Explora Journeys has taken delivery of its third ship, Explora III, which is a larger, upgraded version of its two existing vessels, Explora I and II.
A further three new ships will join the Explora Journeys fleet by 2028.
What is different on Explora III?
Explora III has been extended by 19.2 metres, making it between 7% and 8% larger than Explora I and II, but capacity has been increased by only around 0.5%, boosting space and privacy onboard.
The latest ship carries 463 suites, all of which are ocean-facing, up slightly from the 461 suites on Explora I and II.
Explora Journeys President Anna Nash said this reflects the brand’s philosophy of ‘the art of listening’ to guests and responding to what luxury travellers are looking for.
Explora Journeys has also adjusted the accommodation mix, reducing the number of entry-level suites while introducing more larger suites in higher categories including Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences (pictured below).
Explora I and II each have 371 Ocean Suites, 67 Penthouses, 22 Residences and one Owner’s Residence, while Explora III adds a second Owner’s Residence and cuts entry-level Ocean Suites to 313.
New features
Three new dining concepts have been added: The Cellar; The Chef’s Table; and Shore Club on 11, as well as expanded wellness facilities, combining spa and fitness.
Anna added: “Explora III reflects how Explora Journeys has evolved, bringing together everything that we have learned along the way. Every space, every detail, has been carefully considered to enhance the experience while remaining true to the essence of our brand.”
She said the line has always believed ‘the ocean is more than simply a journey between destinations, it is the destination itself’, with Explora III bringing this to life through design, intuitive service and connection to the sea.
MSC Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division Pierfrancesco Vago added that Explora III is ‘not just a cruise, but a resort in movement.’
What else is new?
The ship is the brand’s first LNG-capable vessel, which Anna said represents ‘an important step forward in [the line’s] journey towards decarbonisation’.
Following the delivery ceremony, attended by Genoa Mayor Silvia Salis, Liguria Region President Marco Bucci, Fincantieri and MSC executives, Explora III will operate a five-night preview sailing from Genoa ahead of its naming ceremony in Barcelona on 1 August.
Its maiden voyage departs on 3 August, sailing to Lisbon, kicking off an inaugural season across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America, with no repeat itineraries and longer port stays.
The ship is scheduled to operate Explora’s first Alaska season in 2027.
Explora’s €3.5 billion investment programme, launched in 2021 to deliver its first six ships, will see three further vessels join the fleet. Explora IV and V are set to launch in 2027, followed by Explora VI in 2028, with construction already underway at Fincantieri’s Genoa shipyard.
