In maritime tradition, the life of a ship begins long before she welcomes her first guests on board. Every stage of her creation is marked by ceremonies that honour centuries-old seafaring customs—moments that celebrate craftsmanship, signify progress, and bestow good fortune upon the vessel and all who will sail on her. 

From the first steel cutting to her naming ceremony and Maiden Journey, each milestone carries profound significance, linking the future of the ship with the rich heritage of the maritime world. These milestones are especially meaningful to the Aponte family, with over 300 years of seafaring heritage.

For EXPLORA III, these moments tell the story of a vessel designed to redefine luxury ocean travel while remaining deeply connected to the traditions that have guided shipbuilding for generations.

The Steel-Cutting Ceremony: A Vision Takes Shape

Every ship’s story begins with the cutting of the first steel plate. More than a technical milestone, the steel-cutting ceremony marks the official birth of the vessel. It is the moment when vision becomes reality and construction begins in earnest.

For EXPLORA III, this ceremony held on 6 September 2023 at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa, Italy, represented the start of a new chapter in the evolution of Explora Journeys. It signalled the transformation of months of design, innovation, and planning into a tangible creation that would eventually take her place among the fleet.

Keel Laying: The Ship’s Ceremonial Foundation

Traditionally considered one of the most important milestones in shipbuilding, the keel laying marks the installation of the first major block of a vessel. Historically, the keel formed the backbone of a ship, and although modern construction techniques have evolved, the ceremony remains a powerful symbol of a ship’s strength and stability.

During the keel-laying ceremony, commemorative coins were placed within the ship’s hull by two Godmothers, chosen from within the teams at Explora Journeys and Fincantieri. Dating back centuries, this maritime tradition is believed to bring prosperity, protection, and good fortune throughout the vessel’s lifetime.

For EXPLORA III, the keel laying on 12 September 2024 represented more than progress in construction—it symbolised the foundation upon which countless future journeys would be built.

Float-Out: Meeting the Water

One of the most emotional moments in a ship’s creation is the float-out ceremony. As construction advances and the vessel first enters the water, she begins the transition from a structure built on land to a ship destined to explore the world’s oceans.

For shipbuilders and maritime communities, this moment serves as a celebration of the expertise, dedication, and craftsmanship that have brought the ship to this point.

For EXPLORA III, 14 July 2025 was the moment when her elegant silhouette first reflected upon the waters she will sail.

Sea Trials: Testing Excellence

Before welcoming guests on board, every new vessel undergoes rigorous sea trials. While less ceremonial than other milestones, these trials are among the most important stages of a ship’s journey.

Conducted in open waters, sea trials assess navigation systems, propulsion, manoeuvrability, safety features, and operational performance. Every aspect is tested to ensure the vessel meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and comfort.

For EXPLORA III, the completion of her sea trials on 1 June 2026 represented the culmination of years of expertise, proving not only her technical capabilities but also her readiness to deliver the effortless experience that defines Explora Journeys.

The Naming Ceremony: Bestowing Identity and Blessing

Amangati sets sail from Spring 2027. Expanding the world of Aman Resorts, the 180-metre luxury motor yacht spans nine decks and 47 suites, and includes an Aman Spa and four exceptional, seasonally led dining venues. From poolside days to nights enjoy The Jazz Club and discover the freedom and serenity of Aman at Sea.

Reservations for Amangati’s inaugural Mediterranean journeys are now open.

Plan your voyage at SEA TOURS, Please call: 02 216 5783-93 (Ext.126 Jiraporn ; Ext.185 Isoung)

Optimizing a new vision of luxury, Silver Nova revolutionizes 21st-century travel. Our latest flagship leads our fleet into sustainable cruising, respecting the fragile ecosystems of the remote and remarkable destinations we visit. The ship’s pioneering architecture offers a brand-new suite experience, including aft suites that deliver stunning 270-degree views. On board, the Silversea hallmarks are taken to the next level: butler service for every suite, exceptionally high crew-to-guest ratio (1:1.3), and outstanding gastronomy. Welcome to the Nova way of traveling.

Passengers will be able to soak in Europe’s festive holiday charm on board the decadent train.

BY RACHEL CHANG

:https://www.cntraveler.com/story/belmond-orient-express-winter-journeys-2022

The Most Beautiful Islands in Croatia, from Hvar to Vis

From the big-hitting names to lesser-known slips of land for a crowd-free experience. BY JANE FOSTER

:https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-most-beautiful-islands-in-croatia

These First Class Airplane Seats Are as Decadent As It Gets

From in-flight showers to video chats with flight attendants, here’s what you could be enjoying at 30,000 feet.

BY GILBERT OTT AND RAMSEY QUBEIN

:https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-most-over-the-top-first-class-airline-suites

 The Award is a recognition for our long-term efforts and frontrunner position of our company regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility.  We have complies with more than 100 criteria, related to an operators’ office management, product range, international business partners and customer information. The Travelife standard is covering the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations; and is formally Recognised as in full compliance with the UN supported Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.  SEA Tours is among the 5 companies in Thailand to have reached the Travelife Partner award.

About Travelife   http://www.travelife.org

Travelife is a certification system, dedicated to achieving sustainable practices within the tourism industry.  It provides companies with realistic sustainability goals, tools and solutions to implement positive change within their businesses and supply chains. Travelife is managed by ABTA – The Travel Association in the UK – and by ECEAT Projects – a not-for-profit organisation based in The Netherlands.

Be among the first to sail aboard Silver Dawn, the tenth ultra-luxury ship to join our fleet. A new world of luxury is waiting aboard Silver Dawn. Both classic yet modern, Silver Dawn is the natural evolution of our fleet. Large enough to offer eight dining options – including the superb Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme – yet small enough for the famed Silversea on board ambience, Silver Dawn inherits the best features of her sister ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, but is in a class all of her own. Sumptuous suites, outstanding itineraries plus cutting-edge design and technology, Silver Dawn sets new standards of luxury. Let’s wake up to a new dawn with Silversea.

Please click link below for Silver Dawn | The Dawn of a new era | Fincantieri

:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDX5R-U1GwA

Exploring in all-suite, all-verandah comfort, a mere 200 guests will be hosted by Crystal’s award-winning staff, attentive butlers, and team of expedition and destination experts. Prepare for unrivaled discovery.

Please click link below for Crystal Expedition Cruises | Thankful Tuesdays | Igor Stjepanovic – Restaurant Manager

:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsi57mizHL8

From extreme polar regions to remote tropical isles, Crystal Endeavor explores the world’s most intriguing destinations with extraordinary insight. Let your inner explorer guide you in choosing the voyage that speaks to your own personal sense of adventure: Remote Expedition, Destination Exploration or Cultural Discovery.

Please click link below for  CRYSTAL EXPEDITION CRUISES | CRYSTAL ENDEAVOR | MIAMI DEBUT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHYLuOBE0DI