EXPLORA II, the second ship in the fleet of the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys, was officially named in the Italian port of Civitavecchia, near Rome on Saturday night.

The traditional maritime ceremony featured the symbolic cutting of a ribbon to break a bottle on the ship’s bow. This honour was bestowed upon EXPLORA II’s godmother, Rosalba Giugni, Founder and President of the Marevivo Foundation, a non-partisan environmental conservation organisation committed to the preservation of marine environments, founded in 1985.

Giugni was chosen for this honour, as a friend and partner of the MSC Foundation, but also as a mark of respect for her 35-year commitment to the protection of the world’s oceans.

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The naming ceremony brought together distinguished guests from across the globe, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Antonio Tajani, Admiral Nicola Carlone, ART President Nicola Zaccheo, the President of the Port Authority, Pino Musolino, the Mayor of Civitavecchia, Marco Piendibene and Italian film director, screenwriter and Academy Award winner Giuseppe Tornatore, as well as international journalists (including LATTE, exclusively for Australian trade), key travel partners, and senior MSC Group representatives, including Founder and Group Chairman, Gianluigi Aponte.

Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a gala dinner and an evening of vibrant celebrations, including a captivating musical performance by English pop singer Tony Hadley, along with a breathtaking drone show that creatively narrated the story of Explora Journeys, featuring a stunning display of the Mandala and the Explora Journeys logo.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, said: “Naming a new ship is a proud maritime tradition, and tonight’s celebration marks our continued growth as we redefine luxury ocean travel. Our vision began with the contemporary brand MSC Cruises where we developed a premium offer with MSC Yacht Club and from there we identified a further demand for luxury experiences at sea.

“With Explora Journeys we offer an unparalleled value proposition and a unique offering compared to other types of luxury holiday.”

“By 2028 the Explora Journeys fleet will comprise six ships offering a spirit of luxurious ocean adventure visiting sought-after destinations, where our guests can expect the same high standards and quality service across our fleet, all over the globe.”

EXPLORA II introduces new features to enhance guest’s luxury ocean travel experience, including new retail options – the first Buccellati jewellery boutique at sea (foreshadowed exclusively by LATTE), and special collaborations and limited editions by Borsalino, Kampos, and Massaba for Explora Journeys, exclusively available at the ship’s ‘The Journey’ boutique.

The re-designed Ocean Wellness Spa offers a series of new treatment programmes inspired by authentic Ayurvedic principles. And the Helios Pool & Bar has been refreshed with bespoke Unopiù outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati.

EXPLORA II features original artwork by Emilio Isgró and Prince Hussain Aga Khan’s ‘Marine Encounters’, an exhibition of his marine photographs showcasing diverse underwater species and ecosystems. The exquisite collection of marine photography was gifted to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and ‘Focused on Nature’, reflecting a shared vision to educate and inspire action on the need to preserve marine life and biodiversity.

The ultra-luxury ship’s seven-night maiden journey include stops in stunning Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Siracusa, and Valletta, ending in Tarragona, Spain.

EXPLORA II and EXPLORA I will reposition to the Caribbean for the winter season, offering incredible itineraries. Highlight destinations include Gustavia in St. Barts, Oranjestad in Aruba, and St. John’s in Antigua. In the summer of 2025, EXPLORA II will sail in the Western Mediterranean visiting ports such as Barcelona in Spain, St. Tropez in France, Monte Carlo and Porto Cervo in Italy.

All ships feature modern environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction systems, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to protect marine life, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy-efficient equipment designed to optimise engine use and reduce emissions. The ship has been designated ‘Green Plus’ by RINA – the highest level that the certification body grants for environmental sustainability.