The second of up to six ships planned by the cruise division of MSC Group for its luxury brand Explora Journeys took place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy on Wednesday (8 February).
 
Construction of the 63,900 gross tonne vessel began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022.
 
The maritime ceremony saw commemorative coins placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the newbuilds’ godmothers.
  
Michael Ungerer, chief executive officer at Explora Journeys, said: "The event today is another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers."

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. 
 
Explora I is currently being built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone and will launch in July 2023, with its inaugural sailing set to be in northern Europe.
  
Explora III will join the brand’s fleet in 2026, while Explora IV is set to be deployed in 2027. If the options are confirmed, Explora V and Explora VI will join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, respectively.