Explora I makes maiden call to...

The luxury vessel debuted with a nine-night cruise around the UK

The port of Southampton has welcomed Explora Journeys’ Explora I for the ship’s maiden call at the start of a journey around the UK.

The occasion was marked with a traditional crest exchange between the ship’s captain Serena Melani and Rebekah Keeler of Associated British Ports Southampton. Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer also attended the event.

Ungerer said: “Southampton is one of the UK’s major ports and one of the most significant within Europe, and it was a great pleasure and honour to present our highly anticipated and brand-new ship, Explora I. We continue to work meticulously and tirelessly to showcase our new product which fuses innovation and sophisticated design, and our commitment to excellence.”

Keeler added: “We were delighted to welcome Explora I to Southampton, which reflects the continued growth of our partnership with the MSC Group. Working with partners who share in our drive for a sustainable future, such as Explora Journeys, will make the ambition a reality and we look forward to welcoming Explora I when she has the opportunity to return.”

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The ship’s current journey will see it sail from Southampton to South Queensferry for Edinburgh, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands, Portree in the Isle of Skye, Greencastle in Northern Ireland, Liverpool and Greenock for Glasgow.

Explora I will then head to Iceland and Greenland before spending the autumn in North America, and the winter in the Caribbean.

For more information, visit www.msccruises.com