Explora names environmentalist Rosalba Giugni as godmother of EXPLORA II

Explora Journeys will honour environmentalist Rosalba Giugni as godmother of EXPLORA II at the new ship’s official naming ceremony on September 15, 2024 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy.

The event will follow EXPLORA II’s delivery from shipbuilder to shipowner on September 12 at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa, Italy.

Giugni is the founder and president of the Marevivo Foundation, a non-partisan environmental conservation organization committed to the preservation of marine environments that was founded in 1985.

Marevivo, with more than 30,000 members, has grown to become an “important player in the Italian environmental sector,” the cruise line says.

Beyond empowering children, youth and the next generation of maritime professionals, Giugni’s work encompasses various aspects of the marine ecosystem, from fishing to maritime property, tourism, commercial shipping and recreational boating.

“She has been instrumental in the creation of marine reserves, the promotion of international campaigns, and the development of legislation to protect marine ecosystems,” says Explora.  

Passion for the sea

“We are honoured to have Rosalba Giugni as the godmother of Explora Journeys’ magnificent new luxury ship, symbolizing the dedication of the MSC Group and our MSC Foundation to preserve the natural beauty of the oceans that are fundamental to our journeys around the world. Her commitment to marine conservation and the protection of the sea makes her an inspiration to us all. Rosalba`s passion for the sea extends to scientific dissemination and public advocacy, making her a fitting godmother for EXPLORA II,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman – cruise division, MSC Group. 

Giugni added: “I am deeply honoured to be named the godmother of EXPLORA II. This role holds special significance for me, as it reflects our shared commitment to experiencing the world in a meaningful and respectful way. I am pleased to support Explora Journeys and the MSC Group in promoting and advancing a cultural shift towards greater protection of our precious marine ecosystem. Our future is tied to the health of the sea, and its wellbeing depends on the choices we make. The climate crisis is a clear warning: we are out of time. The ecological transition needs to begin now, tomorrow may already be too late.”

Guests attending the event on September 15 in Civitavecchia can expect a blend of maritime traditions and glamorous moments including performances, vibrant entertainment and culinary delights celebrating the Ocean State of Mind.

EXPLORA II will depart the following day for her seven-night maiden journey to Tarragona, Spain, offering the luxury ship’s first guests an incredible Mediterranean sailing visiting Sorrento, Lipari (Aeolian Islands), Trapani (Sicily) and Siracusa (Sicily) in Italy and Valletta, Malta.

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