Explora Journeys – MSC’s luxury ocean cruise brand – has officially named its EXPLORA II ship in the Italian port of Civitavecchia . The traditional maritime ceremony featured the symbolic cutting of a ribbon to break a bottle on the ship’s bow. This honour was conducted by EXPLORA II’s godmother, Rosalba Giugni , founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation , a non-partisan environmental conservation organisation committed to the preservation of marine environments, founded in 1985.
Ms Giugni was chosen for this honour, as a friend and partner of the MSC Foundation , but also as a mark of respect for her 35-year commitment to the protection of the world’s oceans. The naming ceremony brought together distinguished guests from across the globe, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Antonio Tajani, Admiral Nicola Carlone, ART President Nicola Zaccheo, the President of the Port Authority, Pino Musolino, the Mayor of Civitavecchia, Marco Piendibene and Italian film director, screenwriter and Academy Award winner Giuseppe Tornatore, as well as international journalists, key travel partners, and senior MSC Group representatives, including Founder and Group Chairman, Gianluigi Aponte . The event was hosted by Italian actress and TV personality Lorella Cuccarini and concluded with a traditional parade of ship officers.
Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a gala dinner and an evening of vibrant celebrations, includ.