Explora Journeys Touts Upgrade Offer as 4th Ship Reaches Milestone
by Bruce Parkinson
Explora 1.
Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s luxury ocean travel brand, has announced the launch of a limited-time “Upgrade Your Ocean” offer. The promotion features a one-category suite upgrade and savings of up to 25%.
The offer is valid on EXPLORA I, II and III, luxurious vessels designed to evoke the intimacy of a private yacht. Destinations range from the shores of the Mediterranean to the landscapes of Northern Europe, Greenland, and New England, along with the crystalline waters of the Caribbean.
Travellers who reserve with Explora Journeys from April 2, 2025 to June 3, 2025 will enjoy a one suite category upgrade on select suites and savings of up to 25% along with a reduced deposit of 15%. The upgrade will be reflected in the fares paid for selected suite categories.
The luxury cruise line says the offer is combinable with the Explora Early Booking Benefit, Journey Together, Journey Together Gatherings, Extended Journeys, Back-to-Back, Journeys for Solo Travellers, Additional Guests and Younger Travellers (3rd and 4th guest fares), Explora Referral Program, Welcome Back Benefit, Consortia Amenities, Event Offer and on board Future Journeys savings.

In other news from Explora Journeys, the brand announced the successful launch of the troncone, the forward lower section of EXPLORA IV, the fourth of six luxury ships to enter service by 2028.
The ceremony, a maritime tradition that celebrates a section of the ship being transferred from land to water for the first time, was held at Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard in Sicily. It was attended by over 350 guests and marks an important step in bringing this next-generation ship to life.

“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone in the construction of EXPLORA IV. This ship represents our unwavering commitment to delivering a new standard of excellence in luxury ocean travel. Our partnership with Fincantieri, one of the finest shipbuilders in the world, is built on shared values of innovation and the relentless pursuit of quality,” said Anna Nash, Global President of Explora Journeys.
More than $5.5 billion is being invested in Explora Journeys’ six ships by the Cruise Division of MSC Group. The construction of each ship requires over seven million work hours and provides employment for an average of 2,500 people for two to three years.
EXPLORA I has been sailing since August 1, 2023, marking the debut of Explora Journeys’ luxury fleet. The second ship, EXPLORA II, was delivered on September 12, 2024. EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will enter service in 2026 and 2027 respectively, with both ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI are set to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.

