Explora Journeys is a Geneva, Switzerland-based cruise line that was founded in 2021 as the luxury cruise division of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). It is a sister company of MSC Cruises.
History In October 2018, Mediterranean Shipping Company announced an order with Fincantieri for four luxury cruise ships. This was later increased to six, with deliveries running through to 2028.
The line's first ship, Explora I completed its sea trials in April 2023. Delivery was delayed due to faulty fire panels. Its first cruise began on 1 August 2023 departing from Copenhagen. Fleet By September 2024, the line's fleet consisted of two ships with four more vessels planned. By July 2025, MSC Group had invested €3.5 billion in ship construction, with three ships, Explora III, IV, and V, reaching ship-building milestones. Explora's third ship is scheduled to leave from Barcelona in August 2026. Three more vessels are planned for departures in 2027 and 2028, and Explora plans to include cruises to Asia and the Far East.
Current fleet Explora class Name Built Shipyard In service Tonnage Flag Notes Image Explora I 2023 Fincantieri August 2023 63,621 First ship in MSC Group's luxury brand, Explora Journeys. Delivered on 20 July 2023. Explora II 2024 Fincantieri September 2024 63,621 Keel laid on 5 May 2022. Delivered on 12 September 2024. Explora III 2026 Fincantieri July 2026 72,810 First LNG-powered ship in the fleet. Delivered in July 2026 and entered service with a Mediterranean Prelude Journey on 24 July 2026. Future fleet Explora class Name Built Shipyard Tonnage Notes Explora IV 2027 Fincantieri 72,810 (planned) LNG-fueled cruise ship Explora V 2027 Fincantieri 72,810 (planned) LNG-powered cruise ship with hydrogen-ready technology Explora VI 2028 Fincantieri 72,810 (planned) LNG-powered cruise ship with hydrogen-ready technology
References
External links