Luxury brand Explora Journeys, part of the MSC Group, has officially taken delivery of its third ship — Explora III — from the Fincantieri shipyard. The vessel has already set sail on her first premium journey from Genoa, with the official naming ceremony to take place in Barcelona on 1 August 2026.
This is the brand's third ship and, at the same time, the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet. The 248-metre ship features 463 suites and hosts up to 922 guests at double occupancy. With one crew member for every 1.44 guests, Explora III offers one of the highest service ratios in the luxury segment. Each guest enjoys 19.5 m² of public space — among the most generous ratios in the industry.
The inaugural voyage — the Mediterranean Prelude Journey — departed today, 24 July 2026, from Genoa. The five-night itinerary will conclude on 29 July in the Italian port of Civitavecchia. Among the first passengers is world tennis star Jannik Sinner, who officially serves as Global Brand Ambassador of Explora Journeys. During the first two days of the cruise (Genoa – Marseille), the world's No. 2 tennis player and his performance team will host a private programme for a limited number of guests focused on mindset, balance, and resilience. A highlight evening will be dedicated to a charitable event in support of the Jannik Sinner Foundation and the MSC Foundation.
On 1 August 2026, Explora III will arrive in Barcelona, where the official naming ceremony will be held at MSC Cruise Division's new terminal. Cristina Ozores has been chosen as the ship's Godmother — a renowned marine educator, dive trainer, and National Geographic Educator who has spent more than two decades sharing her passion for the Mediterranean. Her appointment continues a well-established brand tradition: legendary oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle served as Godmother of Explora I, while marine environmentalist Rosalba Giugni named Explora II.
On 3 August, the ship will embark on her seven-night Maiden Journey from Barcelona to Lisbon, calling at Ibiza, Cádiz, and Tangier. Her inaugural season will then unfold across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. In 2027, Explora III will make her Alaska debut.
Accommodation on board consists exclusively of ocean-facing suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, private terraces, and walk-in wardrobes. The most compact Ocean Suite starts at 35 m², Ocean Penthouses extend up to 69 m², and Ocean Residences reach 149 m² with round-the-clock butler service and, in select categories, a private balcony whirlpool. At the top of the hierarchy sit two Owner's Residences of 280 m² each, complete with 125-metre terraces. One of them has been designed by world-renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.
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The ship's culinary landscape features 9 restaurants and 12 bars and lounges. New venues include Shore Club on Deck 11 with a poolside dining concept, The Chef's Table by Explora Journeys — an intimate tasting space with live culinary presentation — and The Cellar by Explora Journeys, a curated wine bar showcasing rare vintages. The Malt Whisky Bar returns from the sister ships, and beside it, a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge makes its debut under the open sky.
Wellness takes centre stage on board. The Ocean Wellness complex, spanning more than 700 m², brings together spa, fitness, and medical facilities on a single deck (Deck 5) for the first time. The spa features 9 treatment rooms, thermal suites, and a beauty salon, with a standout feature being the Sava Sound Pod, which uses calibrated sounds and vibrations for deep relaxation. The 270 m² gym is equipped with the latest Technogym Sand Stone collection. Deck 14 introduces an Open-Air Fitness Studio for training under the open sky, while a running track encircles the sundeck lounging area on Deck 12.
Explora III will be the first ship in the fleet to host a Chopard boutique, joining the already established Cartier and Rolex maisons on board. Families are also better catered for: the Nautilus Club has been split into two dedicated spaces — Juniors for children aged 3–5 and Teens for guests aged 6–17.
Cruises aboard Explora III follow a premium all-inclusive model: fares cover accommodation in an ocean-facing suite, dining across all restaurants, premium beverages (fine wines, spirits, specialty coffees and teas), an in-suite mini-bar, unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities, 24-hour concierge service, twice-daily housekeeping, port shuttle transfers, and welcome gifts featuring flowers, chocolates, and Champagne.
Explora III is the third of six planned ships for the brand. MSC Group is investing €3.5 billion in the fleet, which is scheduled for completion by 2028. Explora IV and V will enter service in 2027, followed by Explora VI in 2028. All future vessels will also be LNG-powered, making Explora Journeys one of the most environmentally forward-looking luxury cruise brands in the world.
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