Some time ago, MSC Cruises clearly stated its intention to colonize the luxury cruise segment. The company is making this project a reality with the launch of the Explora Journeys brand.
This new product is essentially based on the personalization of the travel experience, a concept that appeals to the new generation of travellers, who are increasingly demanding.
The Italian-Swiss company therefore plans, as part of the implementation of this project, to set up a fleet of 4 ships. The first, Explora 1, will be delivered by the Italian manufacturer Fincantieri in 2023.
Explora 1, the very first cruise ship of the MSC group
A ship with a classic design but with revolutionary features, Explora 1 will set sail in 2023 for a major world tour. It is expected to carry some of the most advanced environmental technologies. Among other things, the ship will be equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) equipment which intervenes in the context of reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%.
Thus said, Explora Journeys plans to position itself on the luxury cruise market as an actor working for the preservation of the environment, while guaranteeing a unique travel experience.
Equipped with 461 cabins (or suites) of at least 35 m² each, with a terrace directly overlooking the sea, Explora leaves a very positive first impression.
The first voyage of Explora 1 scheduled for 2023: here is the itinerary
Although the ship has not yet been fully delivered, the first routes for Explora 1 are already known. You will also find here how to take advantage of luxury cruise deals.
The first of the 4 ships ordered by the MCS group for its Explora Journeys project will head west after the summer.
The route ranging from 6 to 44 nights includes 132 stopovers in ports and 44 stops in different countries. This itinerary includes two destinations that have never been visited by cruise ships according to MSC. It is :
- Kastellorizo in Greece
- And Saint-Pierre in Martinique.
See it as a unique opportunity to discover some of the world’s tourist nuggets.
In the spring of 2023, Explora 1 will head for the Mediterranean and will sail along established routes to serve several destinations. Cruise participants will have the chance to visit the cities of Barcelona, St-Tropez, Calvi, Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Fiscardo, Patmos, Bodrum, Santorini and Kastellorizo.
After a few days of travel, the cruise ship is scheduled to reach northern European waters with a major crossing of the entire region. Each stop gives travelers the chance to discover a new city, its culture, its gastronomy and more. On this route, stops are planned in Southampton, Kristiansand, Hellesylt/Geiranger, Molde, Lofoten Islands, Saint Petersburg, Bruges, etc.).
The whole month of August will be devoted to discovering the United Kingdom, before starting the last line of the journey. Moving west, the itinerary includes cruises to Iceland, Greenland (in September 2023), Canada and the United States in October 2023 before reaching the Caribbean, where it will sail until March 2024.
Explora 1 cannot complete this world tour without taming the waters of South America, to celebrate the Rio carnival.