Explora Journeys has marked another milestone in its mission to redefine high-end hospitality at sea and further strengthen its position in the ultra-luxury travel segment.
During a triple ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, was joined by Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, and local dignitaries to mark three pivotal stages in the construction of the brand’s next-generation fleet: the Technical Launch (Float Out) of EXPLORA IV, the Coin Ceremony for EXPLORA V, and the Steel Cutting of EXPLORA VI.
It marks the third triple ceremony for Explora Journeys in just 18 months, reflecting the pace at which the brand’s six-ship fleet is taking shape. With two ships already successfully sailing at full capacity and EXPLORA III on track for delivery and launch in July 2026, four vessels are currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard.
It also reinforces Explora Journeys’ unwavering momentum and its commitment to having six ultra-elegant ships on the water by 2028. For the first time, the entire Explora Journeys fleet now exists across different stages of development, reflecting the brand’s ability to deliver an ambitious vision at pace. Each ship is an emblem of Italian shipbuilding, introducing design innovations and technological improvements that push the boundaries of excellence at sea while generating significant economic and employment benefits for the country.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said: “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.”
Nash continued: “These ships realize 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.”
And she observed that: “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 and challenges the idea that luxury must always be anchored to land, instead finding its home on the horizon.”
Sail on over to www.explorajourneys.com for more.
In the photo
Seen here, from l to r, are Captain Serena Melani; the Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago; and Explora Journeys’ President Anna Nash
