Explora Journeys Takes Delivery of Explora III
The brand’s third ship is its largest yet, adding new dining venues, expanded wellness spaces, and LNG capability ahead of inaugural sailings in Europe, North America, and Alaska.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys has officially taken delivery of Explora III, a major milestone for the luxury cruise brand as it reaches the halfway point in the rollout of its planned six-ship fleet. The vessel, delivered on July 23 at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, becomes the third ship in service for the MSC Group-owned brand and the first in the fleet to operate on liquefied natural gas.
The delivery is also another step in MSC Group’s nearly $4 billion investment in Explora Journeys, with all six ships being built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. A traditional handover ceremony, attended by executives from both companies, Italian officials, and Explora Journeys’ godmother, Maya Aponte, celebrated the vessel’s completion before it officially entered the fleet.
Explora III offers several enhancements that set it apart from its sister ships, Explora I and Explora II: the vessel has been lengthened by more than 60 feet while maintaining a similar guest capacity, creating additional public space and larger accommodations. New onboard venues include three dining concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table, and Shore Club on 11—as well as a second Owner’s Residence designed by architect Patricia Urquiola, expanded Ocean Penthouses and Residences, reconfigured wellness facilities and Chopard’s first onboard boutique.
“Today marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome Explora III into our growing fleet,” said Anna Nash, president of 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.”
The ship begins service immediately with a five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey departing Genoa on July 24 before its official naming ceremony in Barcelona this weekend, on Aug. 1. Its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon departs Aug. 3, kicking off an inaugural season that includes Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. In 2027, Explora III will become the first ship in the brand’s fleet to sail Alaska.
From a sustainability standpoint, Explora III marks an important evolution for the brand. As Explora Journeys’ first LNG-capable vessel, it is designed to operate on LNG today while supporting future renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as they become more widely available. The ship is also equipped with shore power connectivity, allowing it to plug into electrical grids at ports with existing infrastructure, reducing emissions while docked.
Construction is already underway on Explora IV, V, and VI, which are scheduled to join the fleet through 2028.
