The MSC Group has announced a new ultra-luxe cruise brand “Explora Journeys” in partnership with Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding company based in Trieste, Italy.
The first of four luxury ships will debut in 2023, with the remaining ships ready in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Itineraries will start with seven nights, offering guests a unique marine holiday experience covering destinations such as Saint Tropez, Bordeaux and Reykjavik, and hidden gems such as Kastellorizo, Bozcaada and the Lofoten Islands.
The innovative ship will feature 461 oceanfront suites and residences where guests will enjoy spectacular vistas of the sea and in port from their floor to ceiling windows and private terrace.
Suites will start at 35 sqm which is among the most spacious for the category in the industry.
The vessel will boast 14 decks that will provide ample indoor public space including 64 private cabanas spanning across three outdoor pools. A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather.
There will be nine distinct restaurants focusing on wholesome ingredients sustainably sourced from local partners.
Wellness facilities include a spacious indoor/ outdoor spa and fitness area with treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, group workout classes, personal training appointments, tailor-made programmes as well as bespoke wellness experiences.
Commenting on the news, Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys said:
“Explora Journeys was designed for guests who want to stay longer, leave later, and travel deeper.”
“Customer centricity is at the core of everything we do. We’ve commissioned research, organised focus groups, and hosted roundtable discussions with global specialists in luxury to design the perfect ship for our guests. Explora Journeys will bring a new perspective to the travel industry, reinventing the classic cruise experience for the next generation of luxury travellers.”
Elaborating further on the brand, Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise business and broader passenger division said:
“Building a luxury brand that will redefine the cruise experience and create a category of its own has been a long-held vision of mine and my family.
“Inspired by our personal travel wishes, Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, make memories, and cherish the time at sea with their loved ones. After all, time is the ultimate luxury.
Image Source: explorajourneys.com
