explora journey rolex

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

T+L's Review of Explora Journeys' Explora I

New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys just launched Explora I, a 461-suite ship. T+L's cruise editor was one of the first on board to report what you can expect.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

In the old days, a really good worker in Stavanger, Norway, could pack a tin full of spratt in just four seconds. And then another. And another. By the end of her shift, she might’ve stuffed 8,000 cans full of the sardine-sized fish, topped each up with olive oil, and passed them over to the adjuster’s table where they’d get a critical eye before getting clamped shut and shipped off to the labeler.

Of course, she’d have help. Before the spratt reached her table — and it was almost always a woman doing the packing — the fish would be salted and threaded onto racks by children, some no older than eight. The kids would then pass the racks to burly furnacemen, who’d hoist them over the oak-wood coals in between nips of beer. Elsewhere in the packinghouse, printers would whirr and the steam-hiss of sanitizing equipment would drone for 10 hours a day, six days a week and only rest, like the workers, on Sundays.

The whole town, you might say, was wrapped up in the canning of fish, which flourished so mightily in the fjords that crease Norway’s North Sea coast. Back then, they’ll tell you, the fishermen could just scoop spratt right into the boat. Some 70 percent of the city of Stavanger was, at one time in the early 20th century, involved with the business. In a good year, a single worker could send close to 3 million tins out into the world, whether up the coast to Bergen or to the trenches along the Western Front.

Not that I’d expected to learn any of this.

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

In fact, I’d never even heard of Stavanger until a few weeks before I arrived. But there I was one gunmetal day in August, pulling into port aboard the Explora I, a just-launched cruise ship from the new brand Explora Journeys. We were sailing from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany, and along the way docked in the heart of Stavanger. Minutes after stepping off the ship, a small group of passengers and I were scampering through the Old Town’s cobbled streets, snapping photos of the whitewashed wooden buildings and chatting with an affable guide arranged by the cruise line. Soon enough, she was filling us in about the history of fish packing — not to mention the Norwegian oil-and-gas industry, municipal politics, and the pros and cons of living in Scandinavia. She also procured for us several tastes of local foods including pickled herring, the flatbread known as lefse , and fenalår , a salted-and-cured lamb leg that might best be described as Norwegian prosciutto.

It was, unexpectedly, a most delightful way to spend a morning, snacking our way around town and popping into shops like Chili Chocolate , discovering a new record store-slash-pub called Blåveis , and seeing the brutalist building that houses the Sølvberget Library and Culture Centre . (Incidentally, the library is also home to an outpost of Sirkus Renna , a konditori that makes outstanding cardamom buns.)

Not that the other stops along the way lacked for pleasure. In Oslo, the Nordic weather gods looked on us with favor, and visitors and locals alike took to the shoreline for sunbathing, sauna sessions, and, in my case, a two-hour paddling trip around the harbor with Mad Goats , a local outfitter. In Goteborg, Sweden, I wandered blissfully from neighborhood to neighborhood, window shopping in Haga and sniffing out bakeries in Landala. There, too, I took to the water by renting an electric canal cruiser — much like the ones in Amsterdam — from Let’s Boat for an hour-long, self-guided tour of the city’s waterways.

The most impressive vessel of the trip, though, was the Explora I . Built in Italy and officially launched only weeks before I came aboard, the 461-suite ship is the first of a planned six for Explora Journeys . Like many top-tier lines, Explora has countless moments of indulgence, like freely poured Moet & Chandon Imperial and the unlimited raw bar available in the Emporium Marketplace, a dining venue on Deck 11. The extravagance continues in the rooms, which are outfitted with Frette linens and robes and feature the kind of subdued color palette and rich materials you’d find at an Aman or One&Only resort. (They’ve also got heated marble floors in the bathrooms and Dyson hair dryers in the walk-in closets.) 

The onboard restaurants are also excellent. The tasting-menu venue Anthology is the most ambitious, with menus designed by culinary superstars who commit to three-month rotations aboard the ship. The first partnership is with Ristorante Uliassi , the Michelin three-starred destination outside Ancona, Italy, which has created an eight-course menu that highlights Adriatic seafood and wines from Le Marche. (The tuna carpaccio alla puttanesca was, for me, a particular highlight.) Other dining rooms, like the Japanese-inspired Sakura and the chops-and-steaks venue Marble & Co., served fantastic dishes that were both technically precise and satisfying.

Sourcing superlative luxury seems to be a specialty of Explora. For one, the line is the world’s first to partner with Rolex for an onboard boutique — and during my six-day trip, several of the timepieces were sold. Scarcity is also a theme on the ship’s premium wine list, which is stacked with trophy bottles so rare that it may not be a stretch to say that some future passenger will book simply to pop the cork on a €2,900 bottle of 2013 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echezeaux. (Thankfully for the rest of us, many house wines are available at no cost, and numerous worthwhile finds, like bottles from R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia and Artemis Karamolegos, can be had for a more down-to-earth supplement.)

In between the extravagance, the onboard experience is as serene as you’d expect from a premium cruise line. A well-equipped spa has several treatment rooms, plus all sorts of amenities such as a sauna, hydrotherapy pool, Himalayan salt cave, and a salon. A fitness center — bustling at most hours throughout my trip — is stocked with the latest Technogym gear. Explora I is the first big ship with a dedicated outdoor fitness area, too, on deck 14, where one afternoon a group of go-getters were busting it through a boot camp — though they just as easily could’ve been playing pickleball on the outdoor court nearby.

Back inside, things were often tranquil against the backdrop of tunes from the Steinway piano, the crackle of ice, and bar spoons swirling in mixing glasses. The deferential service, often with a gracious-yet-reserved smile, reminded me of the sort you’d expect at a five-star Swiss hotel. Which would make sense: though Explora Journeys stands on its own as a brand, it’s part of MSC, the family-owned global shipping conglomerate based in Geneva.

“Now that everyone is on board, they understand what it means to be a boutique resort on the water: the European-ness in terms of design, the ambiance, and the atmosphere,” said Michael Ungerer, the CEO of Explora Journeys, when we met over espresso in the ship’s Explora Lounge as we cruised the North Sea. “It’s been totally exhilarating and extremely rewarding — and also humbling, in a way, when you think about every little tiny detail we have planned from day one and how it came together and how many people were involved,” Ungerer said, thinking back on the more than five-year odyssey of developing and launching the new brand.

Then, he surprised me with a question. “Did you go to the canning museum in Stavanger?” he asked, before I’d had the chance to fill him in on my memorable morning. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

Explora I will sail Northern Europe, as well as New England and Eastern Canada this summer and fall, before continuing south to the Caribbean. Seven-day trips aboard Explora I start from $3,650 per person, all inclusive, and you can book your cruise at explorajourneys.com .

Related Articles

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Disneyland Resort
• Ka La’I Wakiki Beach
• Kalamazoo Grill
• Raffles Hotels & Resorts
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Vacation Time? Rolex Is Opening Its First Store on a Cruise Ship

The swiss brand has partnered with explora journeys to bring its coveted timepieces aboard the new vessel 'explora i.', cait bazemore, cait bazemore's most recent stories.

• Daniel Roth Just Dropped a Luscious New Rose Gold Tourbillon Watch
• Parmigiani Fleurier Just Dropped 3 New Perfectly Sized Tonda Watches
• TAG Heuer and Porsche Just Dropped a New Carrera Chronograph
• Share This Article

If you’d willingly travel across the globe to get your hands on a Rolex , you’re in luck.

Related Stories

• Yayoi Kusama’s Louis Vuitton Pumpkin Bag Just Sold for a Record $151,200 at Auction

Swiss Watch Exports Rose Last Month. Here’s Why the Industry’s Outlook for 2024 Is Still ‘Negative.’

• Is Rolex Shorting the Market of New Watches to Drive Its Certified Pre-Owned Program?

Explora I is part of MSC’s Explora Journeys cruise line, and its maiden voyage will depart on July 17 from Southampton in the United Kingdom to Copenhagen, Denmark. With this subset, MSC hopes to redefine the luxury cruise category by offering an unprecedented experience for a new generation of discerning travelers, which includes destinations in lesser-traveled harbors, more authentic local experiences, and a slower pace of travel.

The world’s first Rolex boutique at sea will open on July 17 for Explora I’s maiden voyage from the U.K. to destinations including Bruges, Belgium; Brønnøysund, Norway; and Skagen, Denmark over the course of 16 days.

Of course, getting on a cruise ship might seem like a long route to buying your next watch, but with only a few hundred cabins onboard, the Explora I may not have as much competition as your local authorized dealer.

Read More On:

More watch collector.

The Rolex Day-Date 36 Is Skyrocketing in Value—Here’s Why

Rapper IDK Designed a Custom Rolex Datejust With a ‘Tiffany Blue’ Dial—and He’s Giving It Away

The Laurent Ferrier Classic Moon Is My Favorite Watch of the 21st Century—Here’s Why

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Watch Collector

The 11 Best Watches at the Emmys, From Jeremy Allen White’s Vacheron to Robert Downey Jr.’s Jaeger-LeCoultre

The 7 Best Watches of the Week, From Adam Driver’s Rolex to Andrew Garfield’s Omega

More from our brands, scarlett johansson gives old hollywood glamour contemporary edge in red saint laurent body-con dress for ‘transformers one’ london premiere, shohei ohtani worth every cent as he reaches 50/50 mark, ‘niko – beyond the northern lights’ debuts clip as beloved reindeer returns for third time: ‘in this film we see the biggest change in niko’ (exclusive), lacma ends south los angeles project to ‘de-center’ the museum over high costs, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Ship shape: Explora Journey's first luxury ship is more like an ultra-luxury resort

There was a boat I saw many years ago moored in Puerto José Banús, its name, painted around the entire circumference in elegant italic lettering was "Goodbye World Nothing You Can Do Or Say Will Make Me Change My Mind”. As I boarded Explora I, the first ship from travel company Explora Journeys, it was all I could think about.

On a journey from Hamburg to Southampton, I took my time getting to know the ins and outs of Explora I, with its 12 bars and lounges, eight restaurants and tranquil spa. Outside areas include infinity pools, private cabanas and sunken daybeds where you can easily imagine you are on a private yacht. Built by Fincantieri in Italy, the ship’s design feels like that of a luxury hotel – from the double height lobby bar to the 75-foot private balconies which lead from the 461 suites. A recent addition to the boutique hotel appeal of Explora I is an impressive art collection including limited-edition screen prints and lithographs by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

Over the course of the next days, I managed to get through trying most of the restaurants. Sakura, which serves up pan Asian, has freshly prepared bento boxes and the crispiest tempura I think I have ever eaten. The Emporium Marketplace offers everything from a fresh pasta counter, make-your-own-salad station, a beautifully presented seafood area and a cheese counter that would not have been out of place at Daylesford. Food is freshly prepared to order for minimum food waste.

Anthology offers a curated menu on a three-month rotation by Michelin-starred chefs. During my trip, the Italian chef Mauro Uliassi was responsible for engaging guests in a quite exceptional culinary journey. Red shrimp with mandarin extract, pineapple and sage flowers and sea bass with roasted mango morel mushrooms and butter sauce are just two of the many that we ate that night.

For those who wish to be more hands-on, shore excursions can be arranged including a samphire and sea buckthorn foraging trip in the Zwin Nature Reserve on the border of Brussels and the Netherlands, and there is a culinary school and a Chef’s Kitchen where classes can be booked to learn to make some of the dishes served on board.

In Rotterdam, we took a trip to the Kijk-Kubus Museum-house, made up of yellow cubic structures designed by architect Piet Blom. In Bruges, we took to the canals and churches to learn the history of this enchanting city as part of an Explora Experience. At the end of each shore excursion, I looked forward to retreating in my cocooning cabin.

A 10-night ‘A Journey of Iberian Wonders & Moroccan Mystique’ trip with Explora Journeys on board the new Explora II departing October 6 from Barcelona costs from $5,210 per person, full-board.

Explora Journeys EXPLORA I Opens First Rolex Boutique At Sea

Explora Journeys  EXPLORA I  has opened the first-ever Rolex boutique at sea! Take a break from lying by the pool and visit the Rolex boutique to purchase some of the world’s most iconic timepieces! 

“We are elated to be partnering with Rolex, a like-minded Geneva based Swiss luxury brand that very much shares our values and our long-term sustainable vision,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.  “ It enables us to offer our discerning travelers the opportunity to purchase Rolex watches while sailing on board EXPLORA I . We believe that this new retail location will be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their journey experience.”

MORE ABOUT THE ROLEX BOUTIQUE

• The store will open on board  EXPLORA I  on July 17, 2023, and will be available exclusively to Explora Journeys guests.
• Knowledgeable and experienced hosts, who were trained by Rolex, will run the new Rolex boutique.
• The new Rolex boutique will offer personalized shopping assistance to discerning travelers by managing the allocation of watches per suite for an exclusive and curated shopping experience.

RELATED: EXPLORA JOURNEYS UNVEILS NEW CARIBBEAN AND EUROPEAN ITINERARIES FOR EXPLORA I

Will you be visiting the Rolex boutique aboard  EXPLORA I.  Let us know in the comments!

We are proud to announce the first @Rolex boutique at sea. Whilst sailing on board EXPLORA I, guests will have the opportunity to purchase some of the world's most iconic timepieces by Rolex at a boutique entirely dedicated to the brand. #ExploraJourneys #Rolex pic.twitter.com/3gp92Ox4m5 — Explora Journeys (@ExploraJourneys) June 7, 2023

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital & Social Media Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

You may also like

MSC Preziosa: Cosmopolitan Cruising

Cruise Ship Review: MSC Preziosa Gear up and then unwind through memorable moments aboard MSC Prezio

Like a Local: US Virgin Islands

LIKE A LOCAL Livin’ in the USVI By Carol Bareuther Sure, there are guidebooks that list every rest

A Cruise to Norway Means Magical Memories

A cruise to Norway means magical memories. By Susan Zimmerman Ahoy, voyagers headed to Norway! Take

A Guide to Cruise Hygiene

Norwegian Luna Unveiled! 

Celebrating Milestones on a Cruise

A Luxury Lab for Green Living

Explora I: The First Rolex Boutique at Sea

Explora Journeys has announced that Explora I will host the first Rolex Boutique at Sea, offering guests the opportunity to purchase some of the world’s most iconic watches.

The new Rolex Boutique at Sea will offer travelers an unparalleled shopping experience with an aesthetic that invites guests to browse through a wide range of models and styles.

Rolex – Explora I

Leonardo Massa, Managing Director Italy of Explora Journeys , commented: “Having a prestigious brand like Rolex onboard for the first time confirms our desire to offer our guests the best possible experience. With this partnership, our guests will be able to purchase a Rolex while traveling onboard Explora I”.

The new Rolex Boutique, which will open on July 17, 2023, will be staffed by experienced, Rolex-trained associates who will provide a dedicated shopping experience and be available to assist travelers with purchases and manage the allocation of watches by suite.

Don’t miss more information, news and reviews of Explora Journeys on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

Latest Reportages

Royal clipper: a sailing experience and beyond, on board viva two towards the danube delta, atlas ocean voyages: intimate yacht style cruises, sh vega: luxury meets expedition, expedition with passion: ocean albatros.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE WORLD’S FIRST ROLEX BOUTIQUE AT SEA ON EXPLORA I

COURTESY Explora Journeys: Geneva, Switzerland, June 7, 2023: Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, is proud to announce the first-ever Rolex boutique on board a ship. While enjoying the ultimate in luxury travel, guests aboard EXPLORA I will have the opportunity to purchase some of the world’s most iconic timepieces by Rolex at a boutique entirely dedicated to the Swiss luxury watchmaker.

The new ‘Rolex at sea mono brand store’ offers travelers an unparalleled shopping experience. Its elegant design aesthetic is an invitation to browse an extensive range of models and styles.

Rolex is internationally recognized for its pre-eminent watchmaking expertise and the unique quality of its craftmanship. The Oyster Perpetual watches, all ‘Superlative Chronometer’ certified for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. For over a century, Rolex watches have accompanied explorers and achievers around the world, from the top of the highest mountains to the deepest reaches of the ocean.

Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys, comments: “We are elated to be partnering with Rolex, a like-minded Geneva based Swiss luxury brand that very much shares our values and our long-term sustainable vision. It enables us to offer our discerning travelers the opportunity to purchase Rolex watches while sailing on board EXPLORA I. We believe that this new retail location will be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their journey experience.”

The new Rolex boutique will be operated by knowledgeable and experienced hosts trained by Rolex. They will offer a curated shopping experience and be available to assist discerning travelers with their purchases while managing the allocation of watches per suite.

The store will open on board EXPLORA I on July 17, 2023, and will be available exclusively to Explora Journeys guests.

About Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created at the heart of Swiss luxury hospitality. The brand stems from the owners’ long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travelers, drawing on the family`s 300 years of maritime heritage. The brand’s aspiration is to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and like-minded people, while remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-traveled ports, for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

A fleet of up to six ships, two of which are under construction, will be launched from 2023 to 2028. Equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a new style of transformative ocean travel. EXPLORA I offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for our guests, all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of eleven distinct culinary experiences, across six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, twelve bars and lounges, (eight indoor and four outdoor) Chef`s Kitchen, four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company`s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience respectful and intuitive hospitality.

Cover photo: EXPLORA I ship, credit Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys Cruises EXPLORA I EXPLORA II

1 thought on “EXPLORA JOURNEYS ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE WORLD’S FIRST ROLEX BOUTIQUE AT SEA ON EXPLORA I”

I Love my Rolex presidential, great watch including the Presidential platinum

Comments are closed.

All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.

Subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!

• CruiseMapper
• MSC Explora Journeys

MSC Explora 1

Former name: exploria i.

Cruise line MSC Explora Journeys

• Piraeus-Athens (Greece)
• Miami (Florida)
• Istanbul (Turkey, Galataport)
• Venice (Marghera, Italy)
• Bridgetown (Barbados)

MSC Explora 1 current position

MSC Explora 1 current location is at Marmara Sea (coordinates 41.02617 N / 28.98482 E) cruising en route to Istanbul. The AIS position was reported 5 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of MSC Explora 1

MSC Explora 1 current cruise is 14 days, one-way from Venice to Istanbul . Prices start from USD 9500 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 06 Sep, 2024 and ends on 20 Sep, 2024 .

Specifications of MSC Explora 1

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

MSC Explora 1 Itineraries

Msc explora 1 review, review of msc explora 1.

The 2023-built MSC Explora 1 cruise ship ("Explora I", currently under construction ) is the first in a series of six MSC EXPLORA-class expedition ships, with fleetmates Explora 2 (2024/sistership), Explora 3 (2026), Explora 4 (2027), Explora 5 (2027), and Explora 6 (2028). These boats are owned by MSC Group and operated as a separate fleet under the company's new luxury brand MSC EXPLORA JOURNEYS .

The vessel (IMO number 9869875) is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 256389000) and registered in Valletta . The delivery was delayed three times in 2023 - first from March to May and twice in July.

History - construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples . Established in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) - the world's 2nd largest containership company . MSC is also the world's largest privately-owned cruise company.

By annual passenger shipping volumes, MSC is ranked the world's 3rd largest cruise shipowner - following only Carnival Corporation and RCG-Royal Caribbean .

MSC's EXPLORA ships offer plenty of interior public spaces, 2500+ m2 (~27000 ft2) of exterior deck spaces, spacious Sundeck (with 64 private cabanas), 3x outdoor swimming pools (two aft, one forward), one midship swimming pool covered by a retractable glass roof (indoor pool with a 2-deck sunbathing area and a large LED screen for movies, Ultra-HD images and videos, real-time sea views), several Jacuzzies (indoor and outdoor spa pools/whirlpools, including 1x crew pool) and sundecks with poolside dining and lounging, 9x different dining options (restaurants and food bars) plus in-cabin dining (via 24-hour room service).

Explora I's ultra-modern wellness complex is sized 700+ m2 (7500+ ft2) and has an indoor-outdoor Spa (9x Treatment Rooms for massages, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon) and Gym (sized 270+ m2 / 2900+ ft2, fitted with the latest fitness equipment) and with a separate Fitness Studio (for group classes and personal training sessions). A Running Track encircles the Sundeck's sunbathing area (Deck 12).

The passenger-to-crew ratio of 1,25 guarantees attentive services by a dedicated staff.

Of the total public space (~16600 m2 / 179000 ft2 of passenger-accessible areas), the outdoor space is ~6250 m2 (67300 ft2) which means ~6,5 m2 (70 ft2) per passenger.

For more information on MSC's EXPLORA-class vessels see the ship's Wiki section .

Decks and cabins

All MSC Explora I staterooms (461 total) are all outside/balconied and in Suite categories. Each cabin is fitted with floor-ceiling windows that open to a step-out terrace. Standard cabins are sized 35-39 m2 / 375-420 ft2 (OCEAN TERRACE SUITE), with 28 m2 (300 ft2) indoor space and 7-11 m2 (75-120 ft2) balcony. The largest accommodation is the OWNER'S RESIDENCE (280 m2 / 3015 ft2), with indoor space 155 m2 (1670 ft2) and aft-facing wraparound balcony sized 125 m2 (1345 ft2).

Cabin types include Owner's Residence (1), Ocean Residences (22), Ocean Penthouses (67), and Ocean Suites (371). The ship has a total of 82 interconnecting cabins (Family Suites) designed for families and small-group travelers.

"MSC Yacht Club" 24-hour butler services are provided complimentary to all Ocean Residences and Ocean Penthouses. Butler services packing and unpacking, pressing and laundering assistance, room service, itinerary and land transportation planning, special event planning, reservations assistance (onboard and ashore).

The boat has 13 decks , of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 5 with cabins.

MSC Explora Journeys deals are inclusive of accommodation, shipboard food (dining at 9 venues plus room service), unlimited beverages (including fine wines, premium liquors, brand coffees and teas, soft drinks), complimentary cabin mini-bar drinks and snacks, access to the wellness facilities (Spa, Fitness, training programs), tips/onboard gratuities, free unlimited Wi-Fi (throughout), Welcome Aboard Gifts (flowers, mini chocolates, bottle of champagne), premium shuttle bus services (port to downtown), 24-hour concierge services, twice-daily housekeeping services (including evening turndown service), shoeshine service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

All public facilities (restaurants, lounges, bars) are with floor-ceiling windows and unobstructed views. All sundecks are wind-protected (via a wraparound glass wall), furnished with premium patio furniture (3-seater sofas, padded loungers, double daybeds, deckchairs) and decorated with large living plants.

The onboard dining experience is all-inclusive and marked by flexible dining times and gourmet dishes prepared with sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.

The ship has a total of 18x food and beverage venues including 10x dining (6x restaurants, Chef`s Kitchen) and 12x bars and lounges (8x indoor + 4x outdoor). Wine selections are according to the current itinerary program/regions sailed, with a certified sommelier service for the boutique wine labels and wine pairing.

Next are listed the ship's restaurants.

• Anthology (midship on Deck 4/international cuisine). Anthology Restaurant is the venue where celebrity chefs (who attend select voyages as guests) create special menus in collaboration with Franck Garanger (Explora Journeys’ Head Chef).
• Sakura (aft-portside on Deck 5/Pan-Asian cuisine - Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian; Sake sommelier service; Asian beverages; modern Asian music)
• Marble & Co. Grill (midship on Deck 5/steakhouse with a wine cellar; personally sourced and sustainably farmed beef)
• Med Yacht Club (midship-portside on Deck 4/varied Mediterranean cuisine specialties from France, Spain, Italy, Greece; premium wines from regional vineyards; cocktails made with regional ingredients; fresh-squeezed juices)
• Emporium Marketplace (aft on Deck 11/all-day opened buffet restaurant with food themed on the visited destinations; has 18x cooking stations - sushi, seafood, daily rotisserie, homemade sandwiches, cooked-to-order pasta, fresh-baked pizzas & breads, charcuterie/cured meats station, fromagerie/cheese station, boulangerie/bakery; beverages station/soft drinks, brand teas & coffees, fresh juices, wines & champagne)
• Fil Rouge (concept restaurant midship-portside on Deck 5/traditional French cuisine and French-inspired international dishes; with a dessert cart/tableside service; wine selection)
• Chef's Kitchen & Private Dining Room (forward-starboard on Deck 11/capacity 12 seats; at a fee per person)

In-cabin dining is available 24 hours.

Next are listed the ship's lounges and bars.

• Lobby Bar (midship on Deck 4)
• Malt Whiskey Bar (forward-portside on Deck 11/has a smoking-allowed terrace, walk-in humidor/cigar expert, an extensive collection that includes even rarest whiskies)
• Journeys Lounge (forward on Deck 4/serves the company's onboard enrichment and entertainment program)
• Explora Lounge (forward on Deck 11/with 270-degree seaviews; Afternoon Tea service, also serves light meals and snacks)
• Gelateria & Creperie (midship-starboard on Deck 11 - within The Conservatory/gourmet ice creams and crepes, brand coffees)
• Crema Cafe (midship-starboard on Deck5/serves premium coffees prepared by certified baristas, fresh-pressed juices, gourmet pastries, cakes, desserts)
• Astern Lounge (aft on Deck 5/live music entertainment daily, doubles as nightclub with a DJ programming)
• Astern Pool & Bar (aft on Deck 5/poolside bar lounge with nightly live music/acoustic musicians and DJs)
• Sky Bar on 14 (aft on Deck 14/outdoor lounge)
• Atoll Pool & Bar (aft on Deck 10)
• Helios Pool & Bar (forward on Deck 12/adults-only poolside outdoor lounge)

On Deck 11 (adjacent to the Chef's Kitchen) is the Children's Area (indoor playground) a spacious room designed for kids' entertainment and supervised activities.

The Conservatory Pool & Bar (glass roof-protected poolside lounge midship on Deck 11; in the evenings transforms into Cinema for movies under the stars).

Deck 3 houses an Aft Marina Deck (for launching watersports activities) with an adjacent Marina Lounge & Bar and two fore-located Tender Areas (portside and starboard) for ferrying passengers (transportation via tender boats) between the ship and the shore. Forward-starboard is the Infirmary/Medical Centre.

Deck 4 houses the Forward Lounge (with a large stage and amphitheatrical seating), the Casino (gaming lounge fitted with table games and slot machines), the Lobby Hall (24-hour Guest Services/Reception Desk for assistance, Destination Experiences for information on and organizing of land tours and excursions), Boutiques (duty-free shops), as well as two restaurants - Mediterranean-style (portside) and International-style (starboard), with an adjacent Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for food and beverages).

The onboard shops include the first at-sea Rolex Boutique, via an exclusive partnership (signed in June 2023) between Explora Journeys and Rolex SA (1905-founded, Geneva-based watch designer and manufacturer). The shop is dedicated to the ultra-luxury Swiss watch brand and offers for purchasing an extensive selection of models including from the renowned Rolex Oyster Perpetual series.

Another signature retail store is the "Watch and Jewelry Shop" (introduced in July 2023) selling the Swiss ultra-premium watch brands Cartier, Panerai, and Piaget.

Deck 5 houses an indoor-outdoor Spa (9x Treatment Rooms for massages, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon), Concept Restaurant, Coffee Lounge (patisserie), Steakhouse, Art Gallery (displaying original artworks and also hosting art auctions), MSC Foundation (a venue dedicated to the established by the Aponte family independent not-for-profit organization that manages MSC Group's conservation and humanitarian activities). Aft are the Pan-Asian Restaurant, Aft Lounge & Bar, and the Lower Aft Plunge Pool & Lounge (outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck area).

The forward section of Deck 6 is a crew-only zone with staff and crew cabins, Messhall (crew dining room and bar lounge) and the crew sundeck (bow-facing sunbathing area with a large Jacuzzi/spa pool).

Besides passenger staterooms, Deck 11 (Lido Deck) houses also the Fitness complex consisting of a Gym Room (fitted with the latest training equipment) and a separate Fitness Studio (for group classes and personal training sessions). Midship on Lido Deck is the main swimming pool (indoor pool covered with a retractable glass roof) and its sunbathing area. The pool deck is served by the poolside bar Gelateria & Creperie (snacks and beverages) and the All-Day Dining Restaurant (indoor Lido buffet with an aft terrace/outdoor seating). At the stern is the Upper Aft Pool & Lounge (sundeck with open-air bar, 4-seat tables, a swimming pool and sunbathing area with daybeds and padded loungers).

On Deck 12 are the Forward Pool & Lounge (adults-only sundeck with a large swimming pool and sunbathing area) and the 2-lane Running Track (making a full circle/looping nearly the entire deck with lined up sun loungers for relaxation).

Aft on Deck 14 is the Panorama Lounge & Bar (an outdoor venue with a Whirlpool/Jacuzzi and sunbathing areas with loungers) and the Sports Court (outdoor facility for playing basketball, volleyball, football, tennis). Midship are the Funnels (smokestacks) adjacent to the Retractable Glass-Roof that covers the main swimming pool (on Deck 11 below).

Journey Together Gatherings (shipboard family program)

In May 2023 Explora Journeys introduced the shipboard program "Journey Together Gatherings".

The program targets multi-generational families and features a dedicated children's lounge (Nautilus Club/ for both kids and teenagers), various destination-themed family experiences, complimentary land-to-ship transfers.

The Nautilus Club hosts age-appropriate supervised activities (for children aged 6-17) including interactive gaming (on PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), sports contests, fun workshops and games. Nautilus Club has its own heated swimming pools and a Sports Court.

Each Explora ship has a total of 82 interconnecting staterooms (designed for families with children) in three categories - Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, and Ocean Residence. In each of the family cabins, one minor passenger (under-18) cruises for free.

All infants and toddlers (6-23-month-old kids) sail free while 2-17 years-old kids sail at 50% off.

Itineraries

Explora I's itinerary program is based on 7-night voyages in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, Iceland) featuring less-traveled ports with longer stays (unconventional in-port times of arrival/departure) and many overnights to allow the MSC tourists access to unique ashore experiences.

The inaugural season's signature destinations include Bordeaux France , Saint Tropez (French Riviera), Reykjavik Iceland , Lofoten Islands (Norway) , Eastern Mediterranean's Kastellorizo island (Greece) and Bozcaada Island (Turkey) .

Explora 1's "Inaugural Journeys Collection" (itinerary program 2023) was announced in late-February 2022. The boat's deployment is in Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, UK, Iceland, Greenland), North America (Canada, East Coast USA, Hawaii), Caribbean, South America.

Itineraries vary between 6-night and 44-night (Grand Voyage), visiting 132 ports/islands in 40 countries.

• MEDITERRANEAN (May-June 2023), call ports Barcelona, St Tropez, Calvi-Corsica, Chivitavechia-Rome, Fiskardo (Kefalonia Island), Istanbul, Piraeus-Athens, Patmos Island, Bodrum, Kastellorizo, Santorini Island, Mykonos Island, Gozo-Malta, Ibiza, Malaga, Cadiz-Sevilla, Portimao, Lisbon, Oporto, St Jean-de-Luz, Bordeaux, Saint-Malo, Honfleur
• NORTHERN EUROPE/BALTIC (July-August 2023), call ports Southampton, Lofoten Islands and Norwegian Fjords (Kristiansand, Hellesylt, Alesund, Molde, Trondheim, Narvik, Honningsvag, Tromso, Leknes-Gravdal, Bronnoysund, Flam, Bergen, Stavanger), Skagen, Copenhagen, Ronne, Helsinki, Sankt-Petersburg, Stockholm, Visby, Riga, Klaipeda, Gdansk, Copenhagen, Goteborg, Oslo, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge-Bruges
• UK-ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND (August 2023), call ports Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Invergordon, Stornoway, Oban, Liverpool, Glasgow, Fort William, Portree, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Faroes (Thorshavn), Iceland (Reykjavik)
• Transatlantic/ICELAND AND GREENLAND (September 2023), call ports Reykjavik, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Paamiut, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Canada (Sydney NS, St John NB), USA (NYC New York)
• USA AND CANADA (September-October 2023), roundtrip from New York City to, Newport RI, Boston MA, St John NB, Quebec City, La Baie, Baie-Comeau, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Halifax NS
• CARIBBEAN (November 2023), call ports Miami, Key West FL, Virgon Gorda BVI, Deshaies (Guadeloupe), Falmouth (Jamaica), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Gustavia (St Barths), Basseterre (St Kitts), Samana (Dominicana), Ocean Cay (Bahamas), St John`s (Antigua), Castries (St Lucia), Bridgetown (Barbados), Roseau, Kralendijk, Willemstad, Saint-Pierre, Kingstown, Grand Turk Island, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Colon, Soufriere, Bequia (St Vincent), Oranjestad, Cartagena, Puerto Limon, Panama Canal transit to Panama City
• SOUTH AMERICA, USA WEST COAST, HAWAII, ALASKA (January-April 2024)

In June 2022, MSC announced Explora Journeys' Alaska 2024 program (May 6 thru August 28) of Explora I, consisting of 3x voyages departing roundtrip from Vancouver, BC Canada .

• 11-night "The Remote Wrangell and Spectacular Sitka Inaugural Alaskan Journey" (departure May 6th) sails in Alaska (Inside Passage, Wrangell, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Misty Fjord) and Canada (Victoria BC).
• 11-night "Sailing the Whale's Highway" itinerary (departure May 17th) visits Ketchikan, Hoonah-Icy Strait Point, Valdez, Juneau, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier.
• 10-night "Journey of the Glaciers" itinerary (departures May thru July 2024) sails the Alaskan Inside Passage.

Explora I's 2024-2025 winter program (September thru April) was opened for booking in late-February 2023 and included 23 voyages visiting a total of 73 ports/destinations (including Brazillian Amazon) in 24 countries. The program features two longer itineraries.

• The 28-night "A Grand Journey to Amazonia & Tropical Isles Cruise" (departure November 15, 2024, roundtrip from Miami) visits Key West Florida, Spanish Town/Virgin Gorda BVI), Basseterre St Kitts, Saint-Pierre Martinique, Bridgetown Barbados, Iles du Salut Macapa, Brail Amazon (Alter Do Chao, Manaus), Admiralty Bay Bequia, Barbados, Kingstown St Vincent and the Grenadines, Castries St Lucia, Basseterre, MSC Ocean Cay Bahamas.
• (Caribbean-Europe relocation) The 32-night "Grand Transatlantic Odyssey Cruise" (departure March 27, 2025, from Miami to Lisbon) visits San Juan Puerto Rico, Spanish Town/Virgin Gorda BVI, St John's Antigua, St-Pierre Martinique, Barbados, Cape Verde (Praia, Sao Vicente), Canary Islands (Arrecife Lanzarote, Santa Cruz de Tenerife), Santo Antonio/Madeira, Ponta Delgada/Azores, Leixoes-Oporto, Lisbon.

Maiden Voyage (2023)

MSC opened bookings for Explora Journeys (Explora 1's inaugural cruise season/2023) in January 2022.

In October 2022, the brand's inauguration/ship's Maiden Voyage was rescheduled from May 31st (11-night "Maiden Journey into Mare Nostrum" from Barcelona to Piraeus-Athens) to July 17th, 2023 (out of Southampton England UK ).

Citing delayed delivery (due to supply chain issues affecting the Fincantieri shipyard), MSC canceled 12x voyages (including 10x Mediterranean). In July 2023, the ship's delivery was delayed ( CruiseMinus ) and the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for August 1st.

The brand "Explora Journeys" debuts with the 14-night "Extended Journey of Scottish Isles, Danish Cities, and Icelandic Fjords" itinerary (roundtrip from Copenhagen, Denmark ) leaving on August 1st (2023).

EXPLORA I's canceled inaugural sailing (Southampton to Copenhagen/Jul 17 thru Aug 1) can be seen in the ship's Wiki section . The 15-night "A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle" itinerary included visits to 12x Northern European ports in 4 countries.

Photos of MSC Explora 1

MSC Explora 1 ship related cruise news

Explora Journeys unveils exclusive Caribbean experiences for 2024-2025 season

Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled a curated selection of exclusive Caribbean destination experiences...

Explora Journeys commemorates EXPLORA I ship's first year with exclusive benefits

MSC Explora Journeys marked the first anniversary of its flagship vessel, EXPLORA I, on August 1, 2024, celebrating a year of pioneering luxury ocean...

Explora Journeys unveils 2024 adventures with renowned explorer Mike Horn

MSC Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand and sister company of MSC Cruises, has unveiled unique Destination Experiences...

MSC Explora Journeys partners with Louis Vuitton America’s Cup

On June 19th, MSC's luxury travel brand Explora Journeys successfully launched a partnership with Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup (sailing...

Explora Journeys introduces exclusive Mediterranean experiences for 2024

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand and subsidiary of MSC Group, has unveiled a new assortment of distinctive destination...

Starlink Wi-Fi now available on 15 MSC Cruises ships

MSC Cruises has expanded its utilization of Starlink Wi-Fi across two-thirds of its fleet, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing connectivity for...

MSC Explora Journeys introduces American itineraries (Latin America, USA & Canada Pacific Coast...

Explora Journeys, the new luxury travel brand of MSC Group (world's largest container shipping company) has unveiled its latest Destination...

Explora Journeys reveals itineraries for ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through April 2026

Explora Journeys, the distinguished luxury lifestyle brand under the MSC Group, has revealed its sailing itineraries for both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA...

Explora Journeys unveils holiday cruises for EXPLORA I ship

MSC Group's expedition brand Explora Journeys presents the holiday sailings scheduled for EXPLORA I, the fleet's first vessel among potentially 6...

PortMiami welcomes MSC Explora 1, marking maiden call in South Florida

PortMiami welcomed the arrival of MSC Explora 1, marking the ship's maiden call in South Florida and its introduction to the Caribbean cruise market...

•   show more news

Other MSC Explora Journeys cruise ships

• MSC Explora 2
• MSC Explora 3
• MSC Explora 4
• MSC Explora 5
• MSC Explora 6

MSC Explora 1 Wiki

The vessel (Fincantieri Monfalcone yard/hull number 6319) has volume 63900 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 7500 tons, max draught 7 m. The powerplant is based on 4x Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 8L46F) with combined output 38,4 MW (51500 hp). The propulsion is PEM fuel-cell-battery hybrid (based on 2x motors) with combined output 20 MW (26820 hp). The registered shipowner is MSC CROCIERE SPA, while the registered manager is MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING CO.

In January 2018 strong rumors started to circulate about MSC considering the establishment of a new (all-inclusive luxury) cruise brand. There was also the possibility (instead of creating a new brand) MSC to just create a parallel "expedition" fleet, but in 2020 was confirmed that this would be a new brand.

On October 18, 2018, MSC Group and Fincantieri signed the MoA (memorandum of agreement) for building 4x ultra-luxury ships, with contract value EUR 2,0 billion (~USD 2,3B / ~GBP 1,75B). The announcement mentioned that the first unit will be delivered in 2023-Q2, and that the design is based on GT tonnage/volume ~64,000 tons and capacity 500 staterooms.

• The MSC-Fincantieri final shipbuilding contract for the four luxury expedition ships was signed on March 14, 2019.
• Both deals were signed by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Executive Chairman) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).
• With this order, MSC's Fincantieri-built ships reached 17 units (total investment EUR 14,96 billion / ~USD 17,27B / ~GBP 13,6B), all to be completed/delivered by the year 2027. By 2027, the MSC's cruise fleet will consist of 29 vessels.

The collective investment for the 4 units (~EUR 2.3 billion) had the potential to generate a substantial economic impact of EUR 10+ billion on the Italian economy, including employment, as each unit's construction requires 7+ million manhours of work and an average workforce of 2500 individuals for a span of 2+ years.

The rumors were officially confirmed in March 2021 when was announced the new brand's senior management team.

• Michael Ungerer (CEO), Chris Austin (CSO-Chief Sales Officer)
• Sarah Doyle (CMO-Chief Marketing Officer)
• Thatcher Brown (Commercial and Strategic Advisor), John Stoll (Destination Experience Advisor)
• Sacha Rougier (Itinerary Planning, Shore Experience)
• Previous to their MSC employments, Chris Austin worked for Seabourn (SVP Global Sales and Marketing), Sarah Doyle for Bacardi Europe (Vice President Marketing), Thatcher Brown for GHK Dream Cruises (President) and Crystal Cruises Asia (Managing Director), Sacha Rougier for Cruise Gate Hamburg /Center Steinwerder (Managing Director), John Stoll for Crystal Cruises and Silversea (as Director Land Programs).

MSC Explora I vessel's construction (yard/hull number 6319) officially started on June 10, 2021, with the steel-cutting ceremony held at the Naval Service Center in San Giorgio di Nogaro (Udine). The special event was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Executive Chairman), Michael Ungerer (Explora Journeys' CEO) and Fabio Gallia (Fincantieri's General Manager).

Explora I's keel-laying (aka coin) ceremony at Fincantieri Monfalcone was held on February 24, 2022. During the special event, two newly minted coins were placed under the hull's first keel block. The ceremony was attended by two godmothers/madrinas - Alessandra Fontana (Explora Journeys' Chief Marketing Officer) and Ester Fugazzi (Fincantieri's Head of General Services), as well as by Pierfrancesco Vago and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO).

Explora I's launch/float out from drydock was on May 30, 2022. The special event was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Claudio Graziano (Fincantieri's Chairman) and Pierroberto Folgiero (Fincantieri's CEO).

On June 7, 2022, MSC announced the name of Explora 1's Master - Serena Melani (Captain since 2016). On October 12th, MSC announced that the boat's alternating Captain is Diego Michelozzi (former Italian Navy officer).

In April 2023, Michael Ungerer announced that the ship's godmother would be Sylvia Alice Earle (1935-born American marine biologist, oceanographer, author, lecturer, and also the founder of Mission Blue/global network of protected marine areas).

Explora I's christening ceremony was initially scheduled for July 8, 2023, to be held at Port Civitavecchia-Rome . Following the naming, the vessel had to relocate to Southampton to start the 15-night Maiden Voyage (on July 17th) ending in Copenhagen . However, the ship's completion/commissioning was delayed several times due to issues with suppliers and subcontractors. Explora I's delivery date was last pushed back from July 6th to July 24th (2023). The vessel was officially delivered from Fincantieri Monfalcone to MSC on July 20th. The ceremony was attended by Gianluigi Aponte (MSC Group's Founder and Chairman), Pierfrancesco Vago, Zoe Africa Vago (ship's godmother), Michael Ungerer (Explora Journeys), Pierroberto Folgiero (Fincantieri).

On September 25, 2023, Explora 1 arrived in Port NYC (New York USA) for an overnight stay (Sep 25-26) at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The call was also Explora Journeys' debut in North America.

However, the naming ceremony was postponed and held on October 12th (2023) at NYC's Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The special event was led by Sylvia Earle and was attended by international media representatives as well as by VIP guests including senior officers from MSC Group (Pierfrancesco Vago) and Explora Journeys (Michael Ungerer) as well as the new company's principal travel partners.

Inaugural cruise 2023

The next table shows Explora I's MAIDEN VOYAGE itinerary (2023).

(CANCELED) 25-night/26-day "Inaugural Grand Journey into History Cruise" - priced from EUR 15770 / USD 16555 / GBP 13540 (per person with double occupancy).

However, due to construction delays, this voyage was canceled in October 2022 and the Inaugural Cruise was rescheduled for July 17th.

(CANCELED/2023) 15-night/16-day "A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle Cruise"

The sailing was priced from EUR 8780 / USD 9250 / GBP 7520 pp.

( MAIDEN VOYAGE /2023) 13-night/14-day "Extended Journey of Scottish Isles, Danish Cities, and Icelandic Fjords"

(inaugural Transatlantic crossing/2023) 23-day UK to USA

(inaugural Caribbean cruise/2023) 14-day "Extended Escapes into a Yachtsman's Caribbean" itinerary

MSC EXPLORA ship technology

All boats for the MSC brand Explora Journeys are constructed at Fincantieri's Monfalcone Shipyard (near Trieste Italy ).

WIth Explora I's steel-cutting (June 10, 2021) was also officially launched MSC's expedition travel brand "Explora Journeys". The brand's mandala-inspired logo was designed by Alexa Aponte-Vago (MSC Group's CFO, MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte's daughter and Pierfrancesco Vago's wife).

Explora Journeys' boats are fitted with the maritime industry's latest technologies for protecting the environment and also prepared to adopt alternative energy sources (hybrid powerplant) when they become widely available in the near future.

MSC EXPLORA-class ship design incorporates provisions for battery storage (allowing energy generation by a hybrid powerplant) as well as the latest SCR Systems (Selective Catalytic Reduction/aka wet scrubbers) technology for reducing nitrogen oxide/NOx emissions by 90%. Other environmental-supporting and energy-saving technologies implemented in all EXPLORA boats include optimized hull (covered with anti-fouling paint) and hydrodynamics, smart HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system, USCD-approved ballastwater treatment plant, advanced wastewater treatment system, LED lighting (throughout), CII Trim Optimization software (optimizing the trim and draft to reduce main engines fuel consumption up to 3%).

The ships are fitted with shoreside power capabilities (for eliminating CO emissions while port-berthed) and advanced underwater noise management systems (for protecting marine life). All MSC EXPLORA ships also have a comprehensive range of onboard energy-efficient/power-saving equipment to optimize engine use and further reduce emissions.

Explora 1 and 2 are fitted with marine diesel engines running on LSFO (low sulfur fuel oil), Explora 3 and 4 are with LNG engines while Explora 5 and 6 are with LNG engines and hydrogen powerplants (fuel cell technology). All boats are RINA-certified (by RINA DOLPHIN) for reducing underwater noise and vibrations. By MSC's sustainable policies, single-use plastics are not used both on the ships and ashore.

In late-September 2020, Versonix Seaware announced that MSC's new brand will use the Versonix system for online cruise booking. Annually, Versonix serves 20+ million passengers and 100+ ships. Versonix (1986-founded) is a Silicon Valley company (headquartered in San Jose CA USA) specializing in hotel and resort reservation technologies. The company is run by Victor Velton (President) and Yuri Polissky (CEO).

In July 2022, MSC signed a contract with SES SA (Luxembourg-based owner and operator of satellites and terrestrial telecommunications networks) to provide "O3b mPower" (satellite connectivity) to Explora Journeys' fleet. SES' O3b mPower combines the company's second-generation MEO satellites (medium Earth orbit/ positioned ~8000 km / ~5000 mi above the earth) and GEO satellites (geosynchronous equatorial orbit/positioned at altitude~35800 km / 22300 mi).

On July 6, 2022, was signed the MoA for building two more MSC EXPLORA ships (Explora 5 and Explora 6), which are both LNG and hydrogen-powered - with engines running on LNG/liquefied natural gas and also fitted with a containment system for liquid hydrogen. The hydrogen powers a 6-MW/megawatt fuel cell to produce all the electricity needed for the onboard hotel operations. With Explora 5 (2027) and Explora 6 (2028), MSC's Explora Journeys investment totaled EUR 3,5 billion.

MSC EXPLORA-class vessels' initial cost was EUR 495 million (USD 600M) per unit. However, unlike the first pair of sisterships (Explora 1 and Explora 2 ), the second pair of sisterships ( Explora 3 and Explora 4 ) have a higher building cost (EUR 615 million (USD 730 million, or +EUR 120M each) because of the LNG engines and the related design changes. This also delayed Explora Journeys' boats 3 and 4 deliveries that were rescheduled for 2026 (from 2025) and 2027 (from 2026), respectively.

Lorem ipsum

• Life On Explora
• Shopping Experiences

OFFICIAL CARTIER RETAILER ON EXPLORA I

A reference in the world of luxury, Cartier, whose name is synonymous with open-mindedness and curiosity, stands out with its creations and reveals beauty wherever it may lie.

Located in the lobby of EXPLORA I, this exclusive Cartier watch store offers yet another opportunity to discover hidden gems.

The story of Cartier

Founded in Paris in 1847, the Maison has a strong living heritage and is deeply committed to taking care of it and enriching it.

Cartier's creations symbolize the convergence between exceptional craftsmanship and a timeless signature.

About our Partnership

The Boutique unites guests with expert Cartier hosts. Experience in-depth product knowledge, personalised styling advice, gifting recommendations and a seamless continuation of Explora Journeys’ five-star service. Proud to partner with a brand that shares our sustainable values. No appointment required, take time to peruse Cartier in the Lobby on deck 4 - another Explora Journeys exclusive.

RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFERS

Stay informed and inspired – join our newsletter for the latest offers and destinations.

Thank you for joining us

Our journey together is just beginning...

newsletter sign up

Join our journey. Receive exclusive news and updates from Explora Journeys.

By clicking on Register you consent to the processing of your personal data for Marketing, as indicated in our  Privacy Policy

[optional] I consent to the processing of my Personal Data for Profiling purposes as defined in Section 3 of the  Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT 2024 EXPLORA JOURNEYS

• Previous Article
• Next Article

Giant magneto-impedance effect in amorphous ferromagnetic wire with a weak helical anisotropy: Theory and experiment

• Article contents
• Figures & tables
• Supplementary Data
• Peer Review
• Reprints and Permissions
• Cite Icon Cite
• Search Site

N. A. Usov , S. A. Gudoshnikov; Giant magneto-impedance effect in amorphous ferromagnetic wire with a weak helical anisotropy: Theory and experiment. J. Appl. Phys. 28 June 2013; 113 (24): 243902. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4812278

Download citation file:

• Ris (Zotero)
• Reference Manager

An adequate description of the results of experimental measurement of both diagonal and off-diagonal Giant magneto-impedance (GMI) components has been obtained for Co-rich amorphous microwire at moderate frequencies assuming the existence of a small off-diagonal tensor component of the residual quenching stress. The latter is the origin of a weak helical anisotropy of amorphous microwire. The micromagnetic simulation of the magnetization reversal process in the microwire under the influence of the applied magnetic field and dc bias current has been carried out. It is shown that due to the influence of the magneto–elastic interaction in a wire with a weak helical anisotropy, the behavior of the longitudinal and circular magnetization components is significantly correlated. Namely, the change of the sign of the longitudinal magnetization component under the influence of the axial magnetic field leads to a subsequent jump of the circular magnetization component at some critical value of the applied magnetic field. As a result of the jump of the circular magnetization, the off-diagonal GMI component also changes sign during the wire magnetization reversal. This effect is confirmed experimentally for a Co-rich wire with a small negative magnetostriction. It is also shown that the jump of the circular magnetization can be eliminated by a circular magnetic field of a weak dc bias current flowing along the wire. This effect allows one to design sensitive magnetic field sensor based on the measurement of the off-diagonal GMI component.

Citing articles via

Submit your article.

Sign up for alerts

• Online ISSN 1089-7550
• Print ISSN 0021-8979
• For Researchers
• For Librarians
• For Advertisers
• Our Publishing Partners  
• Physics Today
• Conference Proceedings
• Special Topics

pubs.aip.org

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Connect with AIP Publishing

This feature is available to subscribers only.

Sign In or Create an Account