EXPLORA I, the first ship to join the fleet of Explora Journeys, commenced her maiden journey on 1 August 2023, a seven-night sailing that will take guests through the majestic landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.
The first in a series of upcoming itineraries which will span three continents, this northern European journey has been designed to emphasise the brand’s ‘Ocean State of Mind’ philosophy with immersive experiences that aim to reward guests physically, intellectually and spiritually. Along with the onboard experience, this also includes activities like exploring Copenhagen’s beguiling waterways by kayak, discovering Shetland through its heritage pony breed, and an overnight stay in Iceland to explore the soul-enriching sites inside the Golden Circle.
The maiden voyage coincides with the release of first interior photos of the ship which spotlight EXPLORA I‘s Lobby, Sakura Restaurant, Med Yacht Club Restaurant and Ocean Terrace Suite.
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“It is our absolute honour to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment with them as we embark on the maiden journey of EXPLORA I from Copenhagen,” Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys said. “Our guests will be able to 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.”
The festivities held in Copenhagen on Tuesday also included the traditional crest exchange, a maritime tradition to celebrate a ship’s first visit to a destination – on board with the ship’s master Captain Serena Melani, Johan Hoganfalt, Deputy Port Captain, Sune Christensen, Chief Commercial Officer Copenhagen Malmö Port, Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise Baltic and Cruise Copenhagen and Michael Ungerer.
EXPLORA I will also call the port of Copenhagen on 15 August 2023 with a sailing to Hamburg, Germany.
The luxury ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe and spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe for voyages in the Mediterranean Sea next summer.
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.
Lead image: Sakura restaurant on Deck 5 of EXPLORA I.