When Luxury Makes Gentle Waves

As of this summer, the Explora Journeys fleet comprises three vessels: EXPLORA III is the latest addition. Like her two proud sister ships, she once again demonstrates that luxury at sea is no longer defined by opulence, but by space, design, the fine art of slowing down—and, above all, by Explora’s signature “Ocean State of Mind.”

Genoa, July 23, 2026: This morning, the Fincantieri shipyard is suffused with that distinctive aroma of steel, salt, and fresh paint so emblematic of ship christenings. It is the grand debut of EXPLORA III, which is being officially delivered today to Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group. During the ceremony, the eyes of the invited guests keep wandering to the neighboring docks, where the sister ships EXPLORA IV and V—which will set sail for the first time next year—are already rising toward the sky. Another new vessel is set to complete the fleet in the summer of 2028—from then on, six “Exploras” will cruise the seven seas. But back to (and aboard) the Explora III, which will set sail for a five-day “Prelude Journey” to Civitavecchia immediately after its christening. Also on board, by the way, is none other than world No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner, who has served as Explora Journeys’ official Global Brand Ambassador since this year.

More Space for Freedom at Sea: At first glance, EXPLORA III differs little from its two predecessors: 461 suites, seven restaurants, twelve bars and lounges, and five pools. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes clear just how consistently—and sustainably—Explora Journeys has refined the concept. As the brand’s first vessel with a dual-fuel propulsion system and primary LNG operation, EXPLORA III demands considerably more space for its technical infrastructure. That is why she is 19.2 metres longer than her predecessors. Instead of 248 metres, the “big/little sister” now measures 267.20 metres. Remarkably, the number of suites has not increased; instead, each has been expanded and elevated in luxury. A striking example is the two Owner’s Residences at the stern, each spanning 280 square meters—one of which bears the signature of Spanish star designer Patricia Urquiola. The design philosophy has evolved significantly as well. Whereas the first two vessels celebrated crisp, clean lines, EXPLORA III now embraces softer, organic forms throughout—evident in the reimagined lobby with its off-centre bar, and at the Conservatory Pool, where a sweeping spiral staircase and circular sunbeds invite contemplation.


At the helm are Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group, and Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys

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The EXPLORA III also demonstrates even more “good taste” when it comes to cuisine: Joining the established restaurants—Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace, and Marble & Co. Grill—are three new dining venues: The “Shore Club on 11” by the Conservatory Pool offers casual all-day dining al fresco for the first time. Also new are “The Chef’s Table” for private dinners and “The Cellar,” an impressive haven for wine-loving travelers. The shopping promenade has also been refined: the new Chopard boutique now complements the enduringly popular Rolex boutique, which made its debut on EXPLORA I but was absent from EXPLORA II.




In the realm of wellness and fitness, new Technogym Reformer Pilates apparatus and a dedicated studio for personal training complete the offering. Furthermore, the spa and fitness facilities are now consolidated on Deck 5, rather than divided between two decks as previously.

Should you wish to experience the Explora fleet firsthand, after her inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean and North Sea, Explora III will sail to the Caribbean for the winter, with departures from Miami, San Juan, and Barbados. In April 2027 she will traverse the Panama Canal and set course for Alaska, where she will spend the following summer. EXPLORA I will cruise through Central and South America from November 2026 to March 2027 and will even venture into the Amazon in February 2027. Under the title “A Serene Mediterranean,” the Explora II will showcase the calmer, wintry sides of the Mediterranean from November 2026 through March 2027—with program highlights such as a visit to Sting’s winery, a first-ever call at Algiers, and a special “President’s Journey” with Explora President Anna Nash. Three ships, three itineraries, one shared “Ocean State of Mind”: At Explora Journeys, luxury isn’t about size or glamour, but rather about generosity, serenity, and the special feeling of traveling aboard a grand hotel at sea. explorajourneys.com