Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle travel brand of the MSC Group, today celebrated the coin ceremony of its first ship EXPLORA I, expected to launch in May 2023.
This time-honoured tradition takes place when the first section of the ship is lowered into the building dock and two newly minted coins, pictured below, are placed under the keel for blessing and good fortune.
The godmothers were Alessandra Fontana, chief marketing officer for Explora Journeys, and Ester Fugazzi, head of general services of Italian shipyard Monfalcone who are build the vessel.
Explora Journeys was born from a long-held vision of Pierfrancesco Vago, his wife Alexa and the Aponte Vago family, and the centuries-old maritime ceremony, which dates back to Roman times, reflects the family’s seafaring heritage.
The event was attended by key executives including Mr Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, and Guiseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri.
Mr Ungerer said: “Today marks another major milestone in our journey towards developing a truly defining and highly desired, luxury lifestyle brand.
“Following our initial investment of two billion euros, this demonstrates another positive step forward, and shows that we are on track to offer an ocean experience like no other.”
Construction of EXPLORA II began in November 2021 for arrival in Spring 2024. Two further new ships will join the fleet in 2025 and 2026.