EXPLORA I Debut in Miami Before the Caribbean Season

EXPLORA I made its inaugural call at PortMiami, marking the ship’s debut in South Florida. The ship is the first of a fleet of six for the MSC Group’s luxury ocean travel brand.

“We take immense pride in introducing our remarkable new ship, EXPLORA I, to the Magic City,” said Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer. “Miami is an important gateway to the Caribbean for ocean travel, and it is a privilege to showcase our new ship and immersive journeys to this market.” Our team has spared no effort in pushing the limits of innovation and delivering a product that we’re thrilled guests will experience as they embark in South Florida.”

The nautical practice of exchanging crests to commemorate a ship’s maiden visit to a port occurred on 3 November 2023 in PortMiami. The ship’s master, Captain Diego Michelozzi, Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO, among others, attended the crest exchange.

“As the cruise industry continues to rebound and make a strong comeback, we are grateful for our new partnership with Explora Journeys,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. “Their commitment to providing a world-class experience to passengers and a nett zero-carbon emissions target by 2050 is critical to keeping PortMiami on the cutting edge of the cruise industry.”

PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb said, “As we continue to expand our operations and partnerships, we look forward to cruise activity growth with Explora Journeys, which will benefit all our passengers.”

EXPLORA I set off from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico, following her maiden call. From November to March, the luxury ship will make stops in the Caribbean and Central America, calling at ports such as Samana/Dominican Republic and Bridgetown/Barbados, as well as Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos, Cartagena, Saint Barthélemy, and the Grenadines, before sailing to the West Coast of the United States.

“Journeys aboard EXPLORA I aim to transport guests to an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by delivering best-in-class service, exquisite onboard offerings and immersive destination experiences, authentic to the places the ship serves,” Ungerer said. “A harmonious mix of well-known and hidden gems on the itinerary for EXPLORA I will provide our guests with opportunities to savour genuine cultural encounters and a more leisurely travel pace, leaving them refreshed and inspired.”

EXPLORA I is equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to protect marine life, and an extensive range of onboard energy-efficient equipment to optimise engine use and reduce emissions.

EXPLORA I set sail for the first time in July 2023. EXPLORA II will start operation in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East in summer 2024 and will remain in service until April 2025. The EXPLORA III and IV will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will enter service in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The EXPLORA V and VI will be powered by hydrogen and enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.