MSC Cruises has announced that Explora I, the first cruise ship for its luxury subsidiary Explora Journeys, will be delivered in July next year instead of May.

Explora I will now sail her maiden voyage on July 17th, 2023, and guests impacted by the re-scheduling of cruises have been offered a full refund and future cruise credit.

In a statement, Explora Journeys said that the delay to the ship’s delivery was due to supply chain shortages affecting shipyards.

Explora I is now due to enter service in July 2023

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“Taking into consideration the challenging situation facing the world today including global supply chain complications, we have had to take the difficult decision, agreed with the shipyard, Fincantieri, to update our ship’s coming into service schedule,” said Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys.

“The additional time at the shipyard and at sea prior to her first journey will be utilized to ensure that Explora I can and will deliver to the fullest on our brand’s promise and vision – making absolutely no compromise on quality and luxury, our primary objective,” he added.

Travel agents and guests booked for Explora Journeys’ first sailing, as well as the luxury line’s guests who booked directly with the brand, have already been updated on the new dates of the inaugural journey.

Balcony cabin aboard Explora I

Guests have been offered a full refund as well as a full booking value offered as a Future Journey Credit.

Travel agencies will have the full value of their commission protected that has been paid already on the original booked journey and will receive their commission on the FJC value booked, according to Explora Journeys.

The Inaugural Journeys Collection for Explora I covers the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean, South America and Hawaii, as the ship will sail a series of open-jaw cruises.

Journeys Lounge

Sailings start from 6-night itineraries to a 44-night grand cruise. The inaugural deployment package will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations, Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique that have not been visited by any cruise ships before.

Explora I is the first of an initial order for six identical sister ships for the brand from Fincantieri in Italy. The ship will feature 461 guest staterooms, including the impressive Ocean Terrace suite, as well as 18 bars and restaurants.