Explora Journeys, marked a momentous day in its history as it celebrated the float-out of the second ship in its fleet, Explora II, and the steel-cutting ceremony for the third ship, Explora III. These significant events took place at the renowned Italian shipyard Fincantieri in Sestri Ponente, Genoa, solidifying the company's commitment to redefining the standards of luxury cruise experiences.
Explora II Takes Her First Dip
The spotlight of the day was firmly on Explora II, the second luxury cruise ship in the fleet, as it touched the water for the first time during the technical launch. This momentous occasion marked a crucial step in the vessel's construction journey. Although the ship has seen the water for the first time, there is still much work to be done in the coming months before it is ready to welcome passengers. Explora II is scheduled to be delivered in the summer of 2024.
Double ceremony this morning at our shipyard in Sestri Ponente: in the presence of @GiovanniToti, @RegLiguria , and @buccipergenova , Mayor of Genoa, we celebrated the float out of EXPLORA II and the steel-cutting of EXPLORA III.
— Fincantieri (@Fincantieri) September 6, 2023
The #EXPLORAII, due to be completed in the… pic.twitter.com/jiDphbN3OF
Explora III: Pioneering with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Simultaneously, the steel-cutting ceremony for Explora III commenced, signifying the beginning of its construction phase. This ship is set to make history within the Explora fleet as the first to be powered by eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG). Explora III is expected to begin its luxurious journeys in the summer of 2026, offering passengers not only opulence but also environmental responsibility.
A Significant Investment with Broad Economic Impact
The total investment for these four ships within the Explora Journeys fleet is estimated at a staggering 2.3 billion euros. This substantial financial commitment is anticipated to generate economic impact on the Italian economy. Moreover, the shipbuilding endeavor is set to provide employment opportunities for thousands of individuals, offering them work for the duration of the project.
The construction of each vessel is a monumental undertaking, requiring over 7 million man-hours of labor and the employment of an average of 2,500 personnel over a two-year period. Such a commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices is at the heart of Explora Journeys' mission.
Leadership Perspectives
Commenting on this momentous occasion, Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer stated, "Today's dual ceremony represents a major step forward in building and strengthening our brand, which is redefining the standards of luxury ocean travel."
Pierroberto Folgiero, the managing director of Fincantieri, underlined the shipyard's dedication to the Explora class project for the MSC Group. He emphasized that the project is designed to uphold the highest quality standards and accelerate the journey toward zero-emission ships.
The Future Unveiled
As the construction of Explora II and III advances, Explora Journeys has more exciting developments on the horizon. In January 2024, the construction of Explora IV, another LNG-powered vessel, will commence, with completion expected in early 2027. This visionary project continues to push boundaries, offering passengers unmatched luxury and environmentally conscious cruising.
The launch of Explora II and the steel-cutting ceremony for Explora III are not just milestones in shipbuilding; they represent a significant leap forward in redefining the luxury cruise industry for a more sustainable future. Explora Journeys is setting a new course, and the world of luxury travel eagerly awaits the adventures that lie ahead.
