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Travel Weekly

Explora Journeys celebrates milestones for three ships under construction

Explora Journeys is celebrating three milestones on July 14: the Explora III's float-out, the Explora IV's coin ceremony and the Explora V's steel-cutting. The three ships are under construction at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, where leaders from the cruise line gathered for the triple-milestone event. This was Explora's second consecutive year reaching three milestones at once. Last year, at the same shipyard, it celebrated the delivery of the Explora II, the coin ceremony for the Explora III and the construction launch for the Explora IV. "We've had a very solid 10 months working with the team to get the ships where they are today -- those ships sailing and those that are under construction," said Explora president Anna Nash. "It's an emotional moment for me, and I think the team as well, to see the reality that we're halfway through this incredible family vision and we're delivering it on time with confidence, and, I'd say, with poise." Explora Journeys is owned by MSC Group, the cruise and shipping company owned by the Aponte family. The Explora III is on track to debut in August 2026, with the fourth and fifth ships following in 2027 and a sixth in 2028. Sailings for the Explora III's first season in Northern Europe have already proven "extremely popular," Nash said. The luxury brand is also seeing the highest-end suites selling first, she said. Explora Journeys president Anna Nash and MSC Cruises executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago in front of the Explora III. Photo Credit: Explora Journeys "I think that just comes with longevity as a brand, more confidence," Nash said. "We're seeing that with our repeat guests. They want to come back and experience a different level of suite." The Explora I debuted in August 2023. The Explora II followed in September 2024. The line is introducing its first Alaska sailings on the Explora III, and Nash hinted that this fall it will announce Explora's first Asia itineraries.