Explora Journeys marks Explora V float out and Explora VI construction milestone

Explora Journeys and Fincantieri have marked two construction milestones at the Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, with the float-out of Explora V and a coin ceremony for Explora VI.

The ceremonies, held on 26 October 2026, form part of the MSC Group’s six-ship luxury cruise programme, which is scheduled for completion by summer 2028.

The milestones follow the delivery of Explora III in July 2026, with Explora IV expected to be delivered in spring 2027 and Explora V towards the end of the same year.

Explora VI, the final vessel in the series, is scheduled to enter service in time for summer 2028.

The float-out ceremony for Explora V included a ribbon cutting led by Consuelo Brunelli, an employee in Fincantieri’s planning department, who served as godmother for the occasion.

For Explora VI, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, and Camilla Ronco, an employee in the shipyard’s hull pre-assembly workshop, placed two commemorative coins inside the vessel’s hull, following a maritime tradition associated with good fortune.

The event was attended by representatives of MSC Group, Explora Journeys, Fincantieri, and regional authorities.

“Today marks a fundamental milestone in the construction of the Explora Journeys fleet, which will be fully operational with all six vessels in less than two years,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division, MSC Group.

“Built in Italy, these ships are an important expression of our long-term commitment to the country, which equally extends to the 19 Italian destinations already visited today by Explora Journeys.”

MSC Group’s investment in the six ships exceeds €3.5 billion, with the companies estimating that the programme will generate more than €15 billion in economic activity in Italy.

According to Fincantieri, construction of each vessel requires more than seven million working hours and supports an average of 2,500 workers over a period of two to three years.

The programme forms part of Fincantieri’s wider Italian shipbuilding operations, which involve approximately 7,000 domestic suppliers and support more than 90,000 jobs.

In Liguria alone, the company works with around 800 suppliers and employs more than 3,600 people directly.

The Sestri Ponente shipyard has completed 19 vessels since 2003 and currently has an orderbook extending to 2037.

Fincantieri is also introducing artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation into its construction processes as part of efforts to modernise shipbuilding operations.

“At Sestri Ponente, we are working to bring this transformation directly into our construction processes through artificial intelligence, robotics and automation,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Fincantieri.

“This journey builds on the expertise of our workforce and relies on collaboration with our industrial partners, both of which are essential to translating technological progress into practical applications.”

Both Explora V and Explora VI will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and designed to accommodate alternative fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG, and biofuels.

Explora VI will also incorporate fuel cell technology, while Explora V will be designed to allow its installation in the future.

The ships will feature shore power connections, enabling their engines to be switched off when suitable electrical infrastructure is available in port.

The completion of Explora VI in 2028 will bring the Explora Journeys fleet to six vessels, concluding the current newbuild programme entrusted to Fincantieri.

Explora Journeys fleet expansion

Construction schedule

• Explora III – Delivered July 2026
• Explora IV – Delivery scheduled for spring 2027
• Explora V – Floated out October 2026; delivery expected late 2027
• Explora VI – Coin ceremony October 2026; entry into service planned for summer 2028

Environmental technologies

• LNG propulsion on Explora V and Explora VI
• Designed for compatible renewable and next-generation fuels
• Shore power connectivity
• Fuel cell technology planned for Explora VI
• Explora V designed to accommodate future fuel cell installation

Economic impact

• MSC Group investment: More than €3.5 billion
• Estimated economic impact in Italy: More than €15 billion
• Construction hours per ship: More than seven million
• Average employment per ship: 2,500 workers over two to three years
• Italian suppliers across Fincantieri’s wider operations: Approximately 7,000