Explora Journeys’ first ship called today at Piraeus Port of Athens to begin her inaugural Eastern Mediterranean itineraries
Piraeus Port of Athens welcomed EXPLORA I for her maiden call marking the ship’s debut in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ship is the first of a fleet of six for the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group.
The maritime tradition of a crest exchange to celebrate a ship’s first visit to a destination took place during this maiden call. The crest exchange was attended, by the ship’s master Captain Pietro Sinisi, and the Marketing Manager of Piraeus Port Authority, Athanasios Karlis.
Following her maiden call, EXPLORA I set sail from Piraeus on 27 June 2024 visiting Volos, Thessaloniki, Kavala and Istanbul, followed by the arrival back in Piraeus on 5 July 2024. EXPLORA I will call to 21 Greek ports in 2024, with many of the journeys offering convenient embarkation and disembarkation in Piraeus. Highlight destinations for guests travelling on board EXPLORA I in Greece include Katapola (Amorgos), Paros, Patmos and Corfu.
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
Setting a new standard in luxury ocean travel, Explora Journeys, offers discerning travelers the perfect blend of discovery and sophistication, combining celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the essence of exploration.
With overnights and longer stays at destinations, guests can delve deep into local cultures and experiences, creating memories that last a lifetime. Journeys start at 7 nights and can extend to 14 or 21 nights, all departing from easily accessible ports.
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 long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travelers, drawing on the Aponte 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 others, while remarkable itineraries blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports, for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.
A fleet of six luxury ships will be launched from 2023 to 2028, starting with EXPLORA I’s delivery that took place on 24 July 2023. Equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys introduces a new style of transformative ocean travel. EXPLORA I offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for guests, all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of eleven distinct culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, Chef’s Kitchen, twelve bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor), four swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company`s European heritage, Explora Journeys will provide guests with an immersive ocean experience and respectful and intuitive hospitality.
EXPLORA II is currently under construction and will come into service in September 2024. EXPLORA III will come into service in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027 with both ships being LNG-powered. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
