MSC Group, the parent company of Explora Journeys, and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri have pushed back the launch of Explora II until September 12, forcing the cruise line to cancel five voyages
"After careful and detailed reviews of Explora II, it was decided that more time is needed for the final finishes to the ship to guarantee the highest quality luxury standards and to ensure that the new ship delivers to the fullest on the brand's promise of an unmatched luxury ocean experience," an announcement said.
Rendering of the EXPLORA II. (photo via Explora Journeys) (Photo Credit: (photo via Explora Journeys))
Explora II successfully completed sea trials earlier this month. It had been scheduled to set sail on its inaugural voyage August 11 from Barcelona.
With the new delivery date of September 12, the ship's inaugural journey will depart on September 16 from Civitavecchia on a seven-day sailing to Sorrento, the island of Lipari, Trapani and Siracusa in Sicily, Valletta in Malta, and Tarragona, Spain.
Explora Journeys says it is contacting guests booked on the voyages affected, either directly or through their travel advisors, to arrange an alternative journey on Explora I II or sister ship, Explora, I which is also sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.
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