Explora Journeys has announced that Explora III will enter service ahead of schedule in July 2026. The luxury lifestyle brand’s third vessel is set to debut with a “prelude” journey in the Mediterranean from July 24 to 29, followed by its official naming ceremony in Barcelona on August 1.
Following the ceremony, Explora III will embark on its maiden voyage to Lisbon on August 3. The ship is scheduled to sail itineraries in Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland later in the year.
The launch marks the halfway point in the MSC Group brand’s planned six-ship fleet. While Explora III retains the guest capacity of its sister ships—housing 463 suites, only two more than Explora I and II—it will be physically larger. The ship is powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) technology, necessitating a design that is 63 feet longer than its predecessors.
According to the line, this increased size combined with a similar guest count results in one of the industry’s highest public space-to-guest ratios at 210 square feet per guest.
“Explora III represents a natural yet powerful evolution of our vision for ocean travel,” Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, said in a statement. “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. This deliberate continuity allows for a more generous experience throughout the ship, where new residences and thoughtfully designed suites, alongside expansive public areas, foster a genuine feeling of being at home at sea.”
Expanded Suites and Inventory Shifts
A key differentiator for Explora III is the adjustment in accommodation inventory to favor larger categories. The ship will feature 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, and 39 Ocean Residences. Ocean Penthouses now comprise 24 percent of the total inventory, while Ocean Residences have increased to 9 percent.
Most notably, Explora III will feature two Owner’s Residences, compared to the single Owner’s Residence on previous vessels. Situated aft on Decks 7 and 8, each residence spans 3,014 square feet, including a 1,345-square-foot terrace. The new Deck 7 residence features interiors by architect Patricia Urquiola.
(Explora Journeys)
New Dining and Retail Concepts
While signature venues such as Anthology, Sakura, and Emporium Marketplace will return, Explora III is introducing three new culinary concepts:
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Shore Club on 11: A poolside dining venue at the Conservatory Pool.
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The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys: An intimate dining experience focused on creative cuisine.
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The Cellar by Explora Journeys: A dedicated venue for wine tastings and appreciation.
The ship will house 12 bars and lounges, including a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge to complement the Malt Whisky Bar.
In the retail sector, Explora III will debut the first Chopard boutique at sea, alongside a returning Cartier boutique and the Galleria d’Arte.
Redesigned Public Spaces and Wellness
The ship’s layout has been modified to accommodate the increased size. The Lobby has been reimagined as a double-height atrium with a dedicated music corner and asymmetrical staircase. The Conservatory Pool & Bar on Deck 11 has been expanded with a retractable glass roof, while the ship’s outdoor decks now feature an extended running track and a larger Sports Court for padel, pickleball, and basketball.
Wellness facilities on Deck 5 have been consolidated, combining the spa and fitness areas. New additions include a “Sava Sound Pod” for audio-based relaxation and a Reform Pilates studio.
“As the third ship in our fleet, Explora III also marks an important milestone in our journey, bringing us halfway through our six-ship vision and reinforcing our long-term commitment to shaping a more refined future for ocean travel,” Nash added.
Those who wish to remain connected while at sea get seamless access with Wi-Fi connectivity aboard Explora Journeys’ ships. In addition, EXPLORA III introduces three modular meeting rooms on Deck 11.
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