Explora II successfully completes sea trials ahead of maiden voyage
The MSC Group-owned luxury cruise line has completed the testing phase of its new ship, Explora II, two months before the vessel hosts passengers for the first time.
Explora Journeys’ Explora II has successfully completed her sea trials ahead of her maiden voyage in August.
The 63,900 GT-vessel marks the second addition to the fleet of the luxury lifestyle ocean brand, which was founded by MSC Group in 2021. Its final construction phase took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa, Italy.
“The launch of Explora I last year was the realisation of a long-held family dream to offer guests an unmatched luxury at sea experience,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the Cruise Division at MSC Group.
“The successful sea trials of Explora II are the next milestone in our Explora journey. In summer 2024, discerning travelers will have the opportunity to sail on our two ships, exploring carefully crafted and combinable itineraries in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. These voyages, departing from easily accessible ports, will uncover hidden gems in lesser-travelled destinations.”
Explora II will take guests to some of the western Mediterranean’s lesser-explored destinations, with ports such as Portofino, Porto Cervo, Calvi and Mahon just some of the stops on the itinerary.
Speaking to TTG Luxury in February, Antonio Paradiso, managing director at MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys UK & Ireland, explained that, bar ‘a few minor tweaks’, Explora II would be very similar to predecessor, Explora I.
Scheduled to set sail from Barcelona on 11 August, agents can now book Explora II on a variety of seven, 14 or 21-night itineraries. Paradiso said he hopes that, after the ‘high satisfaction’ of guests on Explora I, clients will be excited to experience a new itinerary on its latest vessel.
As for the ship itself, guests have the option of 461 Ocean front ‘Homes at Sea’ with an average size of 42 sqm (452 sq ft), one Owner’s Residence, 22 Ocean Residences, 67 Ocean Penthouses, 301 Ocean Terrace Suites, and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites.
There will also be a choice of 11 culinary experiences, 6 restaurants, and 12 bars and lounges. For wellness, passengers will have access to four swimming pools, one of which is indoor with a retractable roof, a beauty salon and nine treatment rooms.
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