explora 1 maiden voyage

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Explora I embarks on maiden voyage

Explora Journey’s first ship, Explora I , has set sail on her maiden journey.

The ship is currently sailing a seven night itinerary visiting Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Explora Journey’s states that the northern European journey “has been designed to emphasise the brand’s ‘ocean state of mind’ philosophy with immersive experiences that aim to reward guests physically, intellectually and spiritually.”

Excursions onboard this maiden journey include exploring Copenhagen’s waterways by kayak, discovering Shetland through its heritage pony breed and exploring the sites inside the Golden Circle in Iceland.

This sailing is the first in a series of upcoming itineraries, which will span across three continents.

Festivities, such as the traditional crest exchange, were held in Copenhagen on 1 August 2023 to celebrate the ship’s first visit to a destination.

Explora Journeys CEO, Michael Ungere,r said: “It is our absolute honour to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment with them as we embark on the maiden journey from Copenhagen.

“Our guests will be able to experience the very best European hospitality at sea and our vibrant, cosmopolitan sense of luxury, while discovering some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

“A new era of transformative luxury ocean travel begins now with the first sailing of Explora I .”

Explora I  itineraries

The ship will again call at the port of Copenhagen on August 15, 2023, with a sailing to Hamburg, Germany.

In fact, the ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe, sailing on a range of different itineraries, and will then cross the Atlantic Sea and will spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for her Mediterranean season.

Explora II  is currently being built in Italy, hitting the water in August 2024.

In terms of the rest of the fleet, Explora III will become the first of two LNG powered vessels to join the fleet, due to be delivered in 2026, with Explora IV due in 2027.

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• MSC Explora 1 makes maiden call to ABP's Port Southampton...

MSC Explora 1 makes maiden call to ABP's Port Southampton (England UK)

ABP Port of Southampton warmly received the maiden call of Explora Journeys ' vessel, Explora 1 , heralding the commencement of a nine-night voyage encircling the United Kingdom.

A ceremonial exchange of plaques transpired on the ship, marking its inaugural docking at the port. The event was graced by the presence of Captain Serena Melani, the ship's master; Rebekah Keeler from Associated British Ports Southampton; and Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys' CEO.

Ungerer said Southampton holds a pivotal place as one of the United Kingdom's primary ports and a significant hub within Europe. It was a genuine honor to introduce their eagerly awaited and freshly launched ship, Explora I. The unswerving commitment to excellence finds expression in their innovative and tastefully crafted product, and they are dedicated to tirelessly showcasing it.

Setting sail from Southampton, Explora I's itinerary embraced destinations like South Queensferry-Edinburgh , Newcastle-Upon-Tyne , Invergordon , Portree/Isle of Skye , Greencastle/Londonderry Northern Ireland , Liverpool , and Greenock-Glasgow . Following this journey, Explora I is scheduled to return to Europe in the summer of 2024, embarking on a series of sailings in the Mediterranean.

Explora Journeys reveals details of first vessel’s maiden voyage

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Explora Journeys has announced details of its first vessel’s maiden voyage.

Explora I will make its debut on July 17, 2023 with a 15-night Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle itinerary, which will see it travel to northern Europe and call at 12 ports in four countries.

The ship will sail from Southampton and call at Zeebrugge, Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen, Stavanger, Skagen, and arrive in Copenhagen on August 1.

More:  Explora Journeys unveils suite design for first ship

Explora I was originally due to take its maiden voyage from Barcelona in May, but MSC Group’s luxury brand said it had to move the date back due to “global supply chain complications” .

Chief executive Michael Ungerer said guests on the maiden voyage can expect to “immerse” themselves in local cultures, enjoy “surprise treats”, “meet new people” and “reconnect with themselves”.

“Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other and we are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden voyage to some of the most breathtaking destinations in northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea,” he said.

“Guests on board Explora I’s first journey can look forward to immersing 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 voyage such as thrilling experiences, thoughtful gifts and exciting guest artistes that are all designed to inspire the discerning travellers’ desire to discover the world around them, meet new people and reconnect with themselves.”

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View of Bergen, Norway, from Mt. Fløyen.

Explora journeys: itinerary for maiden voyage released.

The first ship of the luxury brand of MSC will set sail in July 2023.

Explora Journeys unveiled details for its first journey: Explora I , the first of six ships, will sail on July 17, 2023 from Southampton , UK. The luxury brand of MSC´s cruise division will debut with a 15-night journey to Northern Europe, with calls to 12 ports in four countries – the trip entitled A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle .

Explora I from Southampton will call at Zeebrugge, Belgium , and in Norway at Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger , before sailing on to Denmark with visits to Skagen and Copenhagen.

First stop in Zeebrugge

Details about the ship’s journey and its destinations have been released, with a first stop in Zeebrugge where guests can head off to enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, canals and the pristine gardens of nearby Bruges. From Zeebrugge , they will journey northwards along Norway’s western coastline, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic, stopping first at Geiranger, at the head of the Geirangerfjord, a true example of a small traditional Nordic village . Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its port dates back to 997, while Molde is ringed by 222 soaring, snow-capped peaks, and boasts some of the best shops and cafés in the country. Leknes is on Vestvågøya, one of Norway’s six Lofoten Islands in the Arctic Circle: warmed by the Gulf Stream, it boasts tropical beaches, horse riding, and sea eagles. Brønnøysund has a mountain with a huge hole visibly punched through it, along with a bustling marina and sensational hiking trails.

Skagen , Denmark’s most northerly point, is where the Baltic meets the North Sea; its art heritage is a legacy of the many painters who have been seduced by Skagen’s translucent light. In addition, its fabulous seafood, architecture, and the vast migrating dune at Råbjerg Mile make Skagen a must-see for tourists to the region. The ship will finally arrive in Copenhagen on August 1.

Bringing luxury to life onboard Explora Journeys’ Explora 1

Jason Gelineau explains how Explora Journeys built a brand and debuted its first ship in three years

Explora Journeys

Jason Gelineau explains how Explora Journeys has gone from a blank piece of paper to debuting its first luxury ship in just three years

By Alex Smith | 19 September 2023

When Explora 1 set sail on its maiden voyage from Denmark’s capital Copenhagen on 1 August 2023, it marked the start of full operation for new luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys. For the brand’s head of product Jason Gelineau, the departure also marked the end of a complex three-year journey to take the cruise line from inception to reality.

At the beginning of the project, the team explored various ideas inspired by the vision of the Aponte family, which owns Explora Journeys and its parent company MSC Group.

“We started with a blank piece of paper,” says Gelineau. “That gave us the opportunity to develop something truly unique and different to fill what the Aponte family saw as a gap in European luxury travel. Now, as I walk around the ship, I’m blown away by how beautiful it is. It’s like my baby has come to life!”

Explora Journeys aims to attract the next generation of luxury travellers by providing a new kind of luxury cruise experience inspired by the upscale resorts and hotels they might frequent on land.

“Our perfect guest is the discerning traveller who is attracted to a luxury brand,” says Gelineau. “There are already a lot of great luxury cruise brands that have done well in building a group of very loyal guests. I’ve been in the industry for 29 years and worked for some of those brands, and I’ve seen the fantastic work they do. But at the same time, they have not always changed their offering to meet the expectations of newer generations. Explora Journeys wants to build a brand for the future.”

To capture the attention of this type of traveller, Explora Journeys has formed multiple partnerships with other luxury brands to offer premium products and experiences onboard the ship.

“Our clients understand value and quality, so these partnerships are important,” says Gelineau. “Guests in our residences don’t just get the complimentary brand champagne in their room, they get Dom Perignon. We’ve got three Steinway pianos onboard, and Steinway musicians will come onboard as guest artistes during our cruises. And Swiss watch manufacturer Rolex has designed its first shop at sea specifically for Explora I, which is truly a game-changer.”

Explora Journeys’ crew members – which it refers to as hosts – will play a pivotal role in delivering a luxury experience. There are 642 hosts of more than 55 different nationalities onboard Explora 1, and they have been recruited from both the land-based hospitality and luxury cruise sectors.

“Our hosts will be the secret to our success,” says Gelineau. “We have recruited them from very diverse posts around the globe, and even while Explora 1 was in the shipyard, their energy and enthusiasm was unbelievable. Everyone had to apply face to face, and our first team members were personally handpicked by the senior executives of each department. The team we’ve put together has great knowledge and understanding of the luxury experience from their time with other brands, which gives me real confidence in our offering.”

In recognition of the hosts’ commitment to delivering the optimal guest experience, Explora Journeys provides a range of benefits to improve their time at sea too.

Hosts are able to participate in classes with onboard fitness and yoga instructors and enjoy entertainment from the resident artistes. Front-of-house team members will also only spend five months onboard, rather than six to eight months, allowing them to visit home more often.

“Being a host is a challenging lifestyle and people have to be away from home for long stretches of time,” says Gelineau. “That’s why we built our host lifestyle experience. We wanted to reward our outstanding crew for their efforts and ensure they can work at 100 per cent of their potential while onboard. It keeps our team fresh, both physically and mentally, and their families get to see them more often, which is something hosts really appreciated.”

This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review . All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Review for FREE to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.

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Explora I: New luxury ship delivery

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The delivery of Explora I, the World’s newest luxury cruise ship, promises a new level of sophistication and exploration.

In this article

The World’s newest luxury cruise brand has taken delivery of its first vessel, the EUR500-million Explora I , ahead of its maiden voyage on 1 August this year.

Explora Journeys, the luxury venture of the MSC shipping corporation, officially received this first of four vessels during a ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

“We have pushed the boundaries of innovation and design to create a ship that embodies our commitment to excellence. With the delivery of Explora I our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences has become an incredible reality.” Michael Ungerer – CEO of Explora Journeys

Indeed, Explora I promises a new standard of European-style luxury at sea. The company tell us the philosophy of the new brand is informed by its roots, with European super yacht and hospitality designers crafting the new vessel.

The 922-guest Explora I has 461 oceanfront Suites, Penthouses and Residences. In addition there is a choice of 6 dining venues, as well as 12 bars and lounges. Not to mention 1 indoor and 3 outdoor swimming pools, as well as extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas.

Explora I also employees the latest environmental technology. There is ship-to-shore power, allowing the vessel to cut engine use in port. Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent. While hull and engine room designs minimise acoustic sound impact on the marine environment.

Explora I will set sail her maiden voyage from Copenhagen, Denmark on 1 August 2023. The new vessel with then spend several weeks exploring rarely visited ports in northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to the Americas.

For more information about the delivery of Explora I visit the Explora Journeys website .

About the Author: Jason Kerr

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Explora Journeys Details Inaugural Cruise for New Explora I

• November 23, 2022

Explora Journeys today unveiled details of the maiden voyage for the new Explora I that will set sail on July 17 2023 from Southampton in the UK, according to a press release.

The brand will make its debut with a 15-night inaugural journey to Northern Europe with calls to 12 ports in four countries under the title “A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle.”

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys, said: “Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other and we are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden journey to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea.”

The ship will sail from Southampton and will call Zeebrugge, Belgium and in Norway Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger before sailing to Denmark with visits to Skagen and finally on August 1 the country’s capital city, Copenhagen.

Ungerer added: “Guests onboard 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 voyage such as thrilling experiences, thoughtful gifts and exciting guest artistes that are all designed to inspire the discerning travellers’ desire to discover the world around them, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves.”

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Explora Journeys’ First Ship Maiden Voyage Detailed

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• November 23, 2022

Explora Journeys revealed today details on the maiden voyage for the first of six planned ships, Explora I. The maiden sailing is scheduled to depart on July 17, 2023 from Southampton, England.

The brand will make its debut with a 15-night inaugural journey to northern europe with calls to 12 ports in four countries. “Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “We are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden journey to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea.”

Here are the ports of call on the inaugural journey:

Zeebrugge is where guests can enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, canals, and pristine gardens in nearby Bruges. From there, the ship will journey north along Norway’s western coastline where the Atlantic meets the Arctic. Its fjords are listed by UNESCO World Heritage Sites as “the best unspoiled travel destinations in the world.”

Geiranger , at the head of Geirangerfjord, is a perfect example of a little Nordic village. The fjord is so famous that it’s been awarded UNESCO status, and its especially known for Seven Sisters — one of the world’s 10 highest waterfalls.

Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its port dates back to 997. Its medieval Nidaros Cathedral is a fitting tribute to its impressive heritage.

Molde, known as the City of Roses thanks to its abundance of summer blooms, is ringed by 222 snow-capped peaks, and is home to a plethora of little shops and cafés.

MORE: Carnival Celebration Arrives in the Caribbean For the First Time

Leknes is on Vestvågøya, one of Norway’s six Lofoten islands in the Arctic Circle. Warmed by the Gulf Stream and long summer days of sunshine, it features tropical beaches, horseback riding, sea eagles, and beautiful scenery.

Brønnøysund may be the only place with a pretty bathing lake right in the center of town. It also has a mountain with a hole in it, along with a bustling marina and beautiful hiking trails.

Flåm ‘s railway is one of the most awe-inspiring train journeys in the world, winding past eye-popping natural wonders such as the Nærøyfjord, another Norwegian entry on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Bergen ‘s 14th century Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, provides visitors with their first glimpse of a city crammed with arts, crafts, and food markets. Its world-class restaurants make it a worthy member of UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy network.

Stavanger ‘s colorful old town has rustic cobbled streets and perfectly restored white wooden houses that sit alongside cafés, craft shops, museums, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the town lie stunning landscapes and beaches. This will be the ship’s last port of call in Norway.

Skagen, Denmark’s most northerly point, is where the Baltic meets the North Sea. Its rich art heritage is a legacy of the many painters seduced by Skagen’s uniquely translucent light. In addition, its seafood, architecture, and the vast migrating dune at Råbjerg Mile have made Skagen a must-see.

Explora I will arrive in Copenhagen on August 1, 2023. With its architectural aesthetic ranging from medieval to Renaissance to contemporary, and some of the best fine dining venues in the world, this city is a cultural hub. It’s also arguably the hippest city in Scandinavia, a fitting way to bring down the curtain on an unforgettable voyage.

Explora Journeys’ ‘A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle’ is now open for bookings. Travelers can take advantage of the Explora Journeys early booking system and enjoy a five percent savings.

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The itinerary of Explora I’s maiden voyage

Explora Journeys has announced the itinerary for Explora I’ s maiden voyage, which will depart on July 17, 2023 from Southampton in the United Kingdom and will last 15 nights through wondrous fjords and beyond the Arctic Circle, setting sail for Northern Europe and docking in 12 ports and 4 countries.

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, anticipated that there will also be surprises for guests during the trip, such as exciting experiences, carefully selected giveaways, and fantastic guest artists; all to satisfy the desire of discerning travelers to discover the world around them, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves.

The ship will depart from Southampton and arrive at Zeebrugge in Belgium and Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, before continuing on to Denmark, where it will visit Skagen and the country’s capital, Copenhagen.

explora-journeys-explora-I

The first stop is Zeebrugge where guests will enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful canals and the gardens of Bruges. From here they will travel north along the magnificent west coast of Norway, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic.

Geiranger , is the perfect example of a typical Nordic village, where the fjord is so famous that it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for the large and wild Seven Sisters Falls, among the ten highest in the world.

Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its harbor dates back to 997. A must-see is its Romanesque-Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, which is an important stop for pilgrims in northern Europe.

Molde , known as the “city of roses” because of its fertile soil, rich vegetation and summer blooms; it is surrounded by 222 snow-capped peaks and boasts quaint bars and boutiques.

Leknes is a town and administrative center of the municipality of Vestvågøy and the most populated urban center in Lofoten and Vesterålen, Nordland county in Norway. Warmed by the Gulf Stream and lit by 24 hours of sunlight, it offers tropical beaches, horseback riding, eagle rays and unforgettable views.

Brønnøysund features a swimming lake right in the center of town, a mountain with a large hole in the middle visible to the naked eye, and a marina with breathtaking hiking trails.

The Flåm Railway is among the most scenic excursions one can make aboard a train, and along the way it offers unique natural wonders such as the Nærøyfjord, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bergen ‘s 14th-century Hanseatic harbor, Bryggen, provides visitors with a first glimpse of a city rich in arts, crafts and food markets. Its high-quality restaurants make it a worthy representative of the cities that are part of the UNESCO gastronomic network.

Explora Journeys: between Atlantic and Newengland

The colorful old town of Stavanger offers cobblestone streets and immaculately restored white wooden houses, as well as quaint bars, boutiques, museums, and a vibrant nightlife. The city is surrounded by fabulous natural scenery and movie-perfect beaches just waiting to be explored. This is the last port of call in Norway.

Skagen, which represents Denmark’s northernmost point, is also where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet. The rich artistic history of this place speaks of the many painters seduced by its unique light. In addition, its excellent seafood cuisine, architecture, and large dunes that shift with the wind on Råbjerg Mile make Skagen a must-see place.

On August 1, Explora I will arrive in Copenhagen , the friendliest capital city in Northern Europe with its special dining experiences, exciting cultural experiences, and green oases in the heart of the city. Its architecture varies from the medieval period to the Renaissance to the contemporary landscape, and it is also the hippest and trendiest city in Scandinavia, another place guests will never forget.

Guests aboard Explora I for its maiden voyage will be able to immerse themselves in local cultures, exploring both major sights and lesser-known corners, taking in some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.

Don’t miss more news, updates, reviews of Explora Journeys on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Fabiana Rinaldi

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Explora I Completes Successful Sea Trials

MSC Group’s luxury cruise line, Explora Journeys , has announced that Explora I has victoriously completed her sea trials.

This fleet, consisting of six luxury vessels, will be built by one of the finest shipbuilders in the world, Fincantieri, in Italy.

After the triumphant sea trials, Explora I will be undergoing her final preparations before the maiden voyage which is taking place in July 2023. The ship will offer travellers a unique opportunity to experience a transformative, ambitious ocean experience. From the choice of exotic destinations combined with the brand’s cosmopolitan, European luxury style.

On the 10th June 2021, construction of this beautiful vessel began at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monflacone.

The naming ceremony will be taking place in Civitavecchia on 8th July with her maiden voyage departing from Southampton on 17th July 2023. This will take guests on a 15-night sailing into the Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle to Copenhagen.

Dr. Sylvia Earle, the renowned oceanographer, explorer and conservationist, has been announced as the ship’s Godmother.

Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys   said

Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create an ocean travel experience like no other and we are thrilled that the first of our ground-breaking new class of ships, Explora I will start sailing in July 2023. The sea trials are a critical part of the process, and we’re pleased that Explora I passed with flying colours. Our team has worked tirelessly to design and build a ship that offers the perfect combination of luxury, adventure, and sustainability, and we can’t wait to share it with our guests.

Explora I Design

The interior is being designed with brand’s philosophy of creating an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ at heart. Explora I is a modern, European-style, boutique hotel at sea.

A total 14 decks at 16,000 sqm will offer unrivalled guest-to-space ratios in the luxury ocean category. Alongside a 1:1.25 host-to-guest ratio to help ensure high levels of service.

The 461 ‘Homes at Sea’ have an average size of 42 sqm. It includes an Owner’s Residence, 22 Ocean Residences and 67 Ocean Penthouses, besides 301 Ocean Terrace and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace suites.

Also onboard will be 11 culinary experiences, six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. There’s ongoing entertainment, indoor and outdoor wellness and fitness facilities. There are three outdoor pools and one indoor pool and 64 private cabanas.

Sustainable Technology

Explora Journeys are dedicated to creating ships for the future by utilising the most cutting-edge technology available and preparing for the eventual use of alternative energy sources.

Explora 1 has onboard systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 90%, redistribute heat and advanced wastewater treatment systems. Plus the vessel cuts underwater noise and minimises engine use at ports where shore-to-ship power is available. There is also state-of-the-art recycling management on board for all aspects of waste.

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