The Mediterranean Shipping Company's huge fleet of ships does not consist solely of container ships and auto carriers. The company also has a cruise ship fleet, with the newest brand, Explora Journeys, expected to build six ultra-luxurious ships. The first, Explora I [no stars for name originality], just entered service August 1 with a 14 day cruise from Copenhagen via way ports to Reykjavik and return to Copenhagen.
The ship has now crossed the Atlantic, and made its way from New York and Boston to Saint John and Quebec City (and the Saguenay) arriving in Halifax today (October 10). It berthed at Pier 20 (far right in photo), joining Norwegian Pearl (centre) at Pier 22. Later in the morning Silver Shadow (left) backed in to Pier 23.
The ship sailed late in the afternoon and made a nice sight as it picked up speed off Sandwich Point.
Fincantieri built the ship at the Monfalcone shipyard, delivering it in July of this year. The 63,621 gt ship has a passenger capacity of 922 "guests" and boasts a "guests to hosts" ratio of 1.25:1 with 640 "team members". Accommodation consists of 461 "ocean-front suites" and a small number of special suites.
The Italian builders are noted for stylish ships and this one is no exception. Its lines are also notably clean with only the essential communication domes breaking the profile, and long unbroken deck lines. The ship has numerous amenities, including four swimming pools, but they remain discrete and largely invisible.
So far Explora is advertising four ships - with a new one to be delivered each year. They will continue to use the numerical sequence in their names. (So far no Dora.)
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