Explora Journeys this evening celebrated the naming ceremony of its first of six ultra-luxury ships, EXPLORA I, in New York City. Among the festivities, Godmother Dr Sylvia Earle christened the ships and was welcomed into the wide MSC Group family by the company.

The event was attended by distinguished guests from around the world, international journalists – including LATTE as the only Australia-based media – and key travel partners of Explora Journeys, as well as senior representatives from MSC Group. Representatives from both global luxury travel consortia, Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network, along with executives from Travel Associates in Australia were among the crowd.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “In the world of luxury travel, EXPLORA I is a game-changer. We are offering journeys that redefine the very essence of luxurious ocean travel.

“We are looking to attract a wider group of discerning travelers who have experienced the finest luxury land-based resorts but seek more value, more authenticity, and a deeper connection to the world. Explora Journeys is the answer by giving you a way to discover off-the-beaten-track destinations by sea, all whilst enjoying some of the best real estate in the world.”

“With a further five ships joining the fleet in the next five years, we are committed to delivering the same unique experience on board, wherever you are in the world.”

Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys, added, “Today’s event is a significant milestone for Explora Journeys as our first ship EXPLORA I brings to life our vision to reshape luxury travel. We are proud to introduce a new era of discovery and luxurious travel and to showcase our first ship in the vibrant city of New York.”

Dr Sylvia Earle, Founder and Chairman, Mission Blue, said “I am honoured to be the Godmother for EXPLORA I and look forward to a meaningful relationship between Mission Blue, Explora Journeys and the MSC Foundation towards making a very positive contribution to protect and restore the world’s seas and oceans.”

The maritime tradition of cutting a ribbon to break a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow to officially name the ship and bring good luck took place in the Journey Lounge aboard the ship while moored at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

EXPLORA I began sailing in July this year with a series of journeys in Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to New York with visits en route to Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

The ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas and nearly 1,000 square metres of wellness and fitness facilities.

The luxury ship will spend the autumn in North America, the winter in the Caribbean and spring on the US West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for a series of sailings in the Mediterranean Sea with many itineraries including lesser-travelled ports for EXPLORA I’s guests to enjoy a different perspective of a destination.

LATTE is thrilled to sailing aboard EXPLORA I for the next week, on a seven-night voyage from New York City to Quebec City, along with a handful of Australian trade partners. Stay tuned to our social media for exclusive insight on the ship and brand.

Lead image: Explora Journeys’ executive team captured exclusively by LATTE, from left: Achille Staiano, Chief Commercial Officer; Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive, and Chris Austin, Head of Global Sales.