Explora Journeys announces Godmother for EXPLORA II

The newest luxury ship of Explora Journeys will officially be named by renowned marine environmentalist Rosalba Giugni in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy on 15 September 2024.

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, today announced Rosalba Giugni will be the godmother of EXPLORA II, at the new ship’s official naming ceremony on 15 September 2024 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy. EXPLORA II is the latest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet and reflects the brand’s commitment to offering unparalleled luxury ocean travel experiences.

The celebratory event will follow EXPLORA II’s delivery from shipbuilder to shipowner on 12 September at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa, Italy.

Rosalba Giugni is the founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, a non-partisan environmental conservation organisation committed to the preservation of marine environments that was founded in 1985.

Marevivo has since grown to more than 30,000 members and has become an important player in the Italian environmental sector.

Born of a shared vision between Captain Gianluigi Aponte, founder and chairman of the MSC Group, and Rosalba Giugni for marine conservation education in the Mediterranean Sea area, Marevivo’s partnership with the MSC Group has been stewarded by the MSC Foundation since 2019.

Beyond empowering children, youth and the next generation of maritime professionals, Rosalba’s work encompasses various aspects of the marine ecosystem, from fishing to maritime property, tourism, commercial shipping and recreational boating. She has been instrumental in the creation of marine reserves, the promotion of international campaigns, and the development of legislation to protect marine ecosystems.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman – Cruise Division, MSC Group, said: “We are honoured to have Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of Explora Journeys’ magnificent new luxury ship, symbolising the dedication of the MSC Group and our MSC Foundation to preserve the natural beauty of the oceans that are fundamental to our journeys around the world. Her commitment to marine conservation and the protection of the sea makes her an inspiration to us all. Rosalba`s passion for the sea extends to scientific dissemination and public advocacy, making her a fitting godmother for EXPLORA II.”

Rosalba Giugni, Founder and President of Marevivo added: “I am deeply honoured to be named the godmother of EXPLORA II. This role holds special significance for me, as it reflects our shared commitment to experiencing the world in a meaningful and respectful way. I am pleased to support Explora Journeys and the MSC Group in promoting and advancing a cultural shift towards greater protection of our precious marine ecosystem. Our future is tied to the health of the sea, and its wellbeing depends on the choices we make. The climate crisis is a clear warning: we are out of time. The ecological transition needs to begin now, tomorrow may already be too late.”

Guests attending the event on 15 September in Civitavecchia can expect a blend of maritime traditions and glamorous moments including performances, vibrant entertainment and culinary delights celebrating the Ocean State of Mind.

EXPLORA II will depart the following day for her 7-night maiden journey to Tarragona, Spain, offering the luxury ship’s first guests an incredible Mediterranean sailing visiting Sorrento, Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Trapani (Sicily) and Siracusa (Sicily) in Italy and Valletta, Malta.