Full steam ahead for the construction of the Explora Journeys fleet: the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group. On July 14, at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, three major ceremonies took place: the launching of Explora III, the coin ceremony for Explora IV, and the steel-cutting for Explora V.
Comprised of a total of six vessels – with the first two, Explora I and Explora II, already in service – the luxury brand’s fleet, entirely built by Fincantieri, will be fully operational within three years. Explora III will be christened next year, Explora IV and Explora V are scheduled for delivery in 2027, while Explora VI will take to the sea in 2028.
Admiral Pierpaolo Ribuffo, Head of the Department for Maritime Policies, stated: “Italy contributes to shaping the European maritime industrial strategy with renewed awareness, firmly supporting the outstanding excellence it expresses in shipbuilding and shipping.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Passenger Division, stated: “Today we are celebrating a triple milestone in the growth journey of Explora Journeys, our brand dedicated to the luxury segment, whose fleet will be fully operational within three years with all six vessels. We are turning our vision into reality — and we are doing so quickly. We are very pleased with the results Explora Journeys has already achieved globally, and with the positive feedback from our guests. Sustainability remains a top priority for our company, and these ships — thanks to the innovative solutions and technologies implemented on board — play a crucial role in our decarbonization journey.”
Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, stated: “We are proud to support the MSC Group on this journey, which demonstrates Fincantieri’s ability to interpret and anticipate developments in the cruise market, where we hold a global share of over 45%. The Explora Journeys fleet is a concrete example of how collaboration with the shipowner can translate into outstanding results, combining innovation, sustainability, and quality. Five of the six ships in the class are being built here in Sestri Ponente, a strategic asset in our production system and a symbol of an industrial vision focused on modern shipyards, green technologies, and highly complex processes.”
MSC Group’s investment for the six Explora Journeys ships, with five of them built at Sestri Ponente, amounts to approximately €3.5 billion. This investment generates significant economic, technological, and employment benefits in Italy, estimated at over €15 billion, thanks also to a predominantly Italian supply chain characterized by a strong presence of SMEs. In addition to these benefits, there is a significant tourism impact in the many ports visited by the vessels. The construction of each individual ship requires over seven million working hours and involves an average employment of 2,500 people over two to three years. Including the four ships previously ordered from Fincantieri and already delivered – MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape – MSC’s total investment now amounts to approximately €7 billion.
Founded with the goal of redefining luxury ocean travel, the Explora Journeys brand is experiencing growing success in markets worldwide. Just two years after the launch of its first ship, and with two vessels already in service, the brand has become a benchmark for the entire industry thanks to its innovative, sophisticated, and immersive travel experience, combining global itineraries, exclusive destinations, impeccable service, and unique onboard features.
At the forefront of design, naval technology, and sustainability, the Explora Journeys ships represent the best of “Made in Italy,” proudly serving as its ambassadors at sea. In line with Fincantieri’s innovation and sustainability standards, the onboard environmental technology is highly advanced. All vessels are equipped with “cold ironing” systems, allowing them to connect to power on shore and eliminate emissions while docked, as well as advanced selective catalytic reduction systems, underwater noise management devices to protect marine life, and a full range of high-efficiency onboard equipment designed to optimize engine performance. The last four ships will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a transitional fuel that significantly reduces emissions compared to traditional marine fuels, and will be equipped to use renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. Explora V and Explora VI also offer the possibility of using innovative technologies such as fuel cells, which convert LNG into hydrogen, further reducing emissions.