Explora Journeys held a triple maritime milestone marking three pivotal stages in the construction of the brand’s next-generation fleet: the Technical Launch (Float Out) of Explora IV, the Coin Ceremony for Explora V, and the Steel Cutting of Explora VI at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
During a triple ceremony, MSC Group Cruise Division executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago was joined by Explora Journeys president Anna Nash, Fincantieri chief executive officer and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division general manager Luigi Matarazzo, and local dignitaries.
This marks the third triple ceremony for Explora Journeys in just 18 months, reflecting the pace at which the brand’s six-ship fleet is taking shape. With two ships already successfully sailing at full capacity and Explora III on track for delivery and launch in July 2026, four vessels are currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard. For the first time, the entire Explora Journeys fleet now exists across different stages of development.
“For the first time, all six ships in our fleet are either in service or under construction – a defining moment as we bring the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to life on an even greater scale,” Nash said.
“These ships realise the Aponte-Vago family’s vision of an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination – inviting wellbeing, discovery and a deeper connection with the ocean. As our fleet grows, we are introducing more discerning guests to a new expression of luxury ocean travel – one that stands in a category of its own and challenges the idea that luxury must always be anchored to land, instead finding its home on the horizon.”
This vision is further expressed through Explora Journeys’ new cinematic global campaign, Explore the Ocean State of Mind, unveiled in New York last month. Developed by McCann Paris and brought to life by award-winning director Jonas Lindstroem, it challenges traditional cruise conventions and invites a new generation of affluent travellers to rethink luxury travel.
Two godmothers were also appointed for the coin ceremony of Explora V: Captain Serena Melani, representing Explora Journeys, and Alice Gallo from Fincantieri at the Sestri Ponente shipyard. Captain Serena served as the first Master of both Explora I and Explora II, and she also serves as the Master of Explora III. Additionally, Cristina Bacigalupo from the Fincantieri’s shipyard outfitting workshop in Sesri Ponente served as the godmother for the technical launch of Explora IV, representing the expert craftsmanship behind the ship’s construction.
A legacy in motion
The EUR3.5 billion (around AU$5.75 billion) investment in Explora Journeys’ six-ship fleet combined with the four MSC Cruises ships previously built by Fincantieri, totals around a €7 billion (around AU$11.51 billion) investment in the shipyard.
The momentum now turns to the highly anticipated Explora III, set to be delivered ahead of schedule this July. Following her delivery, she embarks on a Mediterranean Prelude Journey ahead of her Naming Ceremony on 1 August at MSC’s new cruise terminal in Barcelona.
With Explora IV and Explora V scheduled to enter service in 2027 and Explora VI following in 2028, each new ship continues to integrate the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation.
Environmental features of the fleet
The Cruise Division is also working towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 for its marine operations by investing in new technology, improving operational efficiency and advancing renewable fuels.
Renewable fuels are a key part of this decarbonisation strategy. Explora III is the first ship in the fleet with LNG-powered capabilities, reflecting the brand’s efforts to decarbonise its marine operations. Explora IV, V and VI are also being designed with LNG-powered capabilities.
All Explora ships are equipped with shore power capabilities, allowing them to switch off their engines and connect to the local electricity grid while in port, thereby eliminating direct emissions.
Explora Journeys also has a project underway to examine the capability of a large fuel cell transforming LNG into hydrogen and significantly reducing emissions. Explora V will be built to allow for a potential retrofit of the technology in the future whilst Explora VI will be delivered with a fuel cell on board.
