Explora Journeys has celebrated the float-out of Explora II and the steel-cutting of Explora III as construction of a four-ship fleet continues.

The luxury cruise line, which took delivery of Explora I in July, held a double ceremony at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa on Wednesday, September 6.

Explora Journeys chief executive Michael Ungerer said he was “beyond thrilled” by the occasion, adding: “The double event marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers.”

The cruise line is investing around £2bn to build its four ships.

Explora II, which started getting built in October 2021, is due to enter service in summer 2024. Its first season in the Mediterranean will call at destinations including Portofino, Argentario, Rome, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero and the Emerald Coast.

Explora III, which will be the first of the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), is scheduled to start sailing in summer 2026.

Construction on Explora IV, also fuelled by LNG, is expected to begin in January 2024, with completion scheduled for early 2027.

Among those present at the float-out and steel-cutting were Ungerer and Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises’ managing director for Italy, Leonardo Massa.

Ungerer said: “We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”

Photo: Explora II’s float-out ceremony on Wednesday, September 6 (credit: Ivan Sarfatti)