EXPLORA I and II at 248 metres are 19 metres shorter than the following ships © Fincantieri

Triple ceremony for Fincantieri and Explora Journeys at Sestri Ponente

CruiseFincantieri and Explora Journeys marked three milestones at the Sestri Ponente shipyard. The shipbuilding company and the European luxury ocean travel brand from the MSC Group launched EXPLORA IV, held the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V, and started construction on EXPLORA VI.

Fincantieri is now building four ships at once for Explora Journeys: EXPLORA III, which is in sea trials and due for delivery in July; EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V, both planned for service in 2027; and EXPLORA VI, set for 2028. This completes the six-ship fleet, all built by Fincantieri.

The first two, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, are in operation and seeing increased demand worldwide due to their itineraries, destinations, and onboard experiences. They provide a different approach to travel in the sector.

The MSC Group has invested around EUR 3.5 billion in the six Explora ships. Adding the earlier four ships from Fincantieri—MSC SEASIDE, MSC SEAVIEW, MSC SEASHORE, and MSC SEASCAPE—the total reaches about EUR 7 billion.

EXPLORA VI includes fuel cells to convert LNG to hydrogen more efficiently, including from renewable sources. All have cold ironing to connect to shore power and avoid emissions in port.

mar 09 2026