The West Indian Company Ltd. (WICO) has welcomed the territory’s first new cruise ship of 2024. Explora I, navigated by Captain Serena Melani, arrived at the WICO dock at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Explora I is the first of six luxury “resorts at sea” commissioned by Explora Journey, a new brand by MSC Group, which also owns MSC Cruises. The ship brought 638 guests or “discerning travelers” and 643 crew or “hosts” to St. Thomas.
“Ultra-luxury cruise ships that cater to a specific niche are trending in the cruise industry now,” said WICO President and CEO Anthony A. Ottley. “In addition to investing in larger ships, cruise lines are also creating subsidiaries with small-vessel fleets to attract affluent, well-traveled guests who want an elegant, five-star resort experience without the formalities. We welcome these new ships and their passengers to experience our Virgin Islands.”
A plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard the ship to officially welcome WICO’s cruise partner and Capt. Melani, who is one of only 10 female captains throughout the cruise industry.
The $560-million, all-suite vessel was built at th,e famed Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Her maiden voyage began in Copenhagen, Denmark in August 2023.
Explora I itineraries include ports in the Western Mediterranean, the Western Caribbean and the Middle East. The itinerary for every cruise varies. The U.S. Virgin Islands was the last stop on her seven-day New Year Celebration cruise, which included calls to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Marten, St. Kitts, and Nevis and Martinique.
Serena Melani, at the company’s first Welcome Ceremony of 2024. Captain Melani is one of only 10 female captains in the cruise industry.
MSC Explora I Specifications
Built: Fincantieri Shipyard, Monfalcone, Italy
Entered service: 2023
Port of Registry: Malta
Class: Luxury
Cost: $560 million
Capacity: 992 passengers
Crew: 643
Weight: 63,900 tons
Length: 813 feet
Decks: 14
Speed: 18 knots
