EXPLORA I, the first ship to join the fleet of Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, commenced her maiden journey on August 1, departing Copenhagen on a seven-night sailing the majestic landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.
The first in a series of upcoming itineraries which will span three continents, this northern European journey was designed to emphasize the brand’s ‘Ocean State of Mind’ philosophy which promises immersive experiences that reward guests physically, intellectually and spiritually.
Along with the on-board experience, this also includes activities like exploring Copenhagen’s waterways by kayak, discovering Shetland through its heritage pony breed, and an overnight stay in Iceland to explore sites inside the Golden Circle.
"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 of EXPLORA I from Copenhagen,” said Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer.
“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.”
A rendering of the Grand Residence bedroom inside the EXPLORA I. (photo via Explora Journeys) (Photo Credit: (photo via Explora Journeys))
Aboard EXPLORA I on its inaugural journey are Canadian TravelOnly top-selling cruise advisors Pat Probert and Mary Mendes de Almeida. They’ve already post pictures of the ship and their beautiful suite on Facebook, and TravelPulse Canada will check in with them on their return for their impressions.
The luxury ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe offering a range of different itineraries and will then cross the Atlantic Sea and spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for voyages in the Mediterranean Sea.
EXPLORA II is currently being built in Italy and will come into service in August 2024. EXPLORA III will become the first of two LNG (liquefied natural gas) powered vessels to join the Explora Journeys’ fleet with the ship due to be delivered in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027.
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