Explora Journeys marks triple shipbuilding milestone as fleet expansion accelerates - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, has celebrated a major milestone in the development of its future fleet during a triple ceremony at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa. The event marked three key stages in the construction of the company’s next-generation vessels: the technical launch of EXPLORA IV, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V and the steel cutting for EXPLORA VI.

The ceremony was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, and local dignitaries.

The event represents the third triple ceremony for Explora Journeys within 18 months and reflects the pace at which the brand’s six-ship ultra-luxury fleet is being developed. Two ships are already in service, while EXPLORA III is scheduled for delivery and launch in July 2026. Four vessels are currently under construction at the Genoa shipyard.

Fleet development progresses toward 2028 goal

With EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V expected to enter service in 2027 and EXPLORA VI following in 2028, Explora Journeys continues to move toward its goal of operating six ships by the end of the decade.

“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 of 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 — one that stands in a category of its own.”

The milestone also highlights the role of Italian shipbuilding expertise in the development of the fleet, with each vessel incorporating new design concepts and technological innovations.

Campaign promotes new vision of ocean travel

Explora Journeys recently launched a global campaign titled Explore the Ocean State of Mind, unveiled in New York. Created by McCann Paris and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jonas Lindstroem, the campaign aims to reposition ocean travel as a luxury experience comparable to a five-star hotel, with the ocean itself becoming the destination.

The campaign seeks to attract a new generation of affluent travellers and challenge traditional perceptions of cruising by presenting the brand as a distinct category within the luxury travel market.

Maritime traditions honoured during ceremony

The shipyard event also celebrated traditional milestones in the shipbuilding process. Two godmothers were appointed for the coin ceremony of EXPLORA V: Captain Serena Melani representing Explora Journeys and Alice Gallo from Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard.

Captain Serena Melani previously served as the first master of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II and will also command EXPLORA III. Cristina Bacigalupo from the shipyard’s outfitting workshop served as the godmother for the technical launch of EXPLORA IV, representing the workforce involved in building the vessel.

Major investment in Italian shipbuilding

MSC Group is investing approximately €3.5 billion in the six-ship Explora Journeys fleet. Including the four MSC Cruises vessels previously built by Fincantieri, the Group’s total investment in the shipyard amounts to around €7 billion.

Following her delivery in July 2026, EXPLORA III will embark on a Mediterranean Prelude Journey before her official naming ceremony on 1 August at MSC’s new cruise terminal in Barcelona.

Focus on decarbonisation and new technologies

Explora Journeys is also integrating environmental technologies into the design of its fleet as part of MSC Group’s broader goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions from marine operations by 2050.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to play a key role in the transition to lower-carbon fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, which can reduce lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions by more than 80 percent.

EXPLORA III will be the first ship in the fleet capable of operating on LNG, with EXPLORA IV, V and VI also designed for LNG propulsion. All vessels are equipped with shore-power connectivity, allowing them to switch off engines while in port and connect to the local electricity grid.

In addition, Explora Journeys is exploring the integration of fuel-cell technology capable of converting LNG into hydrogen to further reduce emissions. EXPLORA V will be designed for a potential retrofit, while EXPLORA VI is expected to be delivered with a fuel cell installed on board.

Image Credit: © Explora Journeys