EXCLUSIVE

Explora Journeys is making plans to deploy its first ship, EXPLORA I, in Australian waters in the late summer of 2028/2029, according to recently updated port schedules. Australia has always been part of Explora Journeys’ long-term vision, and by 2029, MSC Group’s ultra-luxury cruise brand will have six ships in the water, so a local deployment has always been on the cards.

LATTE can exclusively reveal that both Darwin Ports and Ports Victoria are showing the 461-all suite ship will make its debut Down Under from February 2029. While noting port schedules can change, cruise lines often hold slots well ahead of commencing operation to secure space and to itinerary plan.

Darwin’s cruise ship schedule is showing EXPLORA I will dock at the Northern Territory capital on 5 February at 5:30am, and depart later the same day at 5pm. EXPLORA I is the only ship currently scheduled that far ahead on the Darwin Port’s website.

Meanwhile, Vic Ports’ website similarly shows EXPLORA I is slated to arrive at 7am at Station Pier, Port Melbourne on 20 February 2029. It will then set sail at 9pm the same day.

Other major Australian gateway cruise ship ports, such as Sydney and Fremantle (Perth), along with Brisbane and Cairns, haven’t released their 2029 cruise timetables as yet.

Similarly, Port of Auckland’s online cruise schedule is only released up until late August 2026, while Christchurch’s cruise port, Lyttelton, has future ship arrivals only through to next April.

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore also doesn’t feature its cruise ship schedules many years in advance, however intriguingly, the website does list both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA III on a dropdown menu. Last month, Explora Journeys’ released its 2027/28 program which includes sailings aboard EXPLORA III through Asia, including calls in the Lion City, but not details on the luxe cruise brand’s first ship in the fleet visiting Singapore.

The ultra-luxury EXPLORA I debuted in 2023, with LATTE the sole Australian travel industry publication welcomed aboard for the christening cruise from New York to Quebec.

Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific have been on Explora Journeys’ radar before the first ship even set sail. Explora Journeys’ inaugural CEO, Michael Ungerer, told LATTE in 2022 that Australia would “eventually” be added to the list of destinations the brand will explore. At the time, Ungerer cited Australia’s lack of liquified natural gas facilities presented a challenge for the cruise line.

As we previously reported, Ungerer said Australia and New Zealand journeys are “definitely” on the horizon. “Certainly, for sure, once we have a fleet.” He indicated EXPLORA III and IV would be more inclined to be positioned closer to Europe and the US when they debut – due to LNG resources – freeing up the option for I or II to likely explore Australasian waters. 

Last month, Antonio Paradiso, VP International Sales for Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, restated that although Australia and New Zealand do not feature in the newly release collection, he assured LATTE that both destinations are “very much on our radar”.

LATTE has sought confirmation of Explora Journeys’ potential deployment in Australian waters for the first time.

*** Monday, 27 October: Responding to LATTE‘s report last week, Explorer Journeys has confirmed it will send EXPLORA I to Australia in 2029.

A statement from the Geneva based luxury cruise line, sent first to LATTE, stated: “Explora Journeys can confirm that EXPLORA I will include calls to select Australian ports as part of our future itineraries. Further details will be announced in due course.”