The cruise industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation in luxury ship design, with Explora III standing as a testament to innovative maritime architecture. Naval architect Antonio di Nenno, who has been directing architecture and design for Explora Journeys since 2019, has developed a more exclusive approach to sea travel that sets new standards for luxury cruising.
Di Nenno spearheaded the design of Explora III, a vessel that traverses all seas to reach unexpected destinations including the Arabian Peninsula, South America, and the Amazon region. His unique approach combines structural engineering with sophisticated interior design, creating an experience that transcends traditional cruise ship accommodations.
The fundamental difference between designing a ship and a hotel lies in the intricate combination of layout and structural conception, according to di Nenno. As someone responsible for both aspects, he strives to seamlessly integrate decoration with spatial organization and circulation while adhering to strict nautical regulations. He emphasizes that embarking on a ship is inherently less familiar to travelers than entering a hotel, requiring special consideration in design approach.
When creating Explora, the design team focused on establishing the foundation of a new brand that wasn't tied to existing hospitality brands but needed to be developed around the marine universe. They concentrated on creating a voyage that opens new imagination about the sea, moving beyond traditional cruise ship aesthetics and experiences.
The collaboration with artisans and suppliers presented unique challenges and opportunities. The team sought to achieve a different outcome from existing cruise ship designs. Some suppliers work for the parent company MSC and possess extensive experience with naval constraints. For furniture selection, they chose iconic pieces that travelers likely own in their homes, but with a crucial difference - these pieces are "marinated" or adapted for marine use. Several major Italian furniture publishers that existed during the transatlantic era possess the expertise to master these specific maritime requirements.
One particular aspect of the design process that left a lasting impression on di Nenno was his complete design of one of the ship's restaurants, the Media Club. The vision was to create a space that remains open permanently, where guests can come to read, enjoy coffee, have lunch, or dine. The concept mirrors a Riviera Yacht Club atmosphere where visitors feel somewhat at home, blending comfort with sophistication.
The Explora III represents a new era in cruise ship design, where traditional maritime architecture meets contemporary luxury living. The vessel offers cruises ranging from 5 to 20 nights, with pricing starting from €3,250, and reservations can be made through the official Explora Journeys website. This innovative approach to cruise design demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can transform the traditional cruise experience into something more akin to a floating luxury residence.
