MCC’s Explora Journeys becomes a global partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup

MCC’s Explora Journeys becomes a global partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Explora Journeys has become a global partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, set to take place in Barcelona, Spain, from August.

    This marks a significant milestone for Explora Journeys, the new luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, aligning with the brand’s commitment to creating exceptional experiences at sea and reflecting a shared maritime heritage and values.

    At the 37th America’s Cup, where famously ‘There is no Second’, teams from the US, UK, Italy, Switzerland, and France race for supremacy in the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series before the ultimate showdown as the triumphant challenger earns the right to face off against the defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the illustrious Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match.

    The official opening ceremony is in Barcelona on 22 August, while the final Preliminary Regatta and the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series) will follow, leading up to the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match starting on the 12 October.

    The US$500million Explora II concept.

    The US$500million Explora II.

    Since its inception in 1851, the America’s Cup has symbolised sailing’s pioneering spirit, fostering ground-breaking designs and pushing the boundaries of performance. Today it is the pinnacle of global yacht racing and the oldest competition in international sports.

    “Our collaboration with the America’s Cup pays homage to a shared seafaring history of challenge and achievement,” executive chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago, said. “From the rich tapestry of the Cup’s history to our own 300-year maritime tradition, this partnership embodies our commitment to excellence, innovation, and a deep reverence for the sea.”

    CLIA Europe Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago. (Supplied)

    Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup Events, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Explora Journeys as a Global Partner to the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. They are driven by creating exceptional experiences at sea, and I have no doubt that during the two months of racing from August 22nd we are going to see some of the most exceptional America’s Cup racing ever.”

    As part of the collaboration, Explora Journeys will host the prestigious America’s Cup trophy onboard Explora I on 19 June, offering guests and partners the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the legacy of this legendary competition.

    Part of the activations and events in Barcelona, Spain are the Official Race Village, which will include a dedicated Explora Journeys area, where guests can immerse themselves into the Ocean State of Mind.

    “Our ambition at Explora Journeys is to redefine luxury at sea,” added Vago. “Like the design of the America’s Cup yachts, it is an ongoing, evolving challenge that we embrace with passion and dedication. With vessels like Explora I and the upcoming Explora II, we are committed to setting new benchmarks in design and craftsmanship, sharing the same passion as the America`s Cup for maritime innovation and the relentless pursuit of perfection.”

    The Port of Barcelona is one of the MSC Group’s key destinations, where it is building a new cruise terminal that will be dedicated to both Explora Journeys and sister company MSC Cruises when completed later this year.

    In addition to the Louis Vuitton 37th America`s Cup celebrations on board Explora I in Barcelona on June 19th, the port of Barcelona will also be a port of call regularly by the soon-to-be launched Explora II in the northern summer and autumn of 2024.

    Explora I’s 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences range from 35sqm (377 sft) to 280sqm (3,014 sft). Suites feature spacious terraces, walk-in wardrobes, and heated bathroom floors, ensuring utmost comfort and privacy.

    The outdoor areas on Explora Journeys’ ships are equally impressive, with expansive decks offering over 6,200 sqm (66,736 sft) of breathtaking sea views. Guests can bask in the sun or relax in four pools and whirlpools, immersing themselves in the Ocean State of Mind.

    Explora I.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Delta marks 15 years of travel to Australia on US Independence Day

    This July marks 15 years since Delta Air Lines began flying between Sydney and Los Angeles. To mark the occasion, Delta Air Lines had a small activation at their check in counter at Sydney Airport on Thursday July 4 – Independence Day in the US. Passengers were greeted with red, white and blue balloons as […]

    • Events
    • Health & Wellness

    Boxing camp with world champion boxers at COMO Uma Canggu

    COMO Uma Canggu has invited boxing enthusiasts to an intensive six-day boxing camp, led by world champion boxers Darren Barker and Ryan Pickard, this October. Participants will master the fundamentals of boxing, improve their self-defence skills, and transform their fitness regimen. Under the expert guidance of world-class boxers, attendees will undergo a variety of workouts […]

    • Cruise

    Travelmarvel unveils its Europe Coastal Cruising 2025 lineup

    Travelmarvel has revealed its 2025 Europe Coastal Cruising program and introduces 13 itineraries that include two extended combination journeys. The MS Caledonian Sky also makes its grand return the APT family. Renowned for its intimate cruising experience, the vessel accommodates an average of 100 passengers with a crew of 70. It features one of the highest […]

    • Tour Operators

    Anderson’s Tours named top experience in Australia

    Anderson’s Tours has, for the second time, achieved the top spot as the No. 1 Experience in Australia at TripAdvisors Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024. The family-owned and operated touring company takes pride in showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains and provide guests with professional, local tour […]

    • Destinations

    Queenstown welcomes fresh snow dump for school holidays

    The spectacular mountains of Queenstown, New Zealand, have been blanketed by snow – as much as 50cm in 48 hours – providing the perfect winter vacation for the entire family. All four of the region’s ski areas are now open with The Remarkables having recorded 70cm of snow already this season while Cardrona Alpine Resort […]

    • Hotels

    Sheraton Samoe Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows’ soft reopening

    The Sheraton Hotels & Resorts iconic grand jewel on Apia Harbour, Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows reopen following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The property will reopen in a phased manner with 56 of its 175 rooms, suites and bungalows now available for bookings. The grand opening of the hotel is expected to be in […]

    • Technology

    Commonwealth Bank offers new Travel Booking service via its app

    Commonwealth Bank is offering a new Travel Booking service via its CommBank app, which allows more than 6 million eligible customers to search, book and pay for flights and hotels from hundreds of airlines and hundreds of thousands of hotels. The new CommBank digital experience is powered by global online travel agency Hopper, already used […]

    • Aviation

    Lufthansa Group gets green light to take major stake in ITA Airways

    The European Commission has approved Lufthansa Group’s proposition to take a 41 per cent stake in ITA Airways following an investigation by EU antitrust regulators. The deal which was first announced in May last year will see Lufthansa pay 325 million Euro to take the remaining shares in 2025. Both Lufthansa and ITA have previously […]

    • Aviation

    Vietjet’s two new routes to South Korea and China

    Vietjet has announced the commencement of two new routes, expanding its network in both South Korea and China. The new routes include Nha Trang-Daegu in South Korea and Ho Chi Minh City-Xi’an in China. The new route connecting Vietnam’s coastal city of Nha Trang with Daegu, a major city located in southeastern South Korea, is […]

    • Destinations

    Istanbul in a heartbeat

    Istanbul offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and... Chaos.

    • Hotels

    Angsana to launch first island resort in Vietnam’s Bai Tu Long Bay

    Banyan Group’s subsidiary Angsana has announced the opening of Angsana Quan Lan, a 156-room and suite luxury offering with stunning views of the Gulf of Tonkin. Guests can enjoy dining at three distinct venues and unwind at Angsana Spa, as well as the brand’s signature ‘101 Things To Do’ that celebrate Vietnam’s coastal charm. The […]

    • Cruise

    Hurtigruten’s SeaZero wins prestigious award

    Hurtigruten’s SeaZero project has won the award for Best Concept Ship Design at the prestigious Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards 2024 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. The first rendering of the project was released a year ago with a goal to create the world’s most energy-efficient ship. Announced in 2021, the project is currently […]