On 13th April, Explora Journeys, the brand new ultra-luxurious cruise line from the MSC Group, announced the successful completion of the sea trials of EXPLORA I. As the first of up to six luxury Explora Journeys ships to be built by Fincantieri in Italy, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

The ship is expected to undergo final preparations before embarking on its maiden journey in July 2023. Explora Journeys is known for providing luxury travel experiences that are both transformational and purposeful, reflecting the essence of each destination visited as well as the brand’s cosmopolitan and vibrant European luxury.

Construction of EXPLORA I began on 10th June 2021 at Fincantieri’s legendary shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The naming ceremony for the vessel will take place in Civitavecchia near Rome on 8th July, followed by its maiden journey departing on 17th July from Southampton. For her maiden voyage, EXPLORA I will be taking a 15-night voyage into Norwegian the fjords and the Arctic Circle to Copenhagen, Denmark.

“Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create an ocean travel experience like no other and we are thrilled that the first of our ground-breaking new class of ships, EXPLORA I will start sailing in July 2023. The sea trials are a critical part of the process, and we're pleased that EXPLORA I passed with flying colours. Our team has worked tirelessly to design and build a ship that offers the perfect combination of luxury, adventure, and sustainability, and we can't wait to share it with our guests."

- Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys

Even in these early stages of her launch, she promises to be a stunning ship…

• 14 decks with 16,000 sqm of public space
• 461 oceanfront Homes at Sea
• 11 culinary experiences, 6 restaurants, and 12 bars and lounges
• 248m long, 32m wide, 56m height above water line
• Ocean Wellness offers 1000 sqm of indoor/ outdoor facilities, 9 treatment rooms, and a beauty salon
• 3 outdoor pools, an indoor pool, 64 private cabanas
• 1:1.25 host-to-guest ratio 

Fancy learning more about Explora Journeys?

Give Panache Cruises a ring on 0161 516 9027 to find out more!