The coin ceremony of the Explora II, the second of up to six ships planned by the Cruise Division of MSC Group for its luxury brand Explora Journeys, today took place at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa in Italy, according to a press release.
Construction of the 922-guest ship began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022. Explora II will enter service in August 2024.
The time-honored maritime ceremony today saw commemorative coins placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the newbuilds’ Godmothers, Feliciana Maresca, Executive Assistant to Explora Journeys’ Chief Executive Officer Michael Ungerer represented the owners and Martina Mosca, Supervisor of Hull Fabrication Department, for Fincantieri represented the ship builder.
The event was attended by key executives including Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, Michael Ungerer and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said, “The event today is another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today`s discerning luxury travellers. Explora II – and her sister ship Explora I, due to perform her inaugural journey in mid-July from Southampton, UK – will blend renowned destinations seen through a different lens and unique off-the-beaten-path ports, offering the next generation of luxury travellers highly curated, transformative and immersive experiences.”
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.
The Explora I is currently being built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and will launch Explora Journeys’ fleet in July 2023 with her inaugural sailing in Northern Europe.
Up to more than €3.5 billion will be invested by the Cruise Division of MSC Group in Explora Journeys’ six ships that will all feature innovative design and be equipped with the latest environmental technologies.
