Marine Environmentalist Rosalba Giugni Named Godmother of Explora II
Explora Journeys has chosen renowned marine environmentalist Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of their newest ship, Explora II. Giugni, the founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, will officially name the ship during a ceremony in Civitavecchia, near Rome, Italy, on September 15, 2024. This significant event will follow the cruise line’s official delivery of the vessel from the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, near Genoa, on September 12.
Explora II is the second luxury cruise ship to join the fleet of Explora Journeys. Its predecessor, Explora I, recently marked its one-year anniversary, and the addition of Explora II further enhances the brand’s growing presence in the luxury cruise market.
Rosalba Giugni has long been a leading advocate for ocean preservation. She founded the Marevivo Foundation in 1985, which has since grown into a prominent force in the Italian environmental sector, boasting more than 30,000 members. The foundation focuses on the protection of marine ecosystems and has collaborated with the MSC Group and the MSC Foundation since 2019 to advance environmental initiatives.
Giugni’s dedication to marine conservation aligns closely with Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making her an ideal choice as the godmother of Explora II. In her statement regarding the honor, Giugni highlighted the urgent need for action to address the climate crisis:
“I am pleased to support Explora Journeys and the MSC Group in promoting and advancing a cultural shift towards greater protection of our precious marine ecosystem. Our future is tied to the health of the sea, and its wellbeing depends on the choices we make. The climate crisis is a clear warning: we are out of time. The ecological transition needs to begin now, tomorrow may already be too late.”
Following the naming ceremony on September 15, Explora II will embark on its highly anticipated maiden voyage. The ship will set sail on a 7-night journey to Tarragona, Spain, with stops at several picturesque locations in the Mediterranean. The itinerary includes visits to Sorrento, Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Trapani (Sicily), and Siracusa (Sicily) in Italy, as well as a stop in Valletta, Malta.
The addition of Explora II to the Explora Journeys fleet marks another milestone in the cruise line’s growth and commitment to providing luxurious travel experiences while prioritizing environmental sustainability. With Giugni as the ship’s godmother, the company strengthens its connection to marine preservation efforts and emphasizes the importance of sustainable cruising practices.
As the cruise industry increasingly shifts toward greener and more eco-conscious operations, Explora Journeys continues to position itself as a leader in the movement. Through their partnerships with environmental organizations like the Marevivo Foundation and their dedication to reducing their ecological footprint, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable future in luxury travel.
Explora II’s inaugural voyage promises to offer travelers a unique and luxurious Mediterranean experience, coupled with the cruise line’s strong focus on environmental responsibility. This partnership between Giugni and Explora Journeys underscores the importance of preserving the world’s oceans for future generations while continuing to offer exceptional travel experiences.