Explora Journeys, the new ultra-luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, is yet to set in stone when it plans to commence sailing to Australia and New Zealand, with executives intent on laying the foundations for the brand in traditional markets.

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.

Explora Journeys has celebrated dual maritime milestones at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Italy – the float out of EXPLORA II and the steel cutting of EXPLORA III, representing the second and third ships out of a total of four firm orders by Explora Journeys.

MSC Cruises has appointed Arnaud Michelin as Contact Centre and Operations Manager – Australia & New Zealand. Commencing in the role this week, Michelin will play a pivotal role in enhancing MSC Cruises’ customer-centric approach, optimising service models, and refining business processes to support our agent partnerships.

The Port of Barcelona, Spain has welcomed Explora Journeys’ first ship, EXPLORA I, ahead of the new ship receiving her first guests in Copenhagen on 1 August 2023. The stop provided a pre-inaugural “Insider First Look” at the ultra-luxury vessel.

MSC Cruises has introduced a new and improved ‘Future Cruise Programme’ that’s designed to benefit travel advisors and the line’s guests when a customer who had used an agency for their holiday at sea, books their next sailing while onboard.

Explora Journeys took delivery of EXPLORA I, the first luxury ship to join the new ultra-luxury brand’s fleet from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The delivery of EXPLORA I took place where the construction of the 63,900 gross tonne vessel began on 10 June 2021.

MSC Cruises has tapped Lisa Teiotu, Commercial Director AU/NZ to the new role of Managing Director of the cruise lines Australasia business, overseeing local operations and commercial activities, as well as developing a further growth strategy.

The Cruise Division of MSC Group next week will operate the industry’s first net zero greenhouse gas emissions voyage when its latest MSC Cruises flagship, the LNG-powered MSC Euribia, leaves her shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on the way to her naming ceremony in Copenhagen, Denmark.

MSC Cruises has extended its global partnership deal with Formula 1® through to the end of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

Explora Journeys has struck a partnership with world-renowned Italian chef Mauro Uliassi to curate a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for guests onboard EXPLORA I.

MSC Cruises is celebrating its 15-year anniversary of operating in Japan by opening sales for its first-ever winter season in the country.