Explora Journeys Celebrates Triple Milestone

Explora Journeys has marked another key milestone in the development of its next-generation fleet, reinforcing its ambitions in the ultra-luxury cruise segment.

During a triple ceremony at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, executives and dignitaries gathered to celebrate three major construction milestones: the float out of EXPLORA IV, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V, and the steel cutting of EXPLORA VI.

The ceremony marks the third time Explora Journeys has held a triple milestone event in just 18 months. Two ships are already sailing at full capacity, while EXPLORA III remains on track for delivery and launch in July 2026. Four vessels are currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard.

The event brought together Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division.

“For the first time, all six ships in our fleet are either in service or under construction — a defining moment as we bring the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to life on an even greater scale,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.

“These ships realize the Aponte-Vago family’s vision of an experience where the ocean itself becomes the destination — inviting wellbeing, discovery and a deeper connection with the ocean. As our fleet grows, we are introducing more discerning guests to a new expression of luxury ocean travel — one that stands in a category of its own and challenges the idea that luxury must always be anchored to land, instead finding its home on the horizon.”

The milestone highlights Explora Journey’s plan to have six ultra-elegant ships in service by 2028. For the first time, all ships in the fleet are now in various stages of development.

As part of the ceremony, two godmothers were appointed for the coin ceremony of EXPLORA V: Captain Serena Melani, representing Explora Journeys, and Alice Gallo of Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard. Captain Melani previously served as the first Master of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II and will also take the helm of EXPLORA III.

In addition, Cristina Bacigalupo from Fincantieri’s outfitting workshop in Sestri Ponente was named godmother for the technical launch of EXPLORA IV, representing the skilled craftsmanship behind the ship’s construction.