Due to be revealed to partners 06JUL and with her inaugural sailing 17JUL, Explora I's delivery from the shipyard has been delayed by as much as "a few weeks," say media quoting a statement by MSC's Explora Journeys.
A spokesperson for the company is quoted as saying: “Fincantieri shipyard and the cruise division of MSC Group have agreed to make further enhancements to the final work of Explora I, the first cruise ship for the new luxury brand Explora Journeys.
“Unfortunately, the time required for the work will extend the vessel’s stay at the shipyard by a few weeks.
“As a subsequent result, the company together with the shipowner have decided to postpone the delivery ceremony that was scheduled for July 6 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy to a later date.”
The 17JUL inaugural sailing from Southampton has not yet been cancelled, and the line says confirmation of the ship's launch will come "in a few days."
The statement added, "While we are unable to provide a firm answer now, we will provide a punctual update in a few days as soon as the new delivery date for the ship is confirmed.”
Like many ships scheduled to launch during and following the pandemic, MSC Group's new, small-ship luxury cruise line debut has been previously delayed due to "global supply chain complications," which, according to Cruise Week, were again cited in the latest delay.
