Explora Journeys has unveiled details of the maiden voyage for the new Explora I, which will set sail on July 17th, 2023 from Southampton in the UK.

The 15-night inaugural journey will visit 12 ports of call in Northern Europe, featuring epic fjords and remote destinations in the Arctic Circle.

The announcement of the ship’s maiden cruise comes after Explora Journeys previously confirmed that Explora I would cruise in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean, South America and Hawaii.

Explora I rendering

The maiden cruise will visit Zeebrugge, Belgium, and Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, before sailing to Denmark with visits to Skagen and Copenhagen.

“Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other and we are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden journey to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea,” said Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys.

“Guests onboard Explora I’s inaugural journey can look forward to immersing themselves in local cultures, both on and off the beaten path, as well as witnessing some of the world’s most astonishing natural wonders,” he added.

Surprise experiences and gifts will also reportedly be revealed throughout the voyage, designed to inspire discerning travelers’ desire to discover the world around them, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves.

Explora I is  the first of four identical newbuilds for the cruise line in a $2.1 billion deal. When she enters service, she will be able to carry 922 guests in a level of luxury on-par with the MSC Yacht Club enclave aboard the ships in the MSC fleet.

The ship will have 461 all balcony suites. The smallest of these will be 377 feet, which is the largest of any luxury cruise line’s entry-level accommodations.

There will also be four swimming pools, including one with a retractable roof, and more than 27,000-square-feet of outdoor deck space.

Around the main pool there will be 64 private cabanas, hot tubs, and a large LED screen for Princess Cruises-style Movies Under the Stars.

There will also be 9 different dining options, a spa, and fitness center with a separate studio for group classes and personal training sessions.