GENEVA — Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, celebrated three major shipbuilding milestones this week at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy.

The triple ceremony marked three traditional shipbuilding moments: the float-out of EXPLORA III, the coin ceremony of EXPLORA IV and the steel cutting of EXPLORA V.

According to the company, its expansion is progressing on schedule, with its fleet set to comprise six ships in total by 2028. With EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II already in service and sailing at near full capacity, the next ships in the fleet – EXPLORA III (2026), EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V (2027), and EXPLORA VI (2028) – will further expand Explora’s global reach and redefine luxury ocean travel.

The brand’s €3.5 billion investment in the fleet reflects not only its long-term commitment to ocean travel but also its support of Italy’s shipbuilding industry. All six ships are being built by Fincantieri.

“Today marks a proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we celebrate three remarkable ships – each a symbol of our ambition to redefine ultra-elegant ocean travel,” says Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “This triple celebration reflects the strength of our vision and the power of collaboration between our team, our partners at Fincantieri and the unwavering support of the Aponte-Vago family.”

Debuting next year, EXPLORA III will offer 463 suites – slightly more than EXPLORA I and II – and one of the highest rations of public space per guest in the category. The ship introduces additional higher-tier suite options, including more Ocean Penthouses (24% of inventory), Ocean Residences (9%) and a second Owner’s Residence. The ship’s accommodation mix will include 313 Ocean Terrace Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences and two Owner’s Residences.

All ships in Explora’s fleet are equipped with advanced environmental technologies, including shore power capabilities that eliminate emissions while in port, and sophisticated underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life. From EXPLORA III onwards, the four newest ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). EXPLORA V and VI will go even further, with the possibility to use next-generation fuel cell technology capable of converting LNG into hydrogen to significantly reduce emissions at ports.

For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.