In the time-honoured stillness of a Sicilian morning, amidst the clang of steel and the quiet pride of shipbuilders, a defining moment in maritime tradition unfolded this week. Explora Journeys—the luxury ocean travel arm of the MSC Group—celebrated the ceremonial launch of the troncone of EXPLORA IV, the fourth vessel in its rapidly expanding fleet. Held at the historic Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, the event marked the first time the ship’s bow section met the sea.
This is no ordinary build. The EXPLORA IV is part of a €3.5 billion initiative by MSC’s Cruise Division—an audacious six-ship investment intended to elevate luxury cruising while reinforcing Italy’s stature as a leader in high-end maritime construction. With an expected delivery in 2027, the vessel is more than halfway through its gestation, and now begins the critical outfitting phase before transitioning to Fincantieri’s Genoese shipyard at Sestri Ponente.
“Moments like these are built on generations of craft,” said Anna Nash, Global President of Explora Journeys. “This launch symbolises more than engineering—it represents the soul of Italian shipbuilding and our steadfast promise to guests: that luxury travel can be as meaningful as it is elegant.”
Italian Craftsmanship at Its Zenith
Over 350 guests—ranging from Fincantieri executives to Palermo’s local dignitaries—witnessed the bow’s transfer to water, a ritual deeply rooted in seafaring heritage. It is a celebration of steel and design and the thousands of artisans whose labour has shaped the vessel’s earliest form.
Each ship in the Explora Journeys series is designed and built in Italy and powered by the nation’s industrial excellence. EXPLORA IV continues that lineage, carrying with it a new generation of LNG propulsion—an investment in sustainable innovation that reflects the brand’s forward-looking ethos.
What sets this fleet apart is its holistic approach: luxury is not an afterthought but a foundation. From oceanfront suites and meditative design principles to curated gastronomy and slow travel itineraries, these ships speak to discerning guests who see travel not as escape but transformation.
An Economic Engine for Italian Industry
Behind the glamour of the bow’s slow descent into the Mediterranean lies a powerful economic engine. Every ship in Explora’s portfolio accounts for over 7 million work hours, supporting approximately 2,500 skilled workers over a multi-year cycle. The program is expected to generate over €15 billion in impact across the Italian economy.
It is, by all accounts, one of the most significant industrial endeavours in modern European cruise history. The ripple effects extend from shipyards to small-scale suppliers, engineering schools, and coastal ports.
“Our partnership with Fincantieri is rooted in mutual respect and ambition,” Nash added. “Together, we are not just building ships—we are shaping the next chapter of European craftsmanship on the world stage.”
The Role of LNG in Shaping Tomorrow’s Seas
As the cruise sector faces rising expectations from regulators and guests alike, Explora Journeys has positioned itself as a pioneer of responsible growth. EXPLORA IV, like its sister ships EXPLORA III, V, and VI, will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG)—a cleaner-burning fuel that significantly reduces harmful emissions.
The ship’s design also integrates cutting-edge energy systems, advanced wastewater management, and shore-to-ship power capabilities, ensuring compatibility with the most rigorous international standards.
In embracing LNG, Explora Journeys demonstrates that elegance and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, inextricable. The brand’s commitment to this path has already set a new precedent in the premium cruise segment.
A Fleet Taking Form
Explora Journeys debuted in August 2023 with the launch of EXPLORA I. With the delivery of EXPLORA II in September 2024, the brand cemented its reputation for refined travel. EXPLORA III and IV are on track for 2026 and 2027 launches, respectively, and two further ships—V and VI—will complete the fleet by 2028.
What unites this ambitious series is a clear identity: one rooted in authenticity, discretion, and discovery. These are not ships that cater to mass-market scale. They are sculpted for intimacy, perspective, and peace that only the open sea can deliver.
The Verdict: A Ship with Soul, a Vision with Depth
There is a rare poetry in shipbuilding. Steel gives way to purpose, noise to grace. In Palermo this week, that transformation was made visible. With EXPLORA IV, Explora Journeys has furthered its fleet and reaffirmed a cultural and economic promise: to innovate without compromise, honour the traditions of the sea, and craft travel experiences that stir the heart as much as the senses.
As the bow of EXPLORA IV now floats, quietly tethered to a Sicilian dock, it does so with the weight of vision and the lightness of possibility.
To learn more about upcoming voyages, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
