MSC and Silversea Take Delivery on New Ultra-Luxury Cruise Ships

The ultra-luxury segment of the cruise industry recently celebrated two significant milestones with the delivery of two newbuilds that are expected to make a lasting impact on the future of the industry. On July 19, Royal Caribbean Group’s Silversea Cruises received delivery of the Silver Nova in the Netherlands, followed by MSC Group’s new luxury brand Explora Journeys taking delivery of its first ship, the Explora I, on July 20 in Italy.

Explora Journeys is MSC’s foray into the luxury cruise segment, with a planned investment of €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) for six cruise ships to be delivered by 2028. The Explora I, costing over €500 million ($556 million), was delivered by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy. This 63,900 gross ton ship is the first to combine luxury residences with cruise suites, featuring 23 residences and 438 passenger cabins.

MSC originally announced plans for the new luxury brand in 2018 and placed the order in 2019. The Explora I, at 813 feet in length and with capacity for 922 passengers, boasts a space ratio of 69, making it one of the most luxurious ships in the industry.

The delivery of Explora I faced several delays, including issues with fire insulation from one of the suppliers. However, the necessary work and tests on the materials have been completed, and the ship is set to begin sailing on August 1 from Copenhagen on a cruise to Iceland. Construction on the Explora II is already underway, with a planned launch in 2024. Two additional ships are also in the pipeline, featuring a hydrogen power system and LNG dual-fuel engines.

In addition to the Explora I, Royal Caribbean Group took delivery of the Silver Nova, marking the company’s first LNG-fueled cruise ship. Built by Meyer Werft, this 54,700 gross ton ship is the twelfth addition to Silversea’s luxury brand. It incorporates various environmentally friendly features, including a waste heat recovery system, absorption chillers, a waste-to-energy system, battery power, and connections for shore power. The Silver Nova aims to achieve a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and has an Energy Efficiency Design Index rating approximately 25 percent better than the applicable requirements.

The Silver Nova will commence its maiden voyage on August 14 from Venice, Italy, and is accompanied by its sister ship, the Silver Ray, set to enter service in 2024. Both ships emphasize culinary experiences and wellness, aligning with Silversea’s focus on luxury offerings.

These two newbuilds signify an exciting chapter for the ultra-luxury cruise sector, highlighting the industry’s commitment to sustainability and delivering exceptional experiences for passengers.

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