The port of Southampton welcomed EXPLORA I for the ship’s maiden call at the start of the luxury vessel’s nine-night journey around the United Kingdom.
The maritime tradition of a crest exchange to celebrate a ship’s first visit to a destination took place on board Explora Journeys’ first of four vessels ordered by the MSC Group between the ship’s master Captain Serena Melani and Rebekah Keeler of Associated British Ports Southampton. Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys also attended the event.
Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys, said: “Southampton is one of the UK’s major ports and one of the most significant within Europe, and it was a great pleasure and honour to present our highly anticipated and brand-new ship, EXPLORA I. We continue to work meticulously and tirelessly to showcase our new product which fuses innovation and sophisticated design, and our commitment to excellence.”
Rebekah Keeler, Operations and Security Manager, Associated British Ports, Southampton, added: “We were delighted to welcome EXPLORA I to Southampton which reflects the continued growth of our partnership with the MSC Group. Working with partners who share in our drive for a sustainable future, such as Explora Journeys, will make the ambition a reality and we look forward to welcoming EXPLORA I when she has the opportunity to return.”
The ship’s current journey will see the ship sail from Southampton to South Queensferry for Edinburgh, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands, Portree in the Isle of Skye, Greencastle in Northern Ireland, Liverpool and Greenock for Glasgow.
The ship will then head to Iceland and Greenland before spending the autumn in North America, and the winter in the Caribbean Sea. EXPLORA I will sail during the spring 2024 off the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for a series of journeys in the Mediterranean Sea.
During all sailings EXPLORA I will call lesser-travelled ports for guests to enjoy a more authentic experience. With journeys ranging from a variety of durations, a best-in-class guest experience will ensure guests reach an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ with relaxed mornings, exhilarating evenings, and authentic explorations onshore. Non-conventional arrival and departure times combined with overnight stays in port will allow Explora Journeys to offer guests exclusive access to once in a lifetime experiences and a slower pace of travel.
