Explora I EXPLORA JOURNEYS MSC Group’s luxury lifestyle brand makes its debut, bringing an ‘ocean state of mind’ to architecture and design, sustainability and shore excursions. Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
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ith maritime records in their name dating back 300
of the environment, not only conservation but restoration
years, the Aponte family know a thing or two about
too, which is important to me. As a result, the brand is rooted
the ocean. Beginning life as a cargo transporter,
in a profound respect for the ocean and all its traditions.”
Mediterranean Shipping Company – or MSC as it is now
In shipbuilding, this translates to environmental impact.
known – has grown to become a world leader in container
From the outset, Explora Journeys and Fincantieri were
shipping, operating over 500 vessels from its headquarters in
committed to developing a fleet that was clean and green.
Geneva. Despite its early success, founder Gianluigi Aponte
Explora I, the debut vessel, is equipped with the latest
had grander ideas, and purchased the iconic liner Monterey
environmental and marine technologies, including shore
to establish a cruise division. Over the past 20 years, MSC
power plug-in connectivity to reduce emissions in port,
Cruises has seen major investment, with billions spent on
and underwater noise management systems to help protect
enlargements, refurbishments and newbuilds to establish a
marine life. The 248m ship, weighing in at 63,900gt, also
world-class fleet of ocean-faring ships.
has a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient
It wasn’t until 2019, with the success of the Yacht Club –
equipment to further reduce emissions, from smart HVAC
an elevated ship-within-a-ship concept aboard MSC’s newer
and LED lighting to energy-saving appliances and a state-
models – that the Aponte family embarked on a new venture.
of-the-art recycling system.
“The Yacht Club had been so successful that the Aponte
“With this great privilege of launching a new luxury
family wanted to do more,” explains Antonio Paradiso,
vessel comes with great responsibility; the responsibility to
Managing Director for UK and Ireland at MSC Cruises. “They
protect the pristine beauty of the oceans and the destinations
came up with the idea to build a ship that was fully dedicated
we visit,” Ungerer points out. “Sustainability lies at the
to the concept, resulting in Explora Journeys.”
heart of Explora Journeys and we are deeply committed to
For Michael Ungerer, who joined in 2019 as CEO of the new
implementing environmentally friendly practices, reducing
brand, the opportunity to be part of a new venture in the
our carbon footprint and promoting responsible tourism.”
luxury space was too good to miss. The fact that the company
A passion for the environment was the starting point for
continues to be family-owned and operated came as a bonus,
the development of the brand, together with significant
as did their commitment to sustainability. “The family have
investment in research. “Our vision is to redefine the
been in maritime for a long time, so have a connection to the
luxury ocean experience, so we needed to identify what the
ocean,” Ungerer explains. “They know we have to take care
next generation of travellers are looking for in a cruise,”