Explora Journeys, a luxury division of MSC Cruises, is ramping up its investment plan to launch six luxury cruise ships by 2028, backed by a considerable budget of €3.5 billion. The latest phase of this ambitious plan was marked by a triple ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyards in Genoa, where the company is constructing three new vessels. The initial two ships, Explora I and Explora II, are already in service, with the third ship, Explora III, scheduled to make her debut journey from Genoa to Barcelona this summer.

The launch of Explora III is particularly significant as it represents a key step in expanding the luxury offerings of Explore Journeys amid a recovering cruise industry. The inaugural journey will take place between July 24 to 29, culminating in her first official itinerary set to start on August 1. The focus on luxury floating hotels reflects a trend in the cruise market, aiming to attract high-end travelers looking for unique and exclusive experiences at sea.

The investment strategy not only emphasizes the financial commitment of MSC to enhance their luxury offerings but also their competitive positioning in the industry. As the cruise market rebounds post-pandemic, the introduction of these luxury ships could be pivotal for MSC to secure a greater share of the upscale travel demographic, potentially reshaping the landscape of cruise travel over the next few years.