Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise line owned by MSC Group, has officially taken delivery of its third and largest vessel, Explora III. The handover ceremony took place this week at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, marking a significant milestone before its inaugural sailing next month.
Explora III represents a notable advancement for the brand, being the first ship in its fleet designed with liquefied natural gas (LNG) capability. At 268 metres long and with a gross tonnage of 72,810, it is considerably more spacious than its predecessors, Explora I and Explora II, which both have a gross tonnage of 63,900. While the passenger capacity remains at 922, the new ship boasts two additional suites, bringing the total to 463, alongside expanded public areas and a larger wellness centre.
Guests on board Explora III will also discover three new culinary experiences: The Cellar, The Chef's Table, and Shore Club on 11. Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, emphasised the company's commitment to refining its offerings based on guest feedback, stating that Explora III reflects the next step in redefining ocean travel through innovation and exceptional design.
The maiden voyage for Explora III is scheduled for 3 August 2026, departing from Barcelona for a seven-night journey culminating in Lisbon. Its initial season will see it traverse destinations across northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, offering a range of luxury itineraries for discerning travellers.
This launch is part of a broader €3.5 billion investment by the parent company, MSC Group, into the Explora Journeys fleet. Three more ships – Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI – are currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and are anticipated to enter service sequentially, with Explora IV and V expected in 2027, and Explora VI following in 2028, further expanding the brand's luxury offerings.