explora 1 maiden voyage

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August 2023

Explora i sets sail on her maiden journey, explora journeys.

The luxury ship departed from Copenhagen in Denmark for a seven-night sailing to Reykjavik in Iceland with visits en route to Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney.

Copenhagen, 2 August, 2023  - EXPLORA I, the first ship to join the fleet of Explora Journeys, has commenced her maiden journey for a seven-night sailing that will take guests through the majestic landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.

The first in a series of upcoming itineraries which will span three continents, this northern European journey, has been designed to emphasise the brand’s ‘Ocean State of Mind’ philosophy with immersive experiences that aim to reward guests physically, intellectually and spiritually.

Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys  said  "It is our absolute honour to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment with them as we embark on the maiden journey of EXPLORA I from Copenhagen. Our guests will be able to experience the very best European hospitality at sea and our vibrant, cosmopolitan sense of luxury, while discovering some of the world’s most remarkable destinations. A new era of transformative luxury ocean travel begins now with the first sailing of EXPLORA I.”

The festivities held in Copenhagen on 1 August 2023 also included the traditional crest exchange, a maritime tradition to celebrate a ship’s first visit to a destination - on board with the ship’s master Captain Serena Melani, Johan Hoganfalt, Deputy Port Captain, Sune Christensen, Chief Commercial Officer Copenhagen Malmö Port, Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise Baltic and Cruise Copenhagen and Michael Ungerer, CEO, Explora Journeys

EXPLORA I will also call the port of Copenhagen later in August with a sailing to Hamburg, Germany.

The luxury ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe to offer a range of different itineraries and will then cross the Atlantic Sea and spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for voyages in the Mediterranean Sea. 

EXPLORA II is currently being built in Italy and will come into service in August 2024. EXPLORA III will become the first of two LNG (liquefied natural gas) powered vessels to join the Explora Journeys’ fleet with the ship due to be delivered in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027. 

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Explora I Review

Explora I is the much-anticipated first cruise ship by Explora Journeys that debuted in August 2023. Explora Journeys is the luxury cruise line -- or luxury lifestyle brand -- by the Geneva-based MSC Group, with a further five ships in the pipeline.

The 63,900-gross-ton Explora I is one of the largest luxury vessels at sea, carrying up to 922 guests and with a passenger to crew ratio of 1.25:1. It’s a beautiful vessel with plenty of jaw-dropping spaces onboard, from the two-story Lobby Bar to the wake infinity pool and the single Owner’s Residence suite.

Who is going to enjoy this all-suite ship? Explora I will appeal to travelers who enjoy experiencing luxury resorts around the world -- think Four Seasons, Fairmont, One&Only and Greece’s Sani and Ikos resorts. Well-heeled and well-traveled, perhaps in high-powered or creative senior roles or recently retired, passengers who value their private family downtime, but don’t care much for the formalities of cruising, will likely love Explora I.

Though Explora Journeys is an all-inclusive cruise line, including drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and shuttles into port, where necessary, it does not extend to covering any shore excursions or airfare. Pricing, however, is pretty much in line with other luxury cruise lines.

Explora I’s Symmetrical Deck Plan is Filled with Dazzling Venues and Ample Outdoor Spaces

Explora I is an easy-to-navigate ship, with suites located on decks 6 to 10 and most public spaces located on decks 11 to 14 (there is no Deck 13) and on decks 4 and 5.

At the top of the ship on Deck 14 is the open-air sports court and outdoor fitness area, allowing passengers to get their fitness fix while enjoying the ocean’s breeze. The ship’s highest bar, Sky Bar, is also located on Deck 14. Below, on Deck 12, are two of the ship’s slim and long hot tubs, towards the aft, while the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar lies at the front. The running track loops Deck 12, and rows of sun loungers and a cluster of cabanas are here, too, making it one of the best spots for sunbathing away from the main pools, with typically fewer younger passengers using this space.

Deck 11 is a vibrant deck centered on the Conservatory Pool & Bar under the cover of a retractable roof. This is where the ship begins to really feel like a luxury resort (though a retractable roof is, of course, a tried-and-trusted cruise ship design and a smart move for when the ship is in cooler climates).

The turquoise-hued pool is flanked by plush padded double loungers that seem to float over the shallow edges of the pool, with two hot tubs facing the ocean. The popular Emporium Marketplace takes up half of Deck 11 and venues including the Chef’s Kitchen, Malt Whisky Bar, Nautilus Club and the Explora Lounge fill the other half. Passengers spend plenty of time on this level, with spaces for dining, drinking, relaxing and enrichment. The majority of Deck 10 is occupied with suites, though it’s also where the Bridge , Ocean Wellness Fitness Center and the Atoll Pool & Bar are located.

Deck 5 is home to the Ocean Wellness Spa at the front and the Astern Pool & Bar at the aft, plus a cluster of the ship’s restaurants, art gallery and guest service amenities. Take the central staircase or elevator down to Deck 4 to arrive in one of the ship’s main focal points: the decadent Lobby Bar. This space is surrounded by luxury boutiques (including the only Rolex shop at sea), more restaurants, a small casino and Journeys Lounge, the ship’s largest entertainment space. Passengers can effortlessly dine at Fil Rouge or the Med Yacht Club, enjoy a drink in the Lobby Bar and see a show at Journeys Lounge, all on the same deck.

Spaces flow nicely, while maintaining a feeling of individuality to each venue. Even the art space has the feel of a Soho gallery, a destination for art, rather than a passageway on the ship.

No venue onboard ever felt overcrowded on our sailing. Passengers disperse nicely to the different venues to enjoy drinks or a bite to eat. Emporium Marketplace and, for breakfast, Fil Rouge certainly appeared the busiest dining spots on our sailing, but, again, never overcrowded. From Crema Café to the Astern Pool & Bar, there was always a nice buzz onboard throughout the day, with the ship’s passengers mostly winding down early.

The handful of kids on our sailing tended to gravitate to Nautilus Club or the Conservatory Pool and ate with parents, typically at Emporium Marketplace. With no library onboard, the best options for quiet reading spots are Explora Lounge, Crema Cafe, the Astern Lounge or the sundeck area of Deck 12, under the shade of a cabana.

Rooms on Explora I Are All Suites, Including Some of the Largest Entry-Level Suites at Sea

All 461 cabins on Explora I are suites, all with an outside terrace. Suites mirror public spaces, designed to feel like a boutique hotel or room at a luxury resort, rather than a cruise ship. The line has achieved this not just in the decor – modern and neutral -- but in scale.

Both inside and outside spaces in the ship’s entry-level cabins, Ocean Terrace suites, are among the largest at sea, measuring 377 square feet inside and 75 outside. Next up are Ocean Penthouses, which start at 753 square feet, followed by Ocean Residences, also starting at 753 square feet, but with the addition of butler service. The top suite is the single Owner’s Residence, which features plenty of extra perks and one of the best private terraces around.

Explora Journeys is welcoming of the family market and multi-generational groups, with 82 cabins that connect two suites together. This is a smart move to draw larger families or even groups of friends traveling together.

While there aren’t any cains to avoid, per se, if you experience motion sickness, it’s probably worth requesting a cabin on one of the lower decks in the middle, such as a Deck 6 Ocean Terrace suite.

Food on Explora I is Exceptional, There’s Just One Extra-Fee Restaurant

There are nine dining options on Explora I -- just don’t expect a main dining room or traditional buffet restaurant in the mix. Instead, passengers will find five inclusive specialty restaurants, one extra-fee restaurant, an inclusive in-suite dining menu, a coffee shop for drinks and light snacks and a gelateria and creperie.

The included restaurants cover all bases: Sakura for pan-Asian; Emporium Marketplace for an upmarket food hall-style venue where the majority of dishes are made fresh to order; Marble & Co. Grill, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant; Med Yacht Kitchen for Mediterranean cuisine and Fil Rouge for French-inspired cuisine.

We enjoyed picking up oysters and crab claws in the evening at Emporium Marketplace; exquisite pad Thai Panang beef at Sakura and a show-stealing appetizer at Marble & Co. Grill (order the fingerling potatoes with caviar!).

Anthology is the ship’s tasting menu restaurant. What will likely put some travelers off is the cost (around $200 per person, without wine). The line will partner with a new top chef from the world of fine dining every three months to create the menu. It’s pricy, but foodies with a penchant for visiting some of the world’s best restaurants will likely go for it.

Bottom Line

Included with your cruise fare:.

Dining in Emporium Marketplace, Fil Rouge, Marble & Co Grill, Med Yacht Club and Sakura

In-suite dining

Use of the fitness center and spa thermal facilities

Coffee, tea and snacks at Crema Cafe

Most daily activities, unless otherwise noted

Unlimited raw bar in the evenings

Self-service laundry

In suite minibar setup, including a bottle of wine, a bottle of spirits and a welcome bottle of Champagne

Port shuttle service

Not included with your cruise fare:

Dining at Anthology

Spa treatments

Personal training sessions

Shore excursions

Laundry and pressing services (depending on suite category)

Premium wines, Champagne and spirits

Fellow Passengers

Who is on board.

Guests on Explora I enjoy luxury vacations and are typically well-traveled. Some have crossed over from MSC Cruises’ MSC Yacht Club, while others are new-to-cruise. On our sailing, there were families and couples. Couples tended to be over forty, including some same-sex couples.

There are regular meet ups for solo travelers, known as the Solivagant Society. We were impressed by Explora Journeys’ Prism programme, which includes gatherings and activities for the LGBTQIA + passengers with a social event held on the first or second day of every sailing. Towards the end of each sailing, there is also a Prism cocktail party.

Of the 461 suites on Explora I, 10 are wheelchair accessible, located on decks 8, 9 and 10.

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• Latest News

Explora I embarks on maiden voyage

Explora Journey’s first ship, Explora I , has set sail on her maiden journey.

The ship is currently sailing a seven night itinerary visiting Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Explora Journey’s states that the northern European journey “has been designed to emphasise the brand’s ‘ocean state of mind’ philosophy with immersive experiences that aim to reward guests physically, intellectually and spiritually.”

Excursions onboard this maiden journey include exploring Copenhagen’s waterways by kayak, discovering Shetland through its heritage pony breed and exploring the sites inside the Golden Circle in Iceland.

This sailing is the first in a series of upcoming itineraries, which will span across three continents.

Festivities, such as the traditional crest exchange, were held in Copenhagen on 1 August 2023 to celebrate the ship’s first visit to a destination.

Explora Journeys CEO, Michael Ungere,r said: “It is our absolute honour to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment with them as we embark on the maiden journey from Copenhagen.

“Our guests will be able to experience the very best European hospitality at sea and our vibrant, cosmopolitan sense of luxury, while discovering some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

“A new era of transformative luxury ocean travel begins now with the first sailing of Explora I .”

Explora I  itineraries

The ship will again call at the port of Copenhagen on August 15, 2023, with a sailing to Hamburg, Germany.

In fact, the ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe, sailing on a range of different itineraries, and will then cross the Atlantic Sea and will spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for her Mediterranean season.

Explora II  is currently being built in Italy, hitting the water in August 2024.

In terms of the rest of the fleet, Explora III will become the first of two LNG powered vessels to join the fleet, due to be delivered in 2026, with Explora IV due in 2027.

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Explora Journeys’ First Ship Maiden Voyage Detailed

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

• November 23, 2022

Explora Journeys revealed today details on the maiden voyage for the first of six planned ships, Explora I. The maiden sailing is scheduled to depart on July 17, 2023 from Southampton, England.

The brand will make its debut with a 15-night inaugural journey to northern europe with calls to 12 ports in four countries. “Our vision and purpose from day one has been to create a travel and ocean experience like no other,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “We are thrilled that our ground-breaking new class of ship, Explora I, will introduce guests during her maiden journey to some of the most breathtaking destinations in Northern Europe while enjoying the finest luxury hospitality at sea.”

Here are the ports of call on the inaugural journey:

Zeebrugge is where guests can enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, canals, and pristine gardens in nearby Bruges. From there, the ship will journey north along Norway’s western coastline where the Atlantic meets the Arctic. Its fjords are listed by UNESCO World Heritage Sites as “the best unspoiled travel destinations in the world.”

Geiranger , at the head of Geirangerfjord, is a perfect example of a little Nordic village. The fjord is so famous that it’s been awarded UNESCO status, and its especially known for Seven Sisters — one of the world’s 10 highest waterfalls.

Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its port dates back to 997. Its medieval Nidaros Cathedral is a fitting tribute to its impressive heritage.

Molde, known as the City of Roses thanks to its abundance of summer blooms, is ringed by 222 snow-capped peaks, and is home to a plethora of little shops and cafés.

MORE: Carnival Celebration Arrives in the Caribbean For the First Time

Leknes is on Vestvågøya, one of Norway’s six Lofoten islands in the Arctic Circle. Warmed by the Gulf Stream and long summer days of sunshine, it features tropical beaches, horseback riding, sea eagles, and beautiful scenery.

Brønnøysund may be the only place with a pretty bathing lake right in the center of town. It also has a mountain with a hole in it, along with a bustling marina and beautiful hiking trails.

Flåm ‘s railway is one of the most awe-inspiring train journeys in the world, winding past eye-popping natural wonders such as the Nærøyfjord, another Norwegian entry on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Bergen ‘s 14th century Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, provides visitors with their first glimpse of a city crammed with arts, crafts, and food markets. Its world-class restaurants make it a worthy member of UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy network.

Stavanger ‘s colorful old town has rustic cobbled streets and perfectly restored white wooden houses that sit alongside cafés, craft shops, museums, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the town lie stunning landscapes and beaches. This will be the ship’s last port of call in Norway.

Skagen, Denmark’s most northerly point, is where the Baltic meets the North Sea. Its rich art heritage is a legacy of the many painters seduced by Skagen’s uniquely translucent light. In addition, its seafood, architecture, and the vast migrating dune at Råbjerg Mile have made Skagen a must-see.

Explora I will arrive in Copenhagen on August 1, 2023. With its architectural aesthetic ranging from medieval to Renaissance to contemporary, and some of the best fine dining venues in the world, this city is a cultural hub. It’s also arguably the hippest city in Scandinavia, a fitting way to bring down the curtain on an unforgettable voyage.

Explora Journeys’ ‘A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle’ is now open for bookings. Travelers can take advantage of the Explora Journeys early booking system and enjoy a five percent savings.

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Explora I Embarks On Maiden Voyage from Copenhagen

• August 2, 2023

Explora Journeys’ new ship, the Explora I, has started its maiden journey on August 1, sailing a seven-night itinerary through the landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney and Reykjavik, Iceland.

The event was accompanied by festivities in Copenhagen including the traditional crest exchange, onboard with the ship’s master Captain Serena Melani, Johan Hoganfalt, deputy port captain, Sune Christensen, chief commercial officer Copenhagen Malmö Port, Klaus Bondam, director of Cruise Baltic and Cruise Copenhagen and Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys.

Guests on the Explora I’s first voyage will also have a chance to engage in shore activities such as exploring Copenhagen’s waterways by kayak, discovering Shetland through its pony breed and visiting Iceland during an overnight stay.

“It is our absolute honor to welcome the very first guests onboard our extraordinary ship and share this special moment with them as we embark on the maiden journey of EXPLORA I from Copenhagen. Our guests will be able to experience the very best European hospitality at sea and our vibrant, cosmopolitan sense of luxury, while discovering some of the world’s most remarkable destinations. A new era of transformative luxury ocean travel begins now with the first sailing of Explora I,” said Ungerer.

The Explora I will also again visit the port of Copenhagen on August 15, 2023, while sailing to Hamburg, Germany.

  The new ship will offer a series of itineraries exploring Northern Europe before spending the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea. The Explora I is set to return to Europe in the summer of 2024 for Mediterranean sailings. 

Explora Journeys’ second ship, the Explora II, is currently being built in Italy and will enter service in August 2024. 

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• MSC Explora 1 makes maiden call to ABP's Port Southampton...

MSC Explora 1 makes maiden call to ABP's Port Southampton (England UK)

ABP Port of Southampton warmly received the maiden call of Explora Journeys ' vessel, Explora 1 , heralding the commencement of a nine-night voyage encircling the United Kingdom.

A ceremonial exchange of plaques transpired on the ship, marking its inaugural docking at the port. The event was graced by the presence of Captain Serena Melani, the ship's master; Rebekah Keeler from Associated British Ports Southampton; and Michael Ungerer, Explora Journeys' CEO.

Ungerer said Southampton holds a pivotal place as one of the United Kingdom's primary ports and a significant hub within Europe. It was a genuine honor to introduce their eagerly awaited and freshly launched ship, Explora I. The unswerving commitment to excellence finds expression in their innovative and tastefully crafted product, and they are dedicated to tirelessly showcasing it.

Setting sail from Southampton, Explora I's itinerary embraced destinations like South Queensferry-Edinburgh , Newcastle-Upon-Tyne , Invergordon , Portree/Isle of Skye , Greencastle/Londonderry Northern Ireland , Liverpool , and Greenock-Glasgow . Following this journey, Explora I is scheduled to return to Europe in the summer of 2024, embarking on a series of sailings in the Mediterranean.

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View of Bergen, Norway, from Mt. Fløyen.

Explora journeys: itinerary for maiden voyage released.

The first ship of the luxury brand of MSC will set sail in July 2023.

Explora Journeys unveiled details for its first journey: Explora I , the first of six ships, will sail on July 17, 2023 from Southampton , UK. The luxury brand of MSC´s cruise division will debut with a 15-night journey to Northern Europe, with calls to 12 ports in four countries – the trip entitled A Maiden Journey into Epic Fjords and the Arctic Circle .

Explora I from Southampton will call at Zeebrugge, Belgium , and in Norway at Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger , before sailing on to Denmark with visits to Skagen and Copenhagen.

First stop in Zeebrugge

Details about the ship’s journey and its destinations have been released, with a first stop in Zeebrugge where guests can head off to enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, canals and the pristine gardens of nearby Bruges. From Zeebrugge , they will journey northwards along Norway’s western coastline, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic, stopping first at Geiranger, at the head of the Geirangerfjord, a true example of a small traditional Nordic village . Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its port dates back to 997, while Molde is ringed by 222 soaring, snow-capped peaks, and boasts some of the best shops and cafés in the country. Leknes is on Vestvågøya, one of Norway’s six Lofoten Islands in the Arctic Circle: warmed by the Gulf Stream, it boasts tropical beaches, horse riding, and sea eagles. Brønnøysund has a mountain with a huge hole visibly punched through it, along with a bustling marina and sensational hiking trails.

Skagen , Denmark’s most northerly point, is where the Baltic meets the North Sea; its art heritage is a legacy of the many painters who have been seduced by Skagen’s translucent light. In addition, its fabulous seafood, architecture, and the vast migrating dune at Råbjerg Mile make Skagen a must-see for tourists to the region. The ship will finally arrive in Copenhagen on August 1.

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Explora I Cruise Ship, Switzerland

Explora I will embark on its maiden voyage, from Barcelona to Athens, in May 2023.

Vessel Type

Cruise ship

Gross Tonnage

Maiden voyage.

Explora Journeys

Explora I is a new cruise ship under construction by Fincantieri at its shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The vessel will be operated by Explora Journeys, a new luxury brand of MSC Cruises .

The vessel is the first of four ships ordered for Explora Journeys. Construction of the first vessel commenced in June 2021. The coin ceremony for the ship was held in February 2022, and the float-out ceremony was held in May of the same year.

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Explora I is expected to set sail on its maiden voyage in May 2023.

Construction of Explora II, the second vessel, commenced at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) yard in October 2021. Explora II is expected to be delivered in 2024, followed by the third and fourth vessels in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Explora I cruise ship design and features

Explora I will have a length of 248m and gross tonnage of 63,900t. It will have 14 decks and incorporate a blend of Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship.

The Explora fleet will be designed with the latest environment-friendly technologies and provide flexibility to adapt to new alternative energy solutions in the future. The Explora vessels will also prohibit single-use plastics both on board the ship and during land-based experiences.

Explora I can be equipped with a battery storage system to enable hybrid power generation in the future. The sustainable features of the ship will also include selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 90%.

The ship will be able to receive onshore power to avoid carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions while at berth. All four Explora series vessels will be RINA DOLPHIN certified for reduced underwater noise .

Accommodation details

Explora I will feature 461 ocean-front suites and residences with a design focus on refined European elegance, comfort and simplicity.

The on-board accommodation options will include one Owner’s Residence, 22 Ocean Residences, 67 Ocean Penthouses, and 371 Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace suites. The ship will feature 82 connecting suites.

The Ocean Terrace suites will have a space of 35m² (377ft²) each, along with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces. Each Ocean Grand Terrace suite will feature a larger ocean-front terrace of 11m² (118ft²) with an outdoor dining area and daybed.

The Ocean Penthouse suites will be available in four categories, namely Penthouse, Deluxe Penthouse, Premier Penthouse and Grand Penthouse. The penthouses will include a private dining area for four as well as a workspace.

Each penthouse is designed with ocean-front floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces. The total area of each penthouse suite will range between 43m² (463ft²) and 68m² (732ft²), of which the suite area will be between 34m² (366ft²) and 47m² (506ft²) while the terrace area will range between 9m² (97ft²) and 21m² (226ft²).

The Ocean Residence category will be available as Cove, Retreat, Serenity and Cocoon residencies, which will all feature a personal terrace with dining area, private outdoor whirlpool and dedicated butler service. The suites will have a living area ranging between 56m² (603ft²) and 74m² (807ft²) and terrace area ranging between 14m² (151ft²) and 75m² (807ft²).

The Owner’s Residence will be the largest on-board accommodation, with panoramic ocean views from a private outdoor terrace. It will feature a spacious whirlpool and dedicated private butler service. The Owner’s Residence will have a suite area of 155m² (1,668ft²) along with a 125m² (1,345ft²) terrace.

On-board dining

Explora I will feature six restaurants and the Chef’s Kitchen, which will provide an ocean-front private kitchen experience for 12 guests, as well as 12 distinct bars and lounges, eight of which will be located indoors with the remaining four located outdoors.

Anthology will feature global cuisines and unique wine pairings. The restaurant will have an al fresco dining seating capacity of 22 as well as 48 indoor seats.

Guests will be able to enjoy pan-Asian cuisines, including Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian, for lunch and dinner at the Sakura restaurant. Sakura will also offer Asian-influenced beverages and services by a Sake sommelier. Indoor seating will be available for 92 guests while the outdoor seating area will accommodate 26.

Marble & Co will provide a European steakhouse experience with an in-house dry ager and cellar. The restaurant will accommodate 80 guests indoors and ten guests in an outdoor seating area.

The Med Yacht Club will provide an indoor seating capacity of 136, including 34 at the bar. It will offer menus from Greece, Italy, France, Spain and North Africa, and incorporate plant-based vegetarian options and wholesome ingredients. A selection of Mediterranean wines, fresh juices and cocktails will also be available.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available to guests at the Emporium Marketplace, which will accommodate 271 guests indoors as well as 70 in an outdoor space. The restaurant will serve globally diverse cuisines inspired by local destinations. With 18 separate cooking stations, guests will be able to choose from sushi, fresh seafood and a daily rotisserie that will offer grilled, roasted and slow-cooked meats.

Pasta, pizzas, bread and home-made sandwiches are among the other food options. The restaurant will also feature fromagerie, charcuterie, boulangerie and patisserie stations. The breakfast menu will include fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls. Wines, champagne and beverages will also be available throughout the day.

The Fil Rouge, which will accommodate 222 guests, will offer a global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine, complete with an elegant dessert cart and selection of wines.

Entertainment and other amenities

The vessel will have more than 2,500m² (26,909ft²) of outdoor space, including three swimming pools. It will offer 64 private cabanas and an all-weather indoor pool with a retractable glass ceiling.

Explora I will also feature shops, an art gallery and a casino. Other on-board amenities will include treatment rooms and gyms with state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

Explora I’s inaugural season is scheduled to begin at the end of May 2023, starting with an 11-night Mediterranean journey from Barcelona to Athens.

In its first year, the cruise ship will visit 132 ports in 40 countries. These will include Kastellorizo in Greece and Saint Pierre in Martinique, two destinations that have not been visited by cruise ships before.

The inaugural season will include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the Caribbean Sea, the East Coast of the US, South America and Hawaii. The trips will range from six-night trips to a 44-night grand journey around Northern Europe.

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Explora I sets sail from Copenhagen for maiden voyage

Explora Journeys’ new vessel sails with guests onboard for the first time 

By Alex Smith | 01 August 2023

Explora Journeys’ Explora I set sail on its maiden voyage from Copenhagen in Denmark on 1 August, marking the new cruise line operating fully for the first time.

Explora 1 arrived in Copenhagen at 9:00 local time on 1 August after a shakedown cruise from Portsmouth, UK, with Explora Journeys staff, travel professionals and members of the media onboard. Guests were then welcomed onboard for the first time later the same day.

“We offer our guests a new style of transformative ocean travel,” said Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys. “The next generation of luxury travellers are craving authentic connections, actively seeking out the new. Explora Journeys aims to create unique and emotional connections that are powerful, transformative and universal, which we call the ‘ocean state of mind’. Everything we do is rooted in that philosophy.”

Explora 1 has 461 suites, all of which include ocean-facing balconies. These range from the 35-square-metre Ocean Terrace Suites to the 280-square-metre Owner’s Residence, which has a dedicated private butler service, a panoramic ocean-front terrace and a welcome bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne.

“Welcome to our home, a dream that we’ve been working on for over three years,” said Jason Gelineau, head of product at Explora Journeys, during the shakedown cruise. “We feature elegant spaces that really connect you with the sea. Our suites have an incredible sense of space, with light colours and floor-to-ceiling windows. They have been fitted out with high-quality products such as the Dyson supersonic hair dryer, the Illy coffee machine, and the complimentary bottle of champagne found in every suite. It’s not just a room to sleep in, it’s a room to live in.”

The ship includes six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. These include the pan-Asian dining venue Sakura, European steakhouse Marble & Co. Grill, the French-inspired Fil Rouge and Med Yacht Club, which offers a menu of Mediterranean dishes. In addition, the Anthology restaurant offers a menu curated by chef Mauro Uliassi, whose restaurant in Senigallia, Italy, has received three Michelin stars. The restaurant will rotate menus curated by a range of acclaimed chefs, and all dishes will be paired with wines selected by the cruise line’s sommeliers.

“We’re all more educated in food and beverages today, and we wanted to make sure that we provided our guests with choice,” said Gelineau.  “Each restaurant has its own personality, with none being inferior to the rest. Our culinary team is truly top class, and we work alongside incredible chefs who are still passionate about cooking. They use high-quality, authentic ingredients, and are able to cater to today’s lifestyle choices, whether it be vegetarian or vegan.”

Explora 1 will now sail from Copenhagen to Reykjavik, Iceland, with stops at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands and Kirkwall on the island of Orkney over the course of a seven-night voyage. The ship will spend several weeks sailing itineraries in Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic Ocean via Greenland to spend the autumn in North America, the winter in the Caribbean and spring on the West Coast of America and in Hawaii. It will then return to Europe in Summer 2024. Itineraries will range from seven to 11 nights in length, with guests able to combine multiple voyages in a single stay.

“We don’t look to do the same itinerary more than once,” said Norbert Stiekema, chief commercial officer at Explora Journeys. “This means not only that every itinerary is different, but that every journey is different, as guests can combine multiple journeys without visiting the same port. This allows us to offer a wide range of experiences for guests to discover.”

Tags: Cruise     News     Explora Journeys     Building & Refurbishment

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The itinerary of Explora I’s maiden voyage

Explora Journeys has announced the itinerary for Explora I’ s maiden voyage, which will depart on July 17, 2023 from Southampton in the United Kingdom and will last 15 nights through wondrous fjords and beyond the Arctic Circle, setting sail for Northern Europe and docking in 12 ports and 4 countries.

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, anticipated that there will also be surprises for guests during the trip, such as exciting experiences, carefully selected giveaways, and fantastic guest artists; all to satisfy the desire of discerning travelers to discover the world around them, meet new people, and reconnect with themselves.

The ship will depart from Southampton and arrive at Zeebrugge in Belgium and Geiranger, Trondheim, Molde, Leknes, Brønnøysund, Flåm, Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, before continuing on to Denmark, where it will visit Skagen and the country’s capital, Copenhagen.

explora-journeys-explora-I

The first stop is Zeebrugge where guests will enjoy medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, beautiful canals and the gardens of Bruges. From here they will travel north along the magnificent west coast of Norway, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic.

Geiranger , is the perfect example of a typical Nordic village, where the fjord is so famous that it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is best known for the large and wild Seven Sisters Falls, among the ten highest in the world.

Trondheim was the Viking capital of Norway until 1217, and its harbor dates back to 997. A must-see is its Romanesque-Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, which is an important stop for pilgrims in northern Europe.

Molde , known as the “city of roses” because of its fertile soil, rich vegetation and summer blooms; it is surrounded by 222 snow-capped peaks and boasts quaint bars and boutiques.

Leknes is a town and administrative center of the municipality of Vestvågøy and the most populated urban center in Lofoten and Vesterålen, Nordland county in Norway. Warmed by the Gulf Stream and lit by 24 hours of sunlight, it offers tropical beaches, horseback riding, eagle rays and unforgettable views.

Brønnøysund features a swimming lake right in the center of town, a mountain with a large hole in the middle visible to the naked eye, and a marina with breathtaking hiking trails.

The Flåm Railway is among the most scenic excursions one can make aboard a train, and along the way it offers unique natural wonders such as the Nærøyfjord, also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bergen ‘s 14th-century Hanseatic harbor, Bryggen, provides visitors with a first glimpse of a city rich in arts, crafts and food markets. Its high-quality restaurants make it a worthy representative of the cities that are part of the UNESCO gastronomic network.

Explora Journeys: between Atlantic and Newengland

The colorful old town of Stavanger offers cobblestone streets and immaculately restored white wooden houses, as well as quaint bars, boutiques, museums, and a vibrant nightlife. The city is surrounded by fabulous natural scenery and movie-perfect beaches just waiting to be explored. This is the last port of call in Norway.

Skagen, which represents Denmark’s northernmost point, is also where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet. The rich artistic history of this place speaks of the many painters seduced by its unique light. In addition, its excellent seafood cuisine, architecture, and large dunes that shift with the wind on Råbjerg Mile make Skagen a must-see place.

On August 1, Explora I will arrive in Copenhagen , the friendliest capital city in Northern Europe with its special dining experiences, exciting cultural experiences, and green oases in the heart of the city. Its architecture varies from the medieval period to the Renaissance to the contemporary landscape, and it is also the hippest and trendiest city in Scandinavia, another place guests will never forget.

Guests aboard Explora I for its maiden voyage will be able to immerse themselves in local cultures, exploring both major sights and lesser-known corners, taking in some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders.

Don’t miss more news, updates, reviews of Explora Journeys on Cruising Journal with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

Fabiana Rinaldi

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Ep153 – Maiden Voyage for Explora 1, Special guests for Saga & Princess, NCL receives Norwegian Viva and more.

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EXPLORA I Welcomes Guests for her Maiden Journey

• On 1 August 2023, privileged guests celebrated the dawn of an exciting new era for luxury ocean travel as EXPLORA I set sail on her Maiden Journey from Copenhagen. This inaugural voyage ushered in a series of itineraries that take you on extraordinary adventures across three continents to celebrated shores and lesser-known destinations.
• EXPLORA I, the first ship to join the fleet of Explora Journeys, has commenced her maiden journey for a seven-night sailing that will take guests through the majestic landscapes of Lerwick, Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Orkney before heading to Reykjavik, Iceland.
• The first in a series of upcoming itineraries which will span three continents, this northern European journey, has been designed to emphasise the brand’s ‘Ocean State of Mind’ philosophy with immersive experiences that aim to reward guests physically, intellectually and spiritually.
• The luxury ship will spend several weeks in Northern Europe to offer a range of different itineraries and will then cross the Atlantic Sea and spend the winter in North America and the Caribbean Sea before returning to Europe in Summer 2024 for voyages in the Mediterranean Sea.
• EXPLORA II is currently being built in Italy and will come into service in August 2024. EXPLORA III will become the first of two LNG (liquefied natural gas) powered vessels to join the Explora Journeys’ fleet with the ship due to be delivered in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027.

Celebrity chef John Torode MBE joins Saga cruises for the first-time

• Celebrity chef, John Torode MBE is set to join a Saga cruise for the first-time next week, and the cruise line is welcoming back chef and TV presenter, Phil Vickery and wine expert, Oz Clarke back to its ships later this year.
• John Torode – The hugely popular John Torode is known as a straight-talking co-host and judge on MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef, and is a regular guest chef on This Morning, as well as co-hosting with his wife, Lisa Faulkner, on ITV’s John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. He has also presented a number of culinary road trips, including an upcoming one from his native Australia for ITV. He was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to Food, Broadcast & Charity and he has published a range of cookery books.
• John will be joining Saga’s all-inclusive 14-night Flavours of France, Spain and Portugal cruise, which departs Dover on Spirit of Discovery on 6 August 2023 and will give two talks over the course of the trip. The itinerary will follow the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and France, visiting cities such as Lisbon and Portimão, on the popular Algarve, as well as La Coruña, Santander, Bordeaux, and Brest before heading home via the Isles of Scilly.

Themed Cruise Featuring Original Mythbusters Co-Host Adam Savage

• A playground at sea for curious minds awaits on a specially themed cruise hosted by Adam Savage, original co-host of Discovery Channel’s series MythBusters and godparent to Discovery Princess. The cruise sets sail onboard Discovery Princess, November 25-29, 2023, from the Port of Los Angeles for a four-day West Coast Getaway to San Diego and Ensenada. 
• On sale now, guests will have the exciting opportunity to meet Savage, learn about his career through several hosted activities and even get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Discovery Princess with Savage as guide.
• In addition, Savage is launching an exclusive video series that takes viewers on a fascinating up-close-and-personal journey of the astonishing wonders of Sun Princess, the cruise line’s latest marvel that is currently under construction and set to debut in early 2024. Shot aboard Sun Princess at the Fincantieri shipyard, the first video is the series is available now and reveals never-before-seen glimpses of the groundbreaking Dome and Sphere features, as the series reveals the ship’s birth from the ground up.  Airing on his popular “Tested” channel on YouTube, with more than 6.3 million subscribers, the engaging series can be viewed at www.youtube.com/tested .

New Itineraries Highlight Princess Cruises 2025 Alaska Season

• Princess Cruises has unveiled its 2025 Alaska cruise and cruisetours season, featuring three captivating roundtrip itineraries and an exclusive new National Parks Cruisetour. These remarkable offerings are available for booking starting August 3.
• New Adventures and Extended Journeys Await, including a Departure from LA :
• New for 2025 from the cruise line that brings the most guests to Alaska every year is a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco on Ruby Princess that coincides with the Summer Solstice, and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle on Grand Princess featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing. For guests seeking to sail from Southern California, a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles on Grand Princess offers a convenient and affordable option.
• National Parks Cruisetour :
• Following its debut in 2024, the National Parks Cruisetour returns in 2025 with a 15-night adventure to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Parks, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. Unique to Princess, this experience combines a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise, scenic rail travel, and multiple days on land, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
• “As the market leader in Alaska, we’re excited to offer guests even more exciting ways to see the natural beauty of Alaska with itineraries in 2025 that serve up new adventures and extended journeys that first-time guests and repeat visitors are going to find intriguing,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “We’re also making it easier for guests to access an Alaska cruise by bringing back a roundtrip option out of Los Angeles, which also make it more affordable for millions within that drive market.”
• Caribbean Princess to Debut in Alaska in 2025
• In 2025, seven Princess ships will sail to Alaska, including Caribbean Princess for the first time. In addition, the number of Princess homeports offering Alaska voyages expands to five with the addition of Los Angeles, with the season featuring 21 cruise destinations and four glacier-viewing experiences, highlighted by 88 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, taking more guests to this spectacular national park than any other cruise line.
• With 155 total departures on 18 unique itineraries ranging in length from 4 to 22 days, cruise and cruisetour choices include:
• Seven Ships, Five Homeports
• NEW! Ultimate Alaska Solstice with Glacier Bay National Park: 22-day roundtrip from San Francisco on Ruby Princess – departs June 6, 2025
• NEW! Ultimate Alaska with Glacier Bay National Park: 17-day roundtrip from Seattle on Grand Princess – departs May 6, 2025
• Inside Passage with Glacier Bay National Park: 16-day roundtrip from Los Angeles on Grand Princess visiting Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and Victoria, B.C. – departs August 30, 2025
• Voyage of the Glaciers: This top-rated seven-day itinerary features Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and two glacier-viewing experiences at Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, and Sapphire Princess offer weekly northbound and southbound cruises from Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage (Whittier) and vice versa. Guests can combine select seven-day voyages for an amazing 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure – operates May 10 to September 13, 2025.
• Inside Passage: Princess’ signature seven-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., as well as 11-day roundtrip departures from San Francisco and Vancouver that include four ports of call and a day of glacier viewing. Many Inside Passage cruises include Glacier Bay National Park. Discovery Princess and Royal Princess sail from Seattle weekly, May 4 – September 21, 2025. Grand Princess offers weekly cruises from Vancouver, B.C., May 27 – August 19, 2025. Ruby Princess sails 11-day cruises roundtrip from San Francisco May 4 – September 13, 2025.
• Alaska Samplers: Three itineraries of four to five days offer shorter voyages for guests looking for a quick getaway. Discovery Princess, Royal Princess and Grand Princess operate four-day, roundtrip voyages between Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle with a stop in Ketchikan – departing April 30, May 13 and May 23, 2025. Caribbean Princess sails a four-day, roundtrip cruise from Vancouver, B.C., with a visit to Ketchikan departing September 13, 2025, and a five-day roundtrip cruise from Vancouver, B.C., with stops in Sitka and Ketchikan sailing May 5, 2025.

AIDAsol: Bookings open for legs of the 2024/2025 World Cruise

• The AIDAsol 2024/2025 world cruise is now open for bookings for individual legs. The duration of the voyages varies between 33 and 84 days – a great opportunity to enjoy the world cruise in shorter legs and discover unique destinations. For example, guests can travel from Hamburg to San Antonio, the port of Santiago de Chile, in 36 days or to fantastic destinations such as French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and Mauritius in 48 days. Another highlight is the leg from Mauritius to Hamburg with stops on La Réunion, in South Africa, Namibia and the Canary Islands.
• The entire AIDA World Cruise will depart from Hamburg on October 23, 2024, visiting 41 ports and 17 countries in 117 days. The voyage with AIDAsol will return to Hamburg on February 17, 2025
• Unforgettable highlights
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Golden beaches, subtropical forests and Sugar Loaf Mountain: The locals simply call their city “Cidade Maravilhosa” – the fantastically beautiful city. Fall in love with the rhythm of Rio and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants.
• Napier: This new AIDA port is famous above all for its classicist architecture from the 1930s. The New Zealand Art deco city is also home to many Maori motives and patterns.
• Tauranga: All of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” movies were filmed in various locations in New Zealand. Guests can still admire the Shire with the hamlet of Hobbingen not far from the city center – in the seemingly endless greenery around Matamat.
• Melbourne: Guests can celebrate their New Year’s Eve in the Australian metropolis! Along the Yarra River, in the Birrarung Marr parks, at Federation Square or on the deck of AIDAsol – you have a perfect view of the fireworks and drone show from everywhere.
• South Africa & Namibia: Here, guests experience the charms of Africa in all its beauty: from the charm and picturesque Table Mountain backdrop of Cape Town to the awe-inspiring African wildlife and towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
• These are the bookable legs of the World Cruise 2024/2025:
• From Hamburg to San Antonio from October 23, 2024 to November 28, 2024 (36 days)
• From San Antonio to Mauritius from November 28, 2024 to January 15, 2025 (48 days)
• From Mauritius to Hamburg from January 15, 2025 to February 17, 2025 (33 days)
• From Hamburg to Mauritius from October 23, 2024 to January 15, 2025 (84 days)
• From San Antonio to Hamburg from November 28, 2024 to February 17, 2025 (81 days)
• From Hamburg to Sydney from October 23, 2024 to December 29, 2024 (67 days)
• From Sydney to Hamburg from December 29, 2024 to February 17, 2025 (50 days)

NCL takes delivery of Norwegian Viva

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 56-year history of breaking boundaries, today took delivery of Norwegian Viva, the newest vessel in the now 19-ship fleet and the second ship in the revolutionary Prima Class, at the renowned Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.
• The milestone event marks the arrival of the second of six ships in the Prima Class set to debut through 2028.  Following the launch of the award-winning Norwegian Prima in 2022, Norwegian Viva will continue to raise the bar on cruising. The ship’s tagline “Live it Up” embodies the enhanced guest experience and on-board characteristic of this pioneering class, including elevated offerings, more spacious designs, thrilling onboard activities such as the three-story Viva Speedway, and new dining concepts, most notably Indulge Food Hall—an open-air food market featuring 11 unique eateries.
• While the ship boasts many of the highlights that are central to the Prima Class, unique to Norwegian Viva is the at-sea debut of Tony Award®-nominated production, “Beetlejuice,” where guests can “Live it Up” with the undead during a musical adaptation of Tim Burton’s 1988 film of the same name.  Additional evening entertainment programming includes Press Your Luck Live—an immersive game show experience pulled straight from the television screen, offering audience members a chance to participate in the classic game and win prizes.
• At 965 feet long, 143,535 gross tonnes and with the capacity for 3,100 guests, Norwegian Viva also features The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden in Ocean Boulevard, the wrap-around boardwalk bringing guests closer to the water than ever before. Reimagined for Norwegian Viva, the area will include work from six artists that have been featured on previous Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. ships: Kevin Box, Jonathan Prince, Arik Levy, Richard Hudson, Sophie Elizabeth Thompson, and Pablo Atchugarry. A new art addition will be included at Metropolitan Bar, the ship’s exclusive sustainable cocktail bar, “Every Wing has a Silver Lining,” a 52-foot-long interactive work of art designed exclusively for Norwegian Viva by contemporary British digital artist Dominic Harris.
• Following the ship’s maiden voyage on 10 August 2023, Norwegian Viva will sail a series of Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, before her official Christening ceremony in Miami on Nov. 28, 2023. Luis Fonsi, Latin GRAMMY® award-winning artist and godfather to Norwegian Viva, will attend the celebration to officially name the ship and will be joined by The Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Miami-native Marcello Hernandez; and singer Pedro Capó. The ship will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico for a season of Caribbean voyages from December 2023 through March 2024 with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

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A gold pocket watch that was recovered from the body of the richest man on the Titanic has been sold for a record-breaking £1.175m.

The watch was sold to a private collector in the US at Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire, for the highest amount ever for Titanic memorabilia, the auctioneers said.

The timepiece was expected to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000.

Its original owner, John Jacob Astor, 47, went down with the ship on 15 April 1912 after helping his wife on to a lifeboat.

Rather than try his luck with another lifeboat, the impeccably dressed businessman, a prominent member of the wealthy Astor family, was last seen smoking a cigarette and chatting with a fellow passenger.

His body was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean seven days after the sinking of the ship, which hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage to New York, and his 14-carat gold Waltham pocket watch, engraved with the initials JJA, was found.

Mr Astor was thought to be one of the richest people in the world at the time of the Titanic 's sinking, with a net worth of about $87m - equivalent to several billion dollars today, auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said.

"At first, Astor did not believe the ship was in any serious danger but later it was apparent she was sinking and the captain had started an evacuation after midnight, so he helped his wife into lifeboat four," Mr Aldridge said.

Mrs Astor survived. Her husband's body was recovered not far from the sinking.

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The watch was passed by Mr Astor's son Vincent to the son of his father's executive secretary, William Dobbyn.

The previous highest price paid for Titanic artefacts was £1.1 million at the same auction house in 2013 for a violin that was played as the ship sank.

The case for the violin was sold in the same auction as the pocket watch at Henry Aldridge & Son for £360,000.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said that the prices fetched by the Titanic memorabilia at the sale were "absolutely incredible".

He said: "They reflect not only the importance of the artefacts themselves and their rarity, but they also show the enduring appeal and fascination with the Titanic story.

"112 years later, we are still talking about the ship and the passengers and the crew.

"The thing with the Titanic story, it's effectively a large ship hits an iceberg with a tragic loss of life, but more importantly is 2,200 stories.

"2,200 subplots, every man, woman and child had a story to tell and then the memorabilia tells those stories today."

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ジョン・セリーの電子音楽で宇宙の果てと自分自身の存在を旅しましょう。

ジョン・セリーは、自身の電子音楽は「私たちが自分自身の感覚と宇宙における自分の位置を探求するのを助けるために存在する」と語ります。これらのリラックスした流れるメロディーにヘミシンク®を追加することで、あなた自身の存在の広大さを掘り下げながら、新鮮な新しい旅に乗り出す準備をしましょう。長さ: 55 分。

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Gold pocket watch recovered from Titanic’s wealthiest passenger sells for nearly $1.5M

John jacob astor iv was a new york business magnate and real estate developer.

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A gold pocket watch worn by the richest passenger aboard the Titanic when the ill-fated ocean liner sank was sold at auction on Saturday for a record-breaking sum of nearly $1.5 million.

The timepiece belonged to John Jacob Astor IV, a New York business magnate and real estate developer, and was expected to sell for about $189,000 at auction, according to auction house Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England. The watch’s casing is engraved with Astor’s initials "JJA."

The 14-carat heirloom, however, ended up selling for a total of $1.485 million, Henry Aldridge and Son told Fox News Digital on Sunday. 

The watch was one of several items recovered from Astor’s body after the ship struck an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.

CONTROVERSIAL 'TITANIC' PROP SELLS FOR OVER $700,000 AT AUCTION

John Jacob Astor IV's gold pocket watch that was recovered from his body after the Titanic sank has sold for a record total of nearly $1.5 million. (Henry Aldridge & Son LTD / Fox News)

Astor, 47, went down with the ship after helping his wife Madeleine, who was pregnant, onto a lifeboat. 

When Astor was told he could not join his wife until all women and children had boarded lifeboats, Titanic folklore says the businessman stepped back, lit a final cigarette and tossed his gloves to Madeleine. 

New York financier John Jacob Astor IV drowned in the Titanic disaster. (Getty / Getty Images)

It is said that Astor then went to smoke his cigarette with author Jacques Futrelle, who also died.

After the watch was recovered from Astor's body, the auction house said Astor's son Vincent gave it to the son of William Dobbyn, Astor's executive secretary, as a christening gift. The watch was eventually returned to the Astor family and underwent restoration. 

RARE TITANIC FIRST-CLASS MENU, POCKET WATCH BELONGING TO VICTIM HIT AUCTION

In addition to Astor’s gold watch, the auction also sold Wallace Hartley’s bag, which held the famous Titanic violin that the bandmaster played as the ship sank. 

Wallace Hartley’s bag held the violin that the bandmaster famously played as the Titanic sank. (Henry Aldridge & Son LTD / Fox News)

The bag was initially estimated to sell for around $150,000. The auction house confirmed that the relic went for $454,949 at auction on Saturday.

The leather case was found strapped to Hartley’s body when it was recovered. The violin, the most valuable Titanic-related item in existence, is on display at the Titanic Belfast Museum.

Plans showing the layout of the Titanic that belonged to Astor were also sold at auction. (Henry Aldridge & Son LTD / Fox News)

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Astor’s Titanic plan, showing the layout of the ocean liner, was also sold, for $37,912.

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Titanic’s Treasures Captivate Collectors, but They’ll Need Deep Pockets

Numerous artifacts from the Titanic, including a violin case, are up for auction this weekend in England. Collectors are ready to pounce.

By Derrick Bryson Taylor

Tony Probst’s passion for the Titanic is unwavering.

Since the mid-1990s, he has amassed hundreds of artifacts from the ship’s maiden voyage in 1912, including a lifeboat plaque, china, sheet music and an array of personal documents.

“I believe I’m the only person on planet Earth who has every piece of paper for one individual to get on board Titanic,” Mr. Probst, 64, said proudly this week.

His collection is sometimes on display at the audio and visual store he runs with his sons in the Bay Area of California, but it has also toured prominent spaces, including the National Geographic Museum in Washington; the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif.; and the Titanic museums in Branson, Mo., and Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Mr. Probst’s enthusiasm for the Titanic — which puts him somewhere between a collector and historian, he said — makes him part of a small but zealous community seeking out memorabilia from the ship, which sank after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean, killing 1,500 people.

Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd, an auction house in southwest England, will host an auction on Saturday of Titanic and other shipping and transport memorabilia. Among the more than 250 items for sale is a black-and-white photograph of an iceberg taken by a member of a body recovery ship after the disaster and the violin case of the bandleader Wallace Hartley , which is expected to fetch up to 120,000 pounds, or about $150,000. (The violin sold in 2013 for £1.1 million, or about $1.3 million.)

The reasons for seeking out items from the Titanic vary widely, but for Mr. Probst it is the stories about the victims and survivors that motivate him to keep collecting and to keep an eye on auctions.

“There’s a few people out there with very, very deep pockets and, you know, nowadays they get all the prime pieces,” Mr. Probst said. “I’m not in that category. I’m really more into preserving stories.”

Mr. Probst, who said he was recuperating from a couple of big purchases, does not have anything on his wish list at the moment but planned to study the auction catalog anyway.

“I really want to go after things that I want,” he said, or items that he could lease to museums.

“I call it my retirement account, in a way, because I get the principal and that goes up in value,” he added. “But in the meantime, I get to lease it out and make a little money.”

Henry Aldridge & Son has been holding Titanic-themed sales biannually since the late 1990s, according to Andrew Aldridge, the managing director of the auction house. Mr. Aldridge said bidders often had their own niches and individual motivations.

“Some just collect Titanic memorabilia, per se,” he said. “But others go a little bit deeper and they work into specifics. Specific passengers, specific classes. People that come from specific areas. We’ll have people that just collect things from Scandinavian passengers.”

The Titanic-collecting community is fairly small, particularly at the higher end of purchases, said David Scott-Beddard, chairman of the British Titanic Society. Competition for hot-ticket items can sometimes be fierce. “To a certain extent, it’s how much do I want it and how much am I prepared to spend on it — without the wife finding out,” he said.

There was not much concern over items disappearing from the public view after being purchased, Mr. Scott-Beddard added. He said the community was very fortunate that a majority of collectors, even those shopping at the six- and seven-figure levels, were generous enough to allow their pieces to be displayed for the general public.

“Titanic is probably, next to Noah’s ark, history’s most famous ship,” said Charles Haas, president of the Titanic International Society. Some enthusiasts are driven by the search for increasingly rare artifacts carried off the ship by passengers, others by psychological connections that collectors sometimes make, viewing the disaster through the eyes of victims and survivors.

Mr. Haas said he was unsure whether a day would come when demand for Titanic items waned.

“The Titanic story has already lasted 112 years,” he said. “And while there are people out there who say, ‘The ship sank, get over it,’ it has so much built-in drama to it that the younger generations are still quite fascinated by it.”

Mr. Haas hopes that they will carry on in the footsteps of current collectors, who Mr. Aldridge says are merely the temporary custodians of the artifacts.

“The best way to describe it is: You never own these objects,” Mr. Aldridge said. “Your job is to hold onto to them for as long as they’re in your possession. Keep them safe and then pass them forward to the next generation, the next individual, the next collector.”

Derrick Bryson Taylor covers breaking and trending news and is based in London. More about Derrick Bryson Taylor