EXPLORA I Embarks On Maiden Voyage

EXPLORA I, the inaugural vessel of Explora Journeys, has commenced its maiden journey. The seven-night sailing will take guests through the majestic landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands, and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.

As the flagship of a series of upcoming itineraries spanning three continents, this northern European journey emphasises Explora Journeys’ philosophy of embracing an ‘Ocean State of Mind’. Immersive experiences have been designed to reward guests physically, intellectually, and spiritually.

Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, expressed his excitement for this momentous occasion. He said: “It is our absolute honour to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment as we embark on EXPLORA I’s maiden journey from Copenhagen. Our guests will experience the very best European hospitality at sea and our vibrant, cosmopolitan sense of luxury, while discovering some of the world’s most remarkable destinations. A new era of transformative luxury ocean travel begins now with the first sailing of EXPLORA I.”

Festivities held in Copenhagen on 1 August 2023 also included the traditional crest exchange, a maritime tradition to mark a ship’s first visit to a destination. On board with the ship’s master, Captain Serena Melani and Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, participated in this celebration.

EXPLORA I will also call the port of Copenhagen later in August with a sailing to Hamburg, Germany. The luxury ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe, offering a range of different itineraries. It will then cross the Atlantic Sea and spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for voyages in the Mediterranean Sea.

EXPLORA II is currently being built in Italy and will come into service in August 2024. EXPLORA III will become the first of two liquefied natural gas-powered vessels to join the Explora Journeys fleet, with the ship due to be delivered in 2026, and EXPLORA IV in 2027.

Discover more about EXPLORA I by visiting our ship page.