Explora Journeys announced the successful launch of the bow section (Troncone) of the Explora V, the fifth of six luxury ships that will enter service by 2028. This important milestone took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Sicily, where the section was moved from land to water for the first time, a long-standing maritime tradition that marks the beginning of the next phase of the ship’s construction.
The Explora V, whose delivery is scheduled for 2027, continues the brand’s planned expansion and its vision of a more sophisticated approach to ocean travel. Following initial outfitting in Palermo, the bow section will be moved to Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, where construction will be completed.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of the bow section of the Explora V, an important milestone in the ongoing development of our fleet. As we grow, we introduce more passengers to a new way of traveling by sea. We now look forward to the delivery of the Explora III this July and its inaugural voyages, from the Mediterranean to northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
The MSC Group’s Cruise Division has invested nearly USD 4 billion in the six Explora Journeys ships, all built by Fincantieri, reflecting the holding company’s commitment to the Italian maritime sector. If the four MSC Cruises ships previously built by the company are added, the Group’s total investment amounts to approximately USD 8 billion. The construction of each ship requires more than seven million working hours and generates employment for an average of 2,500 people over a period of two to three years.
