Supply chain shortages strike another upcoming cruise ship as luxury Explora I delayed

Explora Journey’s first cruise ship Explora I has become the latest cruise ship to be delayed due to constraints in the supply chain.

The ship’s Thursday July 6th delivery has been pushed back, according to a source at the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the parent company of the cruise line.

Explora Journey’s is MSC Cruises’ luxury division, providing a level of service and amenities akin to the MSC Yacht Club across an entire ship.

By launching the luxury subsidiary, MSC Cruises joins Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, which own Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises respectively.

Explora I is Explora Journey’s first newbuild luxury ship, she is being built by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

She is the first in a series of six ultra-luxury newbuilds for MSC Group.

“Undertaking the construction of a prototype luxury vessel is an incredibly ambitious endeavor that depends on a multitude of suppliers and subcontractors located throughout the world,” the source told Cruise Industry News. “It is not unusual for these complex supply chains to encounter unforeseen and even last-minute holdups.”

Final fittings are said to be taking longer than wished for, with the company wanting to get the vessel right and perfect for its maiden voyage. The company is expected to release an updated launch timeline shortly.

Explora I will feature an Owner’s Suite spread over 280sqm (3,014 sqft) with a living room, bedroom, ensuite and a 125sqm outdoor terrace, where guests will find an infinity whirlpool and a dining table for eight guests.

There will also be 18 bars and restaurants, including a panoramic lounge at the top of the ship, and several pool areas, such as a weather-protected indoor pool, an aft ‘chill out’ pool at the stern of the ship, and a panoramic adults-only pool.

Explora I will spend her inaugural cruise season sailing out of the UK, but Explora Journey’s second ship, Explora II, is due to sail roundtrip from Dubai next year on one of the longest roundtrip itineraries ever.

The cruises from Dubai aboard Explora II will be 7-, 14-, and 19-night itineraries. Her fourth departure from Dubai will be a 14-night repositioning voyage to Mumbai in India.