Fincantieri S p A : AND MSC CELEBRATE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION OF “EXPLORA II”

FINCANTIERI AND MSC CELEBRATE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION OF "EXPLORA II",

THE SECOND OF FOUR SHIPS THAT FINCANTIERI IS BUILDING FOR "EXPLORA

JOURNEYS", THE NEW LUXURY BRAND OF THE CRUISES DIVISION OF MSC GROUP

Trieste, Italy/Geneva, Switzerland, October 6, 2021 - The first steel of "Explora II", the second of four new-conceptluxury cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for Explora Journeys, the new luxury brand of the cruises division of MSC Group, was cut today at the Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) shipyard. The order for this class of ships, announced in 2018, is worth a total of over 2 billion euros. "Explora I" is under construction in Monfalcone, while "Explora II" will be built at the Sestri Ponente (Genoa) yard, with deliveries respectively in 2023 and 2024.

Attending the event, among others, were MSC Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, Explora Journeys CEO, Michael Ungerer, and Fincantieri General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo.

All four vessels will have a gross tonnage of approximately 64,000 tons and will feature the latest maritime and environmental technologies and solutions available. Each equipped with 461 guest suites, they will also showcase a highly-innovative design, also under the guests' comfort and relaxation profile.

Including these four vessels, the partnership between Fincantieri and the cruises division of MSC Group counts 8 ships to-date: "MSC Seaside" and "MSC Seaview", delivered in 2017 and 2018, and the 2 two enriched Seaside Evo ships "MSC Seashore", delivered in July, and her sister ship, "MSC Seascape", which will enter into service next year.

* * *

Explora Journeys is redefining ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travellers. With the first of four luxury ships scheduled to set sail in 2023, remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports for a journey that celebrates discovery. Its ships equipped with the latest in environmental-supporting and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a unique all-inclusive luxury travel experience for those who want to explore differently.

Whether on board or ashore, guests will reconnect with what matters most-themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them. With 461 oceanfront suites, every guest will enjoy sweeping sea views and a private terrace, while being spoilt for choice with nine distinct culinary experiences, four pools, private cabanas, spa, and redefined entertainment.

To learn more about Explora Journeys, visit ExploraJourneys.comor follow along on Instagram,Twitter,Facebookand LinkedIn.

The Cruises Division of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage, is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has two distinct brands within its structure - the contemporary and luxury brands.

MSC Cruises, the contemporary brand, is the world's third largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.

Fincantieri is one of the world's largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures, and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems.

With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, here employing 10,000 workers and creating around 90,000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating in four continents and with over 20,000 employees.

www.fincantieri.com