EVENT - THE WORLD OF CRUISING SOARS WITH THE INAUGURATION OF EXPLORA II, A NEW LUXURY DESTINATION AT SEA (Italy)
The new ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, the luxury brand of the giant MSC, has just been inaugurated in grand style, adding a new gem to the luxury travel industry. Journal des Palaces was there. |
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EVENT - THE WORLD OF CRUISING SOARS WITH THE INAUGURATION OF EXPLORA II, A NEW LUXURY DESTINATION AT SEA (Italy)
The new ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, the luxury brand of the giant MSC, has just been inaugurated in grand style, adding a new gem to the luxury travel industry. Journal des Palaces was there. |
Category: Europe - Italy - Industry economy
- Hotel projects
Article written by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2024-09-16
 From l. to r., Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, Achille Staiano, CCO, and Chris Austin, President of Explora Journeys North America.
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine
A tradition dear to the heart of the Explora II's captain, Serena Melani, who expressed her delight at the event and the birth of this new ship. “This name encapsulates our commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability, while fostering a deeper connection between people and the ocean, and inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards,” she said, recalling the DNA of the Explora Journeys fleet. A commitment underlined by the choice of Rosalba Guigni, founder of Marevivo, as the ship's godmother.
The creation of Explora Journeys initially met an ambitious set of specifications. To meet the challenge of raising the level of luxury in ocean travel, the company set itself the goal of creating ships inspired by yachts, offering space, choice, ultra-modern design and allowing travellers to slow down. As Chris Austin, President of Explora Journeys in North America, puts it, the promise is that passengers will “be exhilarated, not exhausted, at the end of their stay aboard Explora II”.
In her first press conference, Anna Nash, now at the helm of the company, emphasised the importance of well-being in the experience of Explora Journeys customers, and said she was blown away by the “phenomenal” and “thoughtful” service she discovered during this first immersion.
The sister ship to the Explora I, launched barely a year ago, the Explora II joins a fleet of new-generation ships designed to offer a “haute couture” experience to customers expecting luxury worthy of the finest hotels. The challenge has been met, as every detail has been given unique attention, from the design of the 461 suites, to the creation of an exceptional gastronomic offer under the leadership of French chef Franck Garanger, to the creation of exclusive excursions that will evolve over time. Nothing has been left to chance, like the Starlink-powered Wi-Fi, accessible free of charge to both the 922 passengers who can be accommodated on board and the more than 730 crew members.
Everything on board the Explora II offers the luxury necessary for guests to let go, and the ratio of 1.25 crew members per guest raises the quality of service to levels worthy of luxury hotels. The generous size of the ship, 248 metres in length, has enabled the young company to create generous yet intimate spaces. 12 bars and lounges, six restaurants, five swimming pools, an exceptional wellness centre, a casino, and fitness facilities are all refuges for travellers, inviting them not to leave the Explora II.
The luxury cruise industry will now have to reckon with Explora Journeys, which is entering the game through the front door. In an article to be published shortly, the Journal des Palaces will take you on a journey to the heart of this floating luxury destination.
 The explora II has 371 Ocean Suites with terraces, the smallest offering 35 m² of luxurious space
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine
 The atrium, the hub of every cruise ship, is also bathed in an intimate atmosphere
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine
 Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman MSC Group's Cruises Division, at the inauguration of Explora II
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine
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