Explora Journeys, a renown global luxury cruise company of the MSC Group, has marked another significant milestone with the delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa.
The new vessel represents the next phase of MSC Group’s investment of more than €3.5 billion in its fleet, with all six ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy – a long-standingpartnership that showcases the very best of Italian shipbuilding, craftsmanship and innovation.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said this is yet another proud milestone for Explora Journeys. “With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand.”
She highlighted that EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience.
“As a privately owned, family-led business with deep maritime heritage, we remain committed to investing for the long term, always with our guests at the centre of every decision.”
Ultra-Luxury Cruise Ship: EXPLORA III
EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the fleet, delivering an even greater sense of openness, privacy and comfort while welcoming a similar number of guests as her sister ships Explora I and Explora II. The ship introduces an enhanced culinary offering with three distinctive new concepts – The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11 – further enriching Explora Journeys’ celebrated approach to epicurean excellence.
She also features a second Owner’s Residence, designed by renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, reimagined Ocean Wellness facilities that bring spa and fitness together in one harmonious space, and Chopard’s first boutique onboard.
These thoughtful innovations reflect Explora Journeys’ dedication to continuously evolving the guest experience while setting a new benchmark for ultra-elegant ocean travel.
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Moreover, EXPLORA III takes the next step in the brand’s environmental strategy. It’s LNG fuel capability supports future use of renewable alternatives, including bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, as availability develops.
The ship is also equipped with shore power capability, enabling her to connect to onshore electricity and switch off her engines while alongside in ports where infrastructure is available, helping to reduce direct emissions in port and improve local air quality.
EXPLORA III Maiden Voyage
The new vessel will sail to Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1, 2026. On August 3, 2026, EXPLORA III will depart Barcelona on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.
Tracing a continuous northern route with no repeated itineraries, this deployment has been designed for deeper destination immersion, with longer stays and more time to discover each destination at a relaxed pace.
From the sheltered harbours of the Baltic capitals and the dramatic fjords of Norway to the remote landscapes of Iceland, the voyage culminates in a scenic transatlantic crossing via Greenland to the Canadian Maritimes and New England.
