Explora Journeys Names Luxury Ship Explora II
Explora Journeys has officially celebrated the naming ceremony of its latest luxury vessel, Explora II, at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy, near Rome. This event marks a significant milestone for the MSC Group’s luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand, following the ship’s recent delivery.
Explora II is the second of six ships planned for the fleet and was christened by godmother Rosalba Giugni, a renowned marine environmentalist and founder of the Marevivo Foundation. Giugni was honored for her lifelong dedication to ocean conservation, highlighting the ship’s commitment to sustainability.
The ceremonial festivities were hosted by Italian actress Lorella Cuccarini and included a traditional ribbon-cutting and the symbolic breaking of a bottle on the ship’s bow, performed by Giugni. The event attracted prominent figures, including Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani; Admiral Nicola Carlone; ART President Nicola Zaccheo; the President of the Port Authority, Pino Musolino; and Civitavecchia Mayor Marco Piendibene. Academy Award-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore also attended, alongside MSC Group representatives, key travel partners, and members of the international media.
The evening culminated in a parade of the ship’s officers and featured a gala dinner, a performance by English pop singer Tony Hadley, and a spectacular drone show. This display narrated the story of Explora Journeys as a brand and showcased the Explora Journeys logo and Mandala.
“Naming a new ship is a proud maritime tradition, and tonight’s celebration marks our continued growth as we redefine luxury ocean travel,” stated Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group. He emphasized the evolution from MSC Cruises to Explora Journeys, stating, “We identified a further demand for luxury experiences at sea. With Explora Journeys, we offer an unparalleled value proposition and a unique offering compared to other types of luxury holidays.” By 2028, the Explora Journeys fleet is expected to comprise six ships, each providing luxurious ocean adventures to sought-after destinations, with consistent high standards and quality service.
Following the naming ceremony, Explora II embarked on its maiden seven-night voyage, making stops in Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, and Valletta, before concluding in Tarragona, Spain.
After its inaugural season in the Mediterranean, Explora II, along with its sister ship Explora I, will relocate to the Caribbean for the winter, offering itineraries to popular destinations such as St. Barts, Aruba, and Antigua. In the summer of 2025, Explora II is set to return to the Mediterranean, visiting renowned ports including St. Tropez, Monte Carlo, Porto Cervo, and Barcelona.
With its new fleet member, Explora Journeys continues to solidify its presence in the luxury travel sector, focusing on sustainability and exceptional guest experiences.