EXPLORA III is now officially in service. Christened in Barcelona on August 1, 2026, the third ship in the Explora Journeys fleet brings several significant improvements over EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II: more space, two Owner's Residences, new dining concepts, and, most importantly, LNG-compatible propulsion. Here are the key facts about the newest ship from the MSC Group's luxury brand.
Summary
EXPLORA III was delivered ahead of schedule to Genoa
EXPLORA III was delivered by Fincantieri on July 23, 2026, at the Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa. This delivery brings to three the number of ships currently integrated into the Explora Journeys fleet, out of a program that is ultimately planned to include six.
The early delivery made it possible to organize a five-night prelude trip between Genoa and Civitavecchia from July 24 to 29, with stops including Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Livorno.
Jannik Sinner, global ambassador for Explora Journeys, participated in the first two days of the voyage. He was introduced as the first passenger of EXPLORA III and took part in the inauguration of the ship's new padel court.
An official christening in Barcelona on August 1st
The christening ceremony of EXPLORA III took place on August 1, 2026 in Barcelona. Cristina Ozores, marine educator, diving instructor, co-founder of Vellmarí and National Geographic Educator, was chosen as the ship's godmother.
According to the specialized press, Cruise Industry News and Cruise & Ferry confirmed the ceremony as well as the presence of representatives from the MSC group, Explora Journeys and the Port of Barcelona.
This commissioning also marks the midpoint of the development program announced by Explora Journeys: EXPLORA III is the third of six ships planned by the brand.
EXPLORA III is longer, without a significant increase in the number of sequels
The most measurable difference between EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II concerns dimensions. EXPLORA III reaches approximately 268 meters in length, which is 19.2 meters longer than its two predecessors.
The ship has 463 suites, compared to 461 on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. This limited increase in the number of accommodations, combined with the lengthening of the ship, brings the available public space to 19.5 m² per passenger, according to data provided by the company.
The distribution of accommodations is also changing with more Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences.
Two Owner's Residences of 315 m²
EXPLORA III features two Owner's Residences, each measuring 315 m². The second residence, located on deck 7, was designed in collaboration with architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.
It includes a private hammam, a terrace overlooking the ocean, and a hot tub. The addition of this second residence represents one of the major developments in the accommodation options compared to the first two ships.
Several areas of EXPLORA III have been revised
The lobby features a two-level layout with an asymmetrical staircase and Venini lighting fixtures. The Conservatory Pool & Bar has been expanded, while Crema Café has been redesigned.
The ship also features an Outdoor Cigar Lounge near the Malt Whisky Bar. The spa and fitness areas are now located on Deck 5 in the Ocean Wellness complex.
This area includes Technogym equipment, Pilates facilities, an outdoor sports field and an extended running track.
Three new concepts related to restaurants
EXPLORA III inaugurates The Cellar, The Chef's Table and Shore Club on 11.
The Cellar is dedicated to wine, with nearly 350 selections listed. The selection includes wines from markets less commonly represented on cruise ships, notably England, Japan, Lebanon, and Romania.
The Chef's Table is based on a personalized gastronomic experience, while Shore Club on 11 complements the dining options near the Conservatory Pool.
EXPLORA III is the first LNG vessel in the fleet
From a technical point of view, EXPLORA III is the first Explora Journeys vessel equipped with dual-fuel propulsion allowing the use of liquefied natural gas.
The system is also designed to be able to use bio-LNG and synthetic LNG when these fuels are available. EXPLORA III also has a shore power connection allowing its engines to be shut down in ports equipped with compatible infrastructure.
These features constitute verifiable technical characteristics. However, they do not mean that the ship operates without emissions, nor that LNG can be presented as an environmentally sound solution without impact.
Where does EXPLORA III sail after Barcelona?
EXPLORA III departed Barcelona on August 3, 2026 for its inaugural seven-night voyage to Lisbon.
His first season should then take him to Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, before crossing the Atlantic to North America, including routes in Canada and New England.
For tourism professionals, the arrival of EXPLORA III therefore concretely expands the Explora Journeys offer with a third ship, accommodation capacity close to that of its predecessors but more public spaces, new categories of residences and new onboard equipment.
Article updated on August 5, 2026 after the christening of EXPLORA III in Barcelona and the start of its maiden voyage.
Sources
- https://www.travelindustrywire.com/article142372.html
- https://explorajourneys.com/br/en/press-and-media/press/delivery-of-explora-iii
- https://explorajourneys.com/ch/en/press-and-media/press/explora-journeys-reveals-explora-iii
- https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2026/08/explora-journeys-names-explora-iii-in-barcelona/
- https://www.cruiseandferry.net/articles/explora-journeys-officially-names-explora-iii-at-ceremony-in-barcelona
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