Portsmouth International Port hail exclusive Explora 1 visit as people explore luxury MSC cruise liner

Explora 1, which weighs 63,900 tonnes, sailed to Portsmouth International Port yesterday on her second ever call. Politicians and port officials were welcomed aboard the 248 metre long ship – greeted by friendly staff and elegant surroundings.

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member responsible for the port, said: “Our attractive harbour makes it easy for us to attract cruise brands to the city and we’re delighted that Explora 1 has experienced such a unique arrival and departure. We’re ideally placed to welcome small to medium sized, luxury, boutique ships, and the port’s striking new sustainable terminal extension will go further to complement this range of ships when it opens later in the summer.”

NOW READ: Luxury cruise liner Explora 1 visits Portsmouth International Port

Explora 1, operated by the Explora Journeys brand belonging to the MSC Group, is due to set sail to Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday (August 1). She will then depart on her first cruise, travelling on a seven-night sailing to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Passengers will get to see beautiful landmarks such as Lerwick, on the Shetland Islands, and Kirkwall, Orkney, along the way. Cllr Vernon-Jackson expects more ships like Explora 1 to visit Portsmouth as part of cruise schedules or unveiling events such as this one.

He added: “It’s the city’s supportive and friendly approach towards passengers to the city, whether they’re passing through or visiting to see attractions that makes the most impact and brings back regular callers time and again. We’re looking forward to growing the number of cruise calls to the city and showcasing what Portsmouth has to offer.”

Explora 1 is the first of six boutique vessels, which will be built between 2023 and 2028. Holidaymakers are promised an experience called “ocean state of mind” – where people can escape to the ocean, relax, create memories and reconnect with what matters most in life.

The cruise liner, complete with a thermal area, two VIP double spa suites, beauty salon, fitness area and other wonderful features, headed to Portsmouth after leaving Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on July 20. She also boasts three heated outdoor swimming pools, one heated pool with a retractable glass roof and 64 private cabins.

SEE ALSO: Stunning progress being made to terminal extension

With the Explora Journeys brand focusing on high end luxury, it fits with the port’s aim of having more high-end vessels visiting the city. Andrew Williamson, passenger operations manager at Portsmouth International Port, said: “It is an honour for Portsmouth to be the first UK port to welcome MSC Cruises newest brand, Explora Journeys – as Explora I makes her inaugural call.

"Explora Journeys have entered the market to redefine the classic luxury cruise experience, and perfectly reflect our cruise ambitions and the environmental values of the port. Arriving fresh from the first press preview in Barcelona, Explora I will spend the weekend with us welcoming cruise officials and representatives from across the industry, before heading to Copenhagen to pick up the lucky passengers embarking on the maiden voyage around Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle.”

The vessel also includes environmental supporting technologies which limit her emissions. More information about the cruises can be found on the MSC website.