And Then There Were 3: Explora Journeys Takes Delivery of Newest Ship
by Bruce Parkinson
The delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa this week marked another milestone in the growth of Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s ultra-luxury ocean travel brand.
EXPLORA III also represents the halfway point of MSC Group’s investment of more than $5.6 billion, with all six ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy.
The official delivery of EXPLORA III was celebrated at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa with a traditional handover ceremony, attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, along with shipyard executives and Italian civic and government authorities.
“Today marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome EXPLORA III into our growing fleet,” said Nash.
“With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand. EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience.”
The Next Evolution of Ocean Travel
Extended by 19.2 metres, EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the fleet, delivering more openness, privacy and comfort while welcoming a similar number of guests as her sister ships Explora I and Explora II.
The ship introduces an enhanced culinary offering with three new concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11—further enriching Explora Journeys’ approach to epicurean excellence.
She also features a second Owner’s Residence, an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, reimagined Ocean Wellness facilities that bring spa and fitness together in one harmonious space, and Chopard’s first boutique onboard.
The Naming Ceremony, Maiden Journey and Inaugural Season
Following a five-night Prelude Journey, EXPLORA III will sail to Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1. On August 3, she will depart Barcelona on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.
Tracing a continuous northern route with no repeated itineraries, this deployment has been designed for deeper destination immersion, with longer stays and more time to discover each destination. From the sheltered harbours of the Baltic capitals and the dramatic fjords of Norway to the remote landscapes of Iceland, the voyage culminates in a scenic transatlantic crossing via Greenland to the Canadian Maritimes and New England.
In 2027, EXPLORA III will continue her global journey with Explora Journeys’ debut Alaska season, inviting guests to discover one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural environments through immersive journeys.
Advanced Environmental Technology
As the first LNG-capable vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III takes the next step in the brand’s environmental strategy. It’s LNG fuel capability supports future use of renewable alternatives, including bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, as availability develops. The ship is also equipped with shore power capability.
Construction continues at Fincantieri on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.
