Explora Journeys, the new luxury cruise line under the MSC Cruises umbrella, has announced that the delivery of its next ship, Explora II, will be delayed until September.
Explora II was meant to sail her maiden passenger voyage in August, but following a “careful and detailed review” of work still to be done, the shipyard and cruise line jointly decided to delay her delivery.
The second ship for Explora Journeys will now be delivered on 12th September, 2024 and her maiden voyage will depart on 16th September 2024.
“After careful and detailed reviews of Explora II it was decided that more time is needed for the final finishes to the ship to guarantee the highest quality luxury standards and to ensure that the new ship delivers to the fullest on the brand’s promise of an unmatched luxury ocean experience,” Explora Journeys said in a statement.
The ship’s re-scheduled maiden voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy will be a 7-night journey to Sorrento, the island of Lipari, Trapani and Siracusa in Sicily, Valletta in Malta and Tarragona, Spain.
Explora Journeys is contacting guests booked on the voyages affected, either directly or through their travel advisors, to arrange an alternative journey on the ship or sister ship Explora I which is also sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.
Explora II will be a near-identical sister ship to Explora I, carrying 922 passengers and offering a level of service and luxury on-par with MSC Cruises’ iconic Yacht Club enclave.
The second of six planned ships, Explora II features 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 are 18 bars and restaurants onboard, 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.
The vessels six dining options feature a range of cuisines from Mediterranean and French to Asian, and because these ships are some of the largest luxury vessels at sea, they also boast huge casinos, spas and world-class gym facilities.
Categories: Cruise News
