Wartsila engines with a total output of 38,400kW. These drive a pair of MMG fixed pitch propellers. For manoeuvrability the Explora I has a trio of transverse tunnel bow thrusters from Fincantieri Marine Systems and a further 2 at the stern.

A comfortable passage is maintained by a pair of Fincantieri Marine Systems fin stabilsers and the ship’s service speed is 18.00 knots. During her first year, the Explora I will visit over 132 ports in more than 40 different countries. The itineraries include Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US East Coast, Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Sailings start from 6-night journeys and culminate in a 44-night Northern Europe, Grand Journey. Destinations include St. Tropez, Bordeaux, Reykjavik, Kastellorizo, Bozcaada and the Lofoten Islands. Explora Journeys has set a new chapter in upmarket cruising thanks to the classically beautiful ships that have been designed for the company. If one word had to be chosen to describe the Explora ships it would surely be opulent. Here’s wishing Explora Journeys fair seas and calm winds as each newbuild arrives. Don’t just be a guest, be an explora!