In an extravagant event that brought together distinguished guests from around the world, international journalists, and key travel partners, EXPLORA Journeys celebrated the christening of its first ultra-luxury ship, EXPLORA I, in New York City. The ship, part of the MSC Group, promises to redefine luxury ocean travel and offer travelers a unique, off-the-beaten-track experience. This blog post delves into the grand ship christening, the exceptional features of EXPLORA I, and the exciting destinations it is set to explore.
Godmother Dr. Sylvia Earle had the honor of christening EXPLORA I, welcoming it into the MSC Group family. The event was attended by an illustrious gathering of international guests, media, and travel partners, including Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, emphasized the ship's game-changing approach to luxury travel, offering discerning travelers unparalleled experiences and deeper connections to the world.
Features of EXPLORA I:
EXPLORA I boasts an impressive array of features and amenities designed to pamper guests during their journey. The ship offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, providing luxurious accommodations for all. With six restaurants, 12 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and four swimming pools, guests can indulge in a diverse culinary experience and unwind in style. Extensive outdoor decks, complete with private cabanas, create the perfect setting for relaxation. Additionally, the ship offers nearly 1,000 square meters of wellness and fitness facilities, ensuring that guests can rejuvenate during their voyage.
**Explora I: Redefining Luxury Cruising**
*Explora I*, the much-anticipated first cruise ship by *Explora Journeys*, set sail in August 2023. This luxury cruise line is a part of the Geneva-based *MSC Group*, with plans for five more ships in the near future. Here's a closer look at what makes *Explora I* a game-changer in the world of luxury cruising.
**A Glimpse of Luxury at Sea:**
- **Size and Capacity**: *Explora I* is a remarkable 63,900-gross-ton vessel, making it one of the largest luxury cruise ships globally. It can accommodate up to 922 guests and boasts an impressive passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.25:1.
- **Exceptional Design**: The ship is a marvel of modern design, featuring breathtaking spaces. Notable highlights include the two-story Lobby Bar, the wake infinity pool, and the luxurious Owner’s Residence suite.
- **Target Audience**: *Explora I* caters to well-heeled and well-traveled passengers, often in high-powered or creative senior roles, or recently retired. It appeals to those who value private family downtime but seek a more relaxed and less formal cruising experience.
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| Penthouse suite |
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| Ocean terrace suite |
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| Ocean terrace suite |
- **All-Inclusive Experience**: While *Explora Journeys* is an all-inclusive cruise line, covering everything from drinks (including Moet & Chandon Champagne) to Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shuttles into port where necessary, it does not include shore excursions or airfare. Pricing is competitive with other luxury cruise lines.
**Deck Plan Highlights:**
- *Symmetrical Deck Plan*: The ship is easy to navigate, with suites spanning decks 6 to 10 and public spaces predominantly on decks 11 to 14 (note: there is no Deck 13).
- *Top-Deck Amenities*: Deck 14 boasts an open-air sports court, an outdoor fitness area, and the highest bar, Sky Bar. Deck 12 features hot tubs, the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar, a running track, and sun loungers.
- *Vibrant Deck 11*: This deck centers around the Conservatory Pool & Bar under a retractable roof. Here, the ship begins to exude a luxurious resort-like atmosphere.
- *Dining and Entertainment*: *Explora I* offers a variety of dining options, including Sakura, Emporium Marketplace, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Kitchen, and Fil Rouge. The ship also has an extra-fee restaurant, Anthology, for those seeking a premium culinary experience.
**Suite Accommodations:**
- All 461 cabins on *Explora I* are suites, each with an outside terrace. They are designed to replicate the feel of a boutique hotel or luxury resort.
- The entry-level suites, Ocean Terrace, offer some of the largest inside and outside spaces at sea, measuring 377 square feet inside and 75 square feet outside. Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences are even more spacious.
**Exceptional Dining:**
- There are nine dining options on board, including five inclusive specialty restaurants, in-suite dining, a coffee shop, and a gelateria and creperie. From pan-Asian cuisine at Sakura to French-inspired dining at Fil Rouge, *Explora I* caters to various culinary tastes.
- The ship's tasting menu restaurant, Anthology, features a rotating menu created in partnership with renowned fine dining chefs.
**Inclusions and Passenger Demographics:**
- Passengers can enjoy in-suite dining, all drinks, fitness center and spa thermal facilities, gratuities, lectures, Wi-Fi, and more as part of the cruise fare.
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| Malt whiskey bar |
- The typical passenger on *Explora I* is well-traveled and enjoys luxury vacations. Families, solo-travelers, couples, and same-sex couples are among the diverse mix of guests. The cruise line also offers activities and gatherings for the LGBTQIA+ community through its Prism program.
*Explora I* is more than just a cruise ship; it's a luxurious journey to remember. With its stunning design, excellent dining options, and inclusive offerings, it is set to redefine the cruise experience for those who seek a blend of relaxation and opulence at sea. Whether you're well-traveled or new to cruising, *Explora I* offers a world of possibilities.
The Exciting Itinerary:
EXPLORA I embarked on its maiden voyage in July, starting with journeys in Northern Europe. The ship then crossed the Atlantic to reach New York, making stops in Iceland, Greenland, and Canada along the way. The ship's autumn and winter will be spent exploring North America and the Caribbean, promising travelers a luxurious escape from the colder months. In the spring, EXPLORA I will sail along the US West Coast and Hawaii, offering guests breathtaking views and warm weather. As summer returns in 2024, the ship will set sail in the Mediterranean Sea, exploring lesser-traveled ports to provide a fresh perspective on well-loved destinations.
Conclusion:
The christening of EXPLORA I marked a significant milestone in the world of luxury travel. MSC Group's commitment to delivering a unique and authentic experience to travelers has come to life with this new ultra-luxury ship. With its outstanding features and the promise of exciting journeys to lesser-known destinations, EXPLORA I has redefined the essence of luxury ocean travel, offering travelers a remarkable and unforgettable experience on the seas.
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