Explora Journeys Sets July 2026 Launch for Explora III
Launching ahead of schedule in July 2026, the LNG-powered ship will debut with a Mediterranean prelude sailing before an August naming ceremony in Barcelona.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys has confirmed that its third ship, Explora III, will enter service ahead of schedule in July 2026, with an inaugural Mediterranean Prelude sailing from July 24–29, followed by an official naming ceremony in Barcelona on Aug. 1 while alongside the cruise division’s new terminal.
The 463-suite vessel will begin her first guest voyage departing Genoa and ending in Civitavecchia, before repositioning to Barcelona for the naming event. From there, Explora III will sail a maiden voyage to Lisbon on Aug. 3 and later operate itineraries in Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland. The ship is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet and the third of six planned ships for the brand, part of the wider MSC Group portfolio.
Explora III is slightly longer than her predecessors, gaining more than 60 feet in length while keeping guest capacity largely unchanged from Explora I and II. That extra space has been used to rebalance the onboard mix toward larger accommodations and public areas. The ship carries 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, and 39 Ocean Residences, all oceanfront with private terraces. Penthouses now account for 24% of the inventory, while residences account for 9%.
For the first time in the fleet, Explora III will feature two Owner’s Residences, both positioned aft and spanning the full width of the ship. Each measures 3,000 square feet, including outdoor space, and can be connected to an adjacent suite. One of the two has been designed by Patricia Urquiola, introducing a distinct residential concept with a private whirlpool, steam room, and expansive terrace.
RELATED: Luxury Cruising Is Growing From the Edges, Not the Center
Public spaces have also been reworked, most notably the lobby, now a double-height atrium with a sculptural staircase, stone finishes, and a central lounge-bar layout intended to function throughout the day. The Conservatory Pool on Deck 11 has been enlarged to include a nearly 50-foot indoor pool with a retractable glass roof, supported by three outdoor pools, five whirlpools, and 60 private cabanas across the ship.
Culinary offerings will expand with three new dining concepts joining existing venues found on earlier ships. Retail onboard will include returning partners Cartier and the debut of Chopard at sea. Wellness facilities have been consolidated on Deck 5, combining spa, fitness, and movement spaces into a single zone, alongside outdoor sports courts and an extended running track.
“Explora III represents a natural yet powerful evolution of our vision for ocean travel,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “She has been conceived as a destination in her own right—a luxury floating hotel that offers even greater space, comfort and choice of amenities, while welcoming the same carefully balanced number of guests as Explora I and Explora II.”
Following the July prelude sailing and Aug. 1 naming ceremony in Barcelona, Explora III will move directly into her inaugural deployment, marking the next phase of the brand’s six-ship rollout through 2028.
