Explora I is the first ship operated by Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean-travel brand of MSC Group. Fincantieri delivered the vessel at its Monfalcone shipyard in Italy on 20 July 2023.
The ship entered passenger service on 1 August 2023 with a seven-night maiden journey from Copenhagen to Reykjavik. The inaugural itinerary called at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands and Kirkwall in Orkney before arriving in Iceland. Marine biologist and oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle is the ship's godmother.
Size and capacity
Explora I has a registered gross tonnage of 63,621 and measures approximately 248.9 metres long and 32.6 metres wide. It has 14 numbered decks, of which approximately 11 contain guest accommodation or public facilities, and a service speed of about 18 knots.
The vessel was originally presented with 461 ocean-front suites and a double-occupancy design capacity of 922 guests. Explora Journeys' current ship page lists 456 ocean-front suites. The difference reflects the latest published accommodation inventory and is recorded in Deck7's research notes rather than treating the two figures as interchangeable.
Explora Journeys announced a target complement of approximately 640 hosts for the ship. Actual passenger and crew numbers vary between voyages and should not be assumed to equal the published maximums on every sailing.
Suites and residences
Every guest accommodation aboard Explora I faces the ocean and includes a private terrace. Categories range from Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace Suites to Penthouses, Ocean Residences and the full-width Owner's Residence.
The ship's current accommodation selection includes Ocean Terrace Suites, several Penthouse categories, Cove, Retreat, Serenity and Cocoon Residences, and the Owner's Residence. Some larger residences include separate living and dining areas, private outdoor whirlpools and dedicated residence-host services.
Dining and onboard experience
Explora I offers six principal restaurants and a collection of bars and lounges. Venues include Fil Rouge, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Emporium Marketplace and Anthology, alongside Explora Lounge, Malt Whisky Bar, the Astern Lounge and outdoor bars.
Other facilities include heated indoor and outdoor pools, Ocean Wellness spa and fitness areas, entertainment spaces, curated shopping and an onboard art collection. The design is intended to combine the atmosphere of a luxury hotel with the space and informality associated with a private yacht.
Environmental technology
Explora I is conventionally fuelled and is not an LNG-capable ship. Explora Journeys says the vessel is fitted with selective catalytic reduction technology designed to reduce nitrogen-oxide emissions, shore-power connectivity for use at suitably equipped ports, underwater-noise management systems and energy-saving equipment.
Shore-power capability allows the ship to connect to a compatible shoreside electricity supply and switch off its engines while alongside. The environmental benefit depends upon a functioning connection being available and the source of the electricity supplied by the port.
Deployment
Since entering service, Explora I has operated in regions including Northern Europe, North America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Pacific and South America. Deployment changes by season, and current itineraries should always be checked directly with Explora Journeys.