Explora IV is a future luxury ocean cruise ship for Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of the MSC Group. The vessel is being built by Fincantieri in Italy and was technically launched at the Sestri Ponente shipyard on 9 March 2026. She is scheduled to enter service in summer 2027.
Explora Journeys' July 2026 ship guide publishes a gross tonnage of 72,810 GT, overall length of 268 metres, beam of 33 metres, height above the waterline of 56.3 metres and 14 decks. The ship will have 461 suites, including 11 suites with accessibility features.
The ship guide publishes a speed entry of 16.5 knots (20 knots). Because the presentation does not unambiguously define which value represents service speed and which represents maximum speed, Deck7 does not populate the maximum-speed field until the distinction is confirmed by a clearer technical source.
LNG propulsion
Explora IV is explicitly confirmed by Explora Journeys as the brand's second LNG-powered ship. Fincantieri and Explora Journeys have repeatedly confirmed LNG propulsion for the vessel throughout construction. LNG status is therefore recorded as Yes.
Construction
Construction began with steel cutting at Fincantieri in September 2024. The forward lower section was launched at Fincantieri's Palermo yard in April 2025 before being transferred for completion, and the full vessel reached technical-launch stage at Sestri Ponente on 9 March 2026.
On board
Explora Journeys says Explora IV will introduce redesigned spaces, enhanced comfort and expanded public areas. The ship guide describes three heated outdoor pools, five indoor and outdoor heated whirlpools, a weather-protected indoor pool with retractable glass roof and an indoor hydrotherapy pool within Ocean Wellness – The Spa.
The ship is scheduled to make her debut in summer 2027, with inaugural journeys encompassing Northern Europe and the Baltic, Iceland and Greenland, and the east coast of North America and New England.
Environmental systems
Explora IV's LNG propulsion is firmly established. Deck7 has not yet populated a ship-specific commissioned shore-power status or EGCS configuration because the ship remains under construction and sufficiently explicit final technical confirmation has not yet been established. These fields should be revisited at delivery.