Explora Journeys marks triple shipbuilding milestone as 6-ship fleet advances

Explora Journeys has marked three key construction milestones for its expanding fleet during a ceremony at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, as the MSC Group-owned luxury brand continues to build toward a six-ship fleet planned for completion by 2028.

The event combined the technical launch of EXPLORA IV, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V, and the steel cutting of EXPLORA VI.

The three traditional shipbuilding milestones reflect successive stages in the construction process and were attended by executives from Explora Journeys, MSC Group, and Fincantieri.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman Cruise Division, MSC Group, attended the ceremony alongside Anna Nash, President Explora Journeys, Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Fincantieri, and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Fincantieri.

The float-out of EXPLORA IV marks the stage when the vessel first touches water, while the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V symbolises the beginning of hull assembly. Steel cutting for EXPLORA VI represents the first step in the construction of that vessel.

The ceremony represents the third time Explora Journeys has conducted a triple milestone event within the past 18 months as the brand advances the development of its fleet.

“For the first time, all six ships in our fleet are either in service or under construction — a defining moment as we bring the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to life on an even greater scale,” said Anna Nash, President, Explora Journeys.

“These ships realise the Aponte-Vago family’s vision of an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination — inviting wellbeing, discovery and a deeper connection with the ocean. As our fleet grows, we are introducing more discerning guests to a new expression of luxury ocean travel,” Nash added.

Two vessels, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, are already in service, while EXPLORA III is scheduled for delivery in July 2026. Following delivery, the ship will begin Mediterranean sailings before a naming ceremony planned in Barcelona on August 1st.

EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V are scheduled to enter service in 2027, with EXPLORA VI following in 2028.

Captain Serena Melani served as one of the godmothers for the coin ceremony of EXPLORA V, alongside Alice Gallo of Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard. Melani previously served as the first master of both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II and is expected to command EXPLORA III.

Cristina Bacigalupo from the Sestri Ponente outfitting workshop was named godmother for the technical launch of EXPLORA IV.

The six-ship programme represents an investment of approximately €3.5 billion by MSC Group. When combined with ships previously constructed by Fincantieri for MSC Cruises, the total investment by the group in vessels built at the Italian yard approaches €7 billion.

Several of the ships in the Explora Journeys fleet are designed to incorporate alternative fuel capability. EXPLORA III will be the first vessel in the series capable of operating on liquefied natural gas, while EXPLORA IV, V and VI are also being designed with LNG-ready systems.

The ships will also be equipped with shore power capability, allowing them to connect to port electricity supplies and switch off their engines while alongside.

Explora Journeys is also examining the integration of fuel cell technology capable of converting LNG into hydrogen to reduce emissions. EXPLORA V is being designed to allow for potential future installation of such systems, while EXPLORA VI is expected to be delivered with a fuel cell already installed.