MSC Group is making significant strides in expanding its fleet of luxury cruise ships amid a booming high-end cruise market. Recently, Fincantieri successfully floated out the third ship for MSC’s luxury brand, Explora Journeys, as the construction of the fourth and fifth ships continues, with plans for a total of six vessels by 2028.
With a focus on the ultra-luxury cruise segment, MSC began this venture in 2019 by placing an initial order for six ships, each measuring approximately 63,900 gross tons. The inaugural ship, Explora I, launched in 2023, will be followed by Explora II in 2024. These ships are designed as all-suite vessels, featuring a range of luxury amenities, including five different pools and six restaurants.
The concept for this line drew inspiration from the family’s own yacht cruising experiences in the Mediterranean. Notably, the construction plans were updated to include liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion systems starting with Explora III, which necessitated an increase in size for the next two ships to accommodate the new engines.
Construction of Explora III began with steel cutting in September 2023, and the subsequent ship, Explora IV, is set to begin construction in January 2024. The launch of Explora III is slated for summer 2026, followed by Explora IV in summer 2027.
The growing presence of MSC in the luxury cruise sector resonates with a wider trend, as seen with the MSC Magnifica’s historic visit to the Cook Islands, where over 2,000 passengers experienced local culture and beauty. Similar surge in cruise tourism activities enhances local economies and promotes global awareness of the unique offerings in the region.
This development not only reflects MSC’s commitment to enriching experiences in luxury travel but also signals a promising future in cruise tourism, with an emphasis on sustainability and guest experiences in mind.
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