MSC, the Italy-based cruise giant that’s been focusing recently on larger and larger ships outpaced only by Royal Caribbean, is preparing to take a bite at the other end of the market, too, with a new luxury brand to be called Explora Journeys.
Unlike its recent ships such as MSC World Europa that can take nearly 6,000 passengers, Explora’s new ships are sized more like Viking’s, with a capacity for 922 passengers in 461 suites. Yes, suites: no small cabins, and all with balconies.
The line has four ships on order, named Explora I and presumably II, III and IV. The first ship will be delivered by Italian builder Fincantieri in 2023, with one more added each year through 2026. As well as well-known destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Bordeaux and Reykjavik, they will also visit less-known sites including Kestellorizo, Bozcaada and the Lofoten Islands.
