A coin ceremony was held today at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa in Italy for EXPLORA II, the second of six ships for Explora Journeys.
Construction of the GT 63,900 vessel began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022.
As part of the centuries-old maritime custom, commemorative coins were placed inside the ship for good luck and good fortune.
The event was attended by key executives including Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, Michael Ungerer and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said:
“The event today is another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today`s discerning luxury travellers.
“EXPLORA II and her sister ship EXPLORA I, due to perform her inaugural journey in mid-July from Southampton, UK, will blend renowned destinations seen through a different lens and unique off-the-beaten-path ports, offering the next generation of luxury travellers highly curated, transformative and immersive experiences.”
Between August 2024 and April 2025, EXPLORA II will sail in the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa and feature 82 ports in 26 countries.
The ship will be fitted with 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences and feature six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges.
There will be four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, nearly 1,000 square metres of wellness and fitness facilities, plus refined entertainment and enrichment.
EXPLORA II will enter service in August 2024. EXPLORA III will join Explora Journeys’ fleet in 2026, and EXPLORA IV in 2027. EXPLORA I is currently being built in at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Also in the pipeline, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will join Explora Journeys’ fleet in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
EXPLORA III, EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will be powered by liquefied natural gas.
EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will also utilise hydrogen fuel to power both ships’ hotel operations while in port to allow the vessels to switch off their engines for zero emissions.
For more information, visit explorajourneys.com.
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