EXPLORA III has departed Barcelona on its maiden voyage, beginning a seven-night journey to Lisbon and marking the halfway point in Explora Journeys’ planned six-ship fleet.
The new luxury ship left on 3 August following its official naming ceremony in Barcelona on 1 August. Its first public itinerary includes Palma de Mallorca, Puerto Banús, Tangier, Cádiz and Portimão before arriving in the Portuguese capital.
Delivered early by Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard on 23 July, EXPLORA III is the third vessel from Explora Journeys, the Geneva-based luxury ocean travel brand owned by MSC Group. It follows EXPLORA I, launched in July 2023, and EXPLORA II, which entered service in September 2024.
A Barcelona naming ceremony
Cristina Ozores, a National Geographic Educator and marine educator who also works as a dive trainer, took on the role of godmother at the Barcelona ceremony. Ozores is also the founder of Vellmarí, a marine education and conservation centre in the Balearic Islands that works with the MSC Foundation on seagrass restoration and education.
The celebrations included a gala dinner, a performance by Sister Sledge feat. Kathy Sledge and a DJ set from Bob Sinclar. The ship had previously hosted an exclusive five-night Prelude Journey between Genoa and Civitavecchia, with Explora Journeys ambassador Jannik Sinner joining as its first guest.
“Explora III represents a natural yet powerful evolution of our vision for ocean travel,” Explora Journeys president Anna Nash said ahead of the launch.
More space and two Owner’s Residences
EXPLORA III is 19.2 metres longer than its two sister ships while retaining a capacity of about 900 guests. The additional length creates 19.5 square metres of public space per guest, among the highest ratios in the cruise industry, according to the company.
Its 463 oceanfront suites all have private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. The accommodation comprises 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences and two Owner’s Residences.
Located on Deck 7, the second Owner’s Residence was created with Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. The 315-square-metre retreat combines bronze details with Cipollino and Travertino marble, ribbed wood and furnishings from design houses, including Spanish brand Kettal. A private steam room sits inside, while the ocean-facing terrace has a whirlpool, daybeds and dedicated spaces for dining or lounging.
The redesigned Lobby forms a sculptural double-height atrium, with an asymmetrical marble staircase leading towards a circular bar. Venini chandeliers descend through the space, while works presented in partnership with Clarendon Fine Art appear throughout the ship’s gallery.
The Conservatory Pool & Bar centres on a 14.7-metre pool beneath a retractable glass roof. Elsewhere, guests have access to three heated outdoor pools, five heated whirlpools and 60 private cabanas. The adults-only Helios Pool & Bar occupies a forward position with uninterrupted sea views.
New restaurants, wine and luxury boutiques
EXPLORA III introduces Shore Club on 11 beside The Conservatory Pool, serving made-to-order Mediterranean dishes alongside artisanal crêpes, handcrafted gelato and alcohol-free drinks.
The Chef’s Table builds its menus and pairings around guest preferences, regional ingredients and travel memories. At The Cellar, the emphasis is on almost 350 wine labels, tableside cured-meat carving and caviar. Its collection includes wines from England and Japan, plus three labels exclusive to Sting’s Il Palagio winery.
Returning restaurants include Anthology, Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace and Marble & Co. Grill. There are also 12 bars and lounges, with a new outdoor cigar space beside the Malt Whisky Bar.
The retail collection includes Chopard for the first time at sea, alongside Cartier, Piaget and a dedicated Rolex boutique. Mandala by Ocean Atelier also makes its onboard debut with a collection of gemstone jewellery.
Ocean Wellness brings spa and fitness facilities together
On Deck 5, the ship’s spa and fitness facilities have been brought together within a 726-square-metre Ocean Wellness sanctuary. Its thermal circuit features a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, salt cave, experience showers, an ice fall and heated marble loungers.
A new Sava Sound Pod uses low-frequency waves for guided relaxation. The fitness area has Technogym equipment and Reform Pilates machines, while outdoor facilities include a full-size padel court, pickleball and basketball areas, an extended running track and Open Air Fitness.
Families have two separate Nautilus Club spaces. One is designed for children aged three to five, while the second welcomes guests aged six to 17.
Mediterranean, polar and Caribbean itineraries
After Lisbon, EXPLORA III will continue through Northern Europe before sailing towards Iceland, Greenland and North America. Published routes include the Norwegian fjords, Copenhagen, Reykjavík, Prince Christian Sound and Québec City.
The ship will then spend winter in the Caribbean before beginning Explora Journeys’ first Alaskan season in summer 2027.
EXPLORA III is the brand’s first ship powered by dual-fuel engines capable of running on liquefied natural gas. The system also provides a route towards bio-LNG and synthetic LNG when those fuels become more widely available. Shore-power capability allows the ship to switch off its engines while berthed at ports with suitable electrical infrastructure.
Explora IV is scheduled to enter service in early 2027, followed by EXPLORA V later that year and EXPLORA VI in 2028.
