Explora Journeys, the new luxury brand from MSC Cruises, revealed inaugural cruise details for its first ship, EXPLORA I, which is due to enter service in summer 2023. The highly anticipated cruise ship is under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard and is the particular first of a planned six-ship luxury fleet.
EXPLORA I Will Sail to Arctic Circle in July
EXPLORA I will sail her first voyage, “A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Group, ” through Southampton on July 17, 2023, calling at a dozen ports within four countries. The all-balcony ship, now open for bookings, will accommodate 922 guests in 461 suites and residences , all designed with the particular brand’s “Home at Sea” lifestyle concept.
On November 23, the cruise line announced that the particular ship will call at Zeebrugge, Belgium, and in Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen plus Stavanger, Norway, before sailing to Denmark and calling at Skagen and the country’s capital city, Copenhagen.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, said: “Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel plus ocean experience like no other and we are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of dispatch, EXPLORA We, will introduce guests during her maiden journey in order to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea. ”
A Grand Tour associated with Northern Europe
The Zeebrugge port call will allow EXPLORA I visitors to experience the medieval architecture, canals and gardens of nearby Bruges before heading north to the Nordic village associated with Geiranger as well as the Geirangerfjord, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the world’s highest waterfalls, Seven Sisters.
In Trondheim, the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, guests can visit the particular medieval Nidaros Cathedral, plus in Molde, also called the City associated with Roses, cruisers can admire the 222 now-capped mountain peaks that ring the destination. Another call, from Leknes, is on Vestvagoya, one of Norway’s six Lofoten Islands within the Arctic Circle.
The port contact at Bergen’s 14th-century Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, offers visitors easy access to a city known for the arts, crafts and food markets. Bergen is a member of UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy network.
Once in Denmark, the ship will call at Skagen, the country”s most northerly point, where the Baltic meets the North Sea. Skagen is noted for its art and architecture, the seafood plus the famous migrating dune at Råbjerg Mile. Arriving in Copenhagen on August 1, guests can explore what will be widely considered the cultural hub associated with Scandinavia.
“Guests upon board EXPLORA I’s inaugural journey can look forward to immerse themselves in local cultures, both on and off the beaten path, as well as witnessing some of the world’s most astonishing natural wonders. Surprise treats will be revealed throughout their journey such as thrilling experiences, thoughtful gifts and exciting guest artistes that are almost all designed to inspire the discerning travellers’ desire to discover the world around them, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves, ” Ungerer said from the port calls .
Spacious Suites Let the Line Shine In
Suite options onboard Explora I actually and II include 1 owner’s residence, 22 ocean residences, 67 ocean penthouses, and 371 ocean terrace and sea grand patio suites. All suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural light and provide wide ocean views.
The ocean grand terrace suites is going to be among the particular largest in the industry (420 sq. ft. ) and feature their own private terrace, between (75-118 sq . ft. ) with a good extension in order to the living space. Suites also will have daybeds and an alfresco dining area.
Explorer Journeys’ second deliver, EXPLORA 2 , also is under building and is usually expected to launch in 2024. Four additional ships are slated to enter service by 2028, the company said. All of the luxurious ships will certainly offer six restaurants, plus in-suite eating, 12 indoor and outdoor bars plus lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outside decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities and entertainment.
Parent company MSC Cruise trips operates 19 cruise ships and unveiled its Explorer Travels brand inside 2021, marking its entry into the high-class market. Some MSC Cruise ships offer MSC Yacht Club, a good exclusive, ship-within-a-ship luxury idea with plush suites, 24-hour butler support, a dedicated concierge, the private restaurant and other amenities.