Cruise

First ship in series for Explora Journeys launched in Italy

Baird Maritime

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has floated out the first in a series of four new cruise ships being built for MSC Cruises' Explora Journeys brand.

The future Explora I is scheduled to enter operational service at the end of May 2023. Explora II, the second ship in the series, recently had its keel-laying ceremony and will be delivered by the summer of 2024.

The four 64,000-tonne ships are being built as part of a €2 billion (US$2.15 billion) program.