Explora Journeys keeps innovating as its completes its planned fleet of six ships. The luxury cruise brand of MSC Group marked milestones in the building of the final ships in its fleet at a shipyard in Genoa, Italy. The double ceremony celebrated the float out of Explora V and the coin ceremony of Explora VI,. And there was a hint the family will keep growing.
Following the delivery of Explora III in July 2026, construction continues to progress across the remaining ships. Explora IV is scheduled to enter service in spring 2027, followed by Explora V towards the end of the year. Explora VI is expected to enter service in summer 2028, completing the brand’s six-ship fleet.
All Explora Journeys ships are equipped for shore power connectivity, enabling them to connect to local electricity grids while in port and switch off their engines, eliminating direct emissions from onboard power generation during connection.
Explora III was the fleet’s first liquefied natural gas-powered ship. Explora V and Explora VI will also be powered by LNG and are designed to use renewable and next-generation fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG and biofuels.
Explora VI will also feature fuel cell technology to support more efficient energy generation, while Explora V is being designed to accommodate this technology in the future. These developments support the MSC Group’s long-term energy transition strategy, combining advanced marine technologies with increasing use of lower emissions and renewable fuels.
The ceremonies in October brought together representatives of national and local institutions, maritime authorities and the wider maritime industry, alongside Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; Pierroberto Folgiero , CEO and managing director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri Shipyard’s Merchant Ships Division.
“Explora VI marks an important milestone in our journey and represents how far we have come in bringing a new category of ultra-elegant ocean travel to life,” said Nash. “Having joined Explora Journeys at such a pivotal stage in its development, becoming godmother to the sixth ship in our fleet is an extraordinary honor and a deeply personal moment for me. “I am immensely proud of what we have built together, and excited by what lies ahead as we continue to shape the future of ocean travel and create even more meaningful experiences for our guests.”
“Explora VI may mark the completion of our first six ships, but it is by no means the final chapter,” she added cryptically.
Nash and Camilla Ronco, PRS workshop manager at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, served as godmothers for a ceremony placing commemorative coins inside Explora VI, a traditional blessing of good fortune during construction and throughout her future at sea.
Consuelo Brunelli, production planner at Fincantieri, served as godmother for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the float out of Explora V. The event was presented by Marina Minetti, a presenter, writer and actress born and raised in Genoa.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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