Explora Journeys Reveal Maiden Itinerary from Southampton.

Explora Journeys has revealed details of the maiden voyage for its first of six ships, Explora I, which will set sail in July next year.

The brand will make its debut with a 15-night inaugural journey to northern Europe, with calls to 12 ports.

Explora I will leave Southampton on 17 July 2023 on its first voyage, entitled A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle.
 
The ship will call at Zeebrugge before proceeding to Norway, where it will visit Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Bronnoysund, Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. It then sails to Denmark, with visits to Skagen and Copenhagen.

Michael Ungerer, the chief executive, said: “Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other, and we are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden journey to some of the most breath-taking destinations in northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea.”

Watch: Wild Docking in Norway

 Image result for MS Nordnorge

Check out this wild video out of northern Norway showing an expedition cruise ship docking during strong winds.

The video was filmed on January 21 as the Hurtigruten expedition ship MS Nordnorge was docking Bodø, Norway. As you can see the Captain uses the ship’s anchor to ease the ship alongside the pier, earning him high praise on social media. 

 

https://youtu.be/gclwCFpV5IM 

The 123.3 meters, 11,384 gross tonnes MS Nordnorge was built in 1997 (refurbished in 2016) and provides expedition cruises for up to 590 passengers within the Arctic Circle.

 

Last week’s wild docking wasn’t its first rodeo, either. Check out the video below showing the same ship pulling off a similar manoeuvre in 2016.

https://youtu.be/gclwCFpV5IM