EXPLORA I has officially been named in New York City.
The maritime tradition took place on 12 October 2023 and included a ribbon cutting to break a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow to officially name the ship and bring good luck.
The gesture was conducted by EXPLORA I’s Godmother Dr Sylvia Earle, the renowned marine biologist and oceanographer, at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
The event was attended by distinguished guests from around the world, international journalists, key travel partners of Explora Journeys and senior representatives from MSC Group.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group called EXPLORA I a “game changer” offering journeys that “redefine the essence of luxurious ocean travel”.
“With a further five ships joining the fleet in the next five years, we are committed to delivering the same unique experience on board, wherever you are in the world.”
EXPLORA I is the first of six luxury ships constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in a deal valued at €3.5 billion.
The ship began sailing in July this year with a series of journeys in Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to New York with visits en route to Iceland, Greenland and Canada.
The ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas and nearly 1,000 square metres of wellness and fitness facilities.
EXPLORA I will spend the autumn in North America, the winter in the Caribbean and spring on the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for a series of sailings in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Photo credit: Ivan Sarfatti
