Expansive public areas and suites have shaped the interior design blueprint for Explora II
Light, colour, space, privacy and connection with the sea are among the elements that stand out on the second newbuild from Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group.
“The key word for Explora II is space,” explains director, architecture and design at Geneva-headquartered MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, Antonio Di Nenno. “The feeling of space when embarking via the atrium and walking around the ship feels much larger than its actual size.”
The second of six 922-passenger, 64,000-gt ships constructed by Fincantieri in Italy, with launches that started in 2023 with Explora I and will run to 2028, the Explora project represents a €3.5Bn (US$3.8Bn) investment. It also marks a long-held vision of the independently owned ocean journey brand, headed by the Aponte Vago family, to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning travellers.
“Drawing on 300 years of maritime heritage, it wanted guests to reach a state characterised by calmness, unity, elegance and joy, encouraging inner and outer exploration and discovery,” explains Mr Di Nenno. “This is the context of Explora Journeys’ fleet’s design.”
Speaking to Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review, Mr Di Nenno says the overall design of the latest vessel, launching later this year, mirrors Explora I with new features added.
“Guest feedback regarding the design of Explora has included how it gives the sense of a superyacht, only with the added luxury of greater choice and space,” he continues. “This is epitomised by our work with one of the world’s foremost yacht designers, Martin Francis, who developed bases of the global architecture, and worked on the ship outlines and features such as the funnel and wind screen.
“This is the same for Explora II. The interior design is also contemporary and cosmopolitan, reflecting our ambition to be viewed as a boutique hotel at sea. As we disrupt the ocean journey sector we bridge and merge luxury lifestyle, the art of Swiss hospitality and sophisticated ocean travel.”
Once again, Explora Journeys has worked with major interior design brands across Europe, including Made in Italy, which represents the highest levels of Italian craftsmanship and industry. Long-standing collaborations include De Jorio design Swiss, which has been involved with the group since the inception of MSC Cruises.
“For Explora Journeys it was briefed on our elevated, ultimate luxury offering,” says Mr Di Nenno. “It is like family to us, but follow our owning family’s lead. We have partnered with it on areas such as the Lobby Bar, the very heart of both ships, the casino, Journeys Lounge, and Fil Rouge. However, for some of the communal areas, it has slightly revised the fabrics used, changing some colours within the muted palette for an ever so slightly different look.”
New partnerships on Explora II include leading Milan-based designer Matteo Nunziati, who mainly specialised in luxury hotels, wellness centres, spa and residential projects, again reflecting Explora Journeys’ ethos to create a boutique hotel environment at sea. The designer has created bespoke outdoor furniture for the latest vessel.
Mr Di Nenno continues, “This new design for Explora II effortlessly bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living, mirroring the beautiful fluidity of our ship’s spaces.”
Described as ‘Homes at Sea’, Explora II has 461 ocean-facing suites ranging in size from 35 m2 in the Ocean Terrace Suites category to 280 m2 for the Owner’s Residence, making them among the most spacious in the industry. Fittings include lighting from Astep in Denmark and Italy’s Flos.
Mr Di Nenno adds, “Exquisitely designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean, the suites are designed in a neutral colour palette to indulge in the marine environment outside.
“We are proud to say our suites look more like hotel suites or an extension of our guests’ homes. Intuitively designed with the use of light sensors for example, we feature the luxury design brands that guests have at home. Likewise, as our design is there to be enjoyed, our design and travel books in our suites aren’t just for show. We’ve hand selected books guests might find on their own bookshelf at home, and encourage guests to read them, they aren’t just for display.”
Mr Di Nenno says the ship offers the luxury of space and explains, “The owning family created the design brief for an elegant, sophisticated and chic look and feel. As a result, refined luxury sits at the heart of the design. As we say, ‘design sails the world’ as guests sail in total luxury. The colour scheme for Explora I and Explora II was carefully studied by the architects and the owners to find a harmonious balance. We wanted there to be coherence with the vessel itself so that when guests walk through the ship, the design is holistic and fluid.”
Materials used throughout the ship include natural stone and Mr Di Nenno explains, “We hand select marble straight from the quarry in Italy, approving large blocks. While it is a complex and thorough refining process, we believe in the longevity of it as a material, and trust in its quality and where it is thoughtfully sourced from.”
Elsewhere, the Aponte Vago family curated all artwork. Each suite features a master artwork in the living room, while across the ship, guests will find selected pieces by artists such as Swiss-Egyptian sculptor Yves Dana.
“Dana was commissioned for both ships,” adds Mr Di Nenno. “We are also working with other artists to deliver one-off masterpieces for the ship such as Italian artist Emilio Isgro. 70% of the artists used for Explora I have also been commissioned for our second ship but all artworks will be new, including authenticated prints in suites and corridors with different subject matter.”
London-based AD Associates was involved in the design of the six restaurants including Sakura, named after the national flower of Japan and inspired by ancient tea rooms of Kyoto, the European steakhouse Marble & Co, and Anthology, a culinary stage for celebrated guest chefs.
Explora II will enter service in August 2024, with a maiden voyage from Barcelona, and will be followed by Explora III, the first of the fleet’s LNG-powered vessels, in 2026, Explora IV and Explora V in 2027 and the final vessel in 2028.
Mr Di Nenno concludes, “To define a successful interior design, it is knowing guests feel welcome, comfortable and at ease. We’ve received positive guest and trade feedback from Explora I and believe that as we move towards the launch of Explora II our work, that prioritises functionality, aesthetic appeal and comfort, will continue to truly convey the vibrant spirit of Explora Journeys.”
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