Explora Journeys First Ship to Start Journey from Southampton

The first ship of Explora Journeys, Explora I, will now depart Southampton two months after the original departure date.

The MSC Group-owned luxury line had originally planned to launch the ship from Barcelona in May of next year, but it will instead depart from Southampton in July.

Explora Journeys’ CEO, Michael Ungerer, stated that the company was “taking into consideration the hard circumstances facing the world” and global supply chains, and that an update to the ship’s construction timeline had been reached with constructor Fincantieri.

“The additional time at the shipyard and at sea prior to her first journey will be utilised to ensure that Explora I can and will deliver to the fullest on our brand’s promise and vision – making absolutely no compromise on quality and luxury, our primary objective,” said Ungerer.

Travel agents had “already been briefed” on the revised sailing dates, according to a statement from Explora, and clients were offered a full refund as well as the full booking value as a future cruise credit.

The line added agents will receive their commission on the value of the booked future cruise credit and will have the entire value of their commission previously paid on the original booked cruise.