The coin ceremony for EXPLORA II, the second of six ships planned by MSC Group's cruise division for its luxury brand EXPLORA Journeys, took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near the Italian city of Genoa.
Shipbuilding on the 63,900 GT vessel began in October 2021 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia, Naples, where the keel was laid in May 2022. The sailing date for EXPLORA II is August 2024.
At the traditional maritime ceremony today, the godmothers placed appropriate coins in the ship as a blessing for the construction and as a charm for the future.
Feliciana Maresca, Executive Assistant for Explora Journeys, Chief Executive Officer Michael Ungerer, represented the ship owners. Martina Mosca, supervisor of the hull construction department, represented the shipbuilder on behalf of Fincantieri.
The ceremony was attended by key executives including Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, Michael Ungerer and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explore Journeys, said: “Today's event marks another important step in our journey to redefine sea travel for today's discerning luxury travelers. EXPLORA II – and her sister ship EXPLORA I, which will embark on its maiden voyage from Southampton in mid-July – will showcase familiar destinations in new ways as they call at unique ports off the beaten track to bring curated, reimagined and immersive experiences to new generation of luxury travelers offers."
Between August 2024 and April 2025, EXPLORA II will sail the Mediterranean, Middle East, Indian Ocean and Africa, calling at 82 ports in 26 countries. The ship will have 461 ocean view suites, penthouses and residences.
It will also feature six restaurants, twelve indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, expansive open decks with private cabanas, nearly 1,000 square meters of spa and fitness facilities, and a sophisticated entertainment and leisure offering.
EXPLORA I is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and is scheduled to embark on her maiden voyage around Northern Europe in July 2023.
MSC Group's cruise division is investing more than €3.5 billion in six Explora Journeys ships, all of which will feature innovative designs and the latest environmental technologies.
The total investment of more than 3.5 billion euros in six ships with innovative designs and the latest environmental technologies is proof of MSC Group's focus on the development and expansion of a sustainable range of luxury cruises.
