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Explora II Floats Out and Steel Cut For Explora III

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Explora Journeys today celebrated two maritime milestones at builder Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa in Italy with the float out of the Explora II and the steel cutting of Explora III

The new Explora II will enter service in summer 2024 and spend her first season operating in the Mediterranean Sea, the company said in a press release, as construction of the ship began in October 2021 at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia yard in Naples, Italy where the ship’s keel was laid in May 2022.

The Explora III will launch in the summer of 2026 and be the first of Explora Journeys’ four luxury vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest maritime fuel available at a scale that plays a key role towards the decarbonization of international shipping.

Construction of the Explora IV, also powered by LNG, will start next year with a completion date of early 2027.

The double ceremony today was witnessed by Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, of Explora Journeys, Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s CEO and General Manager and the Mayor of Genoa, Marco Bucci.

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, of Explora Journeys, said, “The double event today marks another major step forward on our mission to redefine ocean travel for today’s discerning luxury travellers.  Following the successful launch of Explora I and the incredibly positive feedback from the first guests, travel advisors and media, who had a chance to experience the Ocean State of Mind, the story continues, and we are now beyond thrilled to witness the next important construction milestones for both Explora II and our first LNG powered ship Explora III. We are proud that our four ships are built by Fincantieri, further underlining our commitment to Italy.”

Celestyal Journey Debuts in the Eastern Mediterranean

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The Celestyal Journey is now in service for Celestyal Cruises.

After a $21 million refit, the ship kicked off its inaugural season on Saturday.

Taking over the schedule of the Celestyal Crystal, the vessel set sail from Piraeus on a seven-night cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Following Celestyal’s Idyllic Aegean itinerary, the maiden voyage includes visits to six destinations in Greece and Turkey, including Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Milos. The cruise also includes overnight visits to Santorini and Mykonos before returning to Piraeus.

Continuing its maiden season, the Celestyal Journey is scheduled to offer different itineraries during the fall, such as the “Steps of Paul” and the “Three Continents.”

While the first includes additional stops in Greece and Turkey, such as Kavala, Dikili and Istanbul, the second sails to the Holy Land, with visits to destinations in Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel, including Kusadasi, Rhodes, Limassol and Port Said.

Joining the Celestyal Olympia in Celestyal’s fleet, the Celestyal Journey was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Part of Holland America’s S-Class, the ship first entered service in 1994 as the Ryndam.

After two decades of service, it was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia in 2015, becoming the Pacific Aria.

Five years later, in 2020, the vessel was sold to Seajets, remaining laid-up in Greece before being resold to Celestyal in February.

Following the recent refit, the 55,000-ton ship introduced several new features, including a selection of eight dining venues.

The Celestyal Journey also offers a total of eight bars and lounges, in addition to two lido decks, a two-deck theatre, a casino, a tennis court, a video arcade and a shopping area.

Other features include a full spa and wellness centre equipped with a gym, a beauty centre, saunas, a thermal suite, massage rooms and a relaxation room.

Royal Caribbean Offering Unique Mix of Cruises From Singapore

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Royal Caribbean International is highlighting its upcoming sailings from Singapore, which offer a unique mix of itineraries.

The homeporting program from Singapore includes several destinations in Southeast Asia, the company said, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China and Malaysia.

12 Nights, Four Countries and Seven Cities

On September 19, 2023, the Spectrum of the Seas is offering a 12-night cruise to Japan. Sailing from Singapore to Tokyo, the one-way cruise was designed for “adventurers at heart,” Royal Caribbean said, and allows passengers to experience the sights, sounds and cultures of Asia.

The itinerary features stops at a total of four countries and seven cities: Nha Trang, in Vietnam; Hong Kong, in China; and Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima, in Japan.

Three-Night Getaway

The Spectrum of the Seas offers short getaways as well, including a three-night cruise to Penang, in Malaysia, on November 6, 2023.

The short sailing offers the “perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and bond,” Royal Caribbean said.

New Year, New Travel Destinations

Royal Caribbean is also offering a couple of nine-night cruises to Thailand and Vietnam in early 2024. According to the company, these itineraries allow guests to “explore a myriad of cultures, historical sites, and street food, starting the new year with new horizons.”

Departing on January 2 and February 17, the cruises sail roundtrip from Singapore and feature visits to different destinations, including Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.

Discover Shanghai’s Magic and Majesty

Passengers can also sail from Singapore to Shanghai with this special eight-night repositioning cruise scheduled for April 18, 2024.

The itinerary also features visits to Nha Trang, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

For those seeking to deepen their exploration of China, the company suggests different land tours as well, including a scenic train ride to Beijing.

Anthem of the Seas Arrives in November 2024

Replacing the Spectrum of the Seas, the Anthem of the Seas is set to arrive in Singapore in November 2024.

Set to debut in the region, the Quantum-class vessel offers a series of Royal Caribbean signature features, as well as a new Olivier Award-winning musical, We Will Rock You.

Taking guests to various destinations in Southeast Asia, the ship’s program includes sailing to Penang, in Malaysia, and Phuket, in Thailand, on January 27 and February 4, 2025.