EXPLORA III to Sail Ahead of Schedule; Ship Details Unveiled

Explora Journeys has unveiled details of EXPLORA III, its newest ultra-luxury ship set to enter service ahead of schedule in July 2026.

Positioned as a floating luxury hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship, she will debut with an exclusive Mediterranean Prelude Journey from July 24 to 29, 2026, followed by her naming ceremony in Barcelona on August 1. The ship will then sail on her Maiden Voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on August 3, before operating itineraries in Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland later in the year.

“EXPLORA III represents a natural yet powerful evolution of our vision for ocean travel,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “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.”

With 463 oceanfront suites, EXPLORA III maintains a low guest count while benefiting from LNG technology that allows the ship to be 63 feet longer than her sister vessels. This results in one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry, at approximately 210 square feet per guest, alongside a near 1:1 host-to-guest ratio.

The ship offers an expanded selection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, including two Owner’s Residences—a first for the brand. The new Owner’s Residence on Deck 7 was designed by acclaimed architect Patricia Urquiola, featuring a private whirlpool, steam room and expansive indoor-outdoor living space.

Public areas have been redesigned to further emphasize openness and flow, led by a reimagined double-height lobby atrium that serves as the social heart of the ship. The Conservatory Pool & Bar, an all-weather indoor pool space on Deck 11, has been expanded and features a retractable glass roof, while three additional outdoor pools (including an adults-only option), five whirlpools and 60 private cabanas enhance onboard relaxation.

EXPLORA III will introduce three new dining concepts, complementing returning venues found on EXPLORA I and II. New additions include:

• Shore Club on 11, offering refined poolside dining
• The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, an intimate, experiential culinary venue
• The Cellar, focused on rare and indigenous wines

In total, guests will have access to 12 bars and lounges, including a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge, alongside established favourites such as the Lobby Bar and Malt Whisky Bar.

Ocean Wellness facilities have been consolidated on Deck 5, integrating spa, fitness and movement spaces into one dedicated wellness zone. Highlights include new signature spa treatments, a Sava Sound Pod, expanded relaxation lounges, Technogym equipment, Pilates studios, an outdoor sports court and an extended running track with ocean views.

Retail offerings aboard EXPLORA III will include luxury maisons such as Cartier and the sea debut of Chopard, alongside curated artisanal brands and Explora Journeys’ first in-house jewellery collection. The ship will also feature rotating art exhibitions in partnership with Clarendon Fine Art.

EXPLORA III introduces updated spaces for younger travellers through the Nautilus Club programs, while maintaining limited child capacity to preserve the ship’s calm atmosphere. For travellers blending work and leisure, the ship adds three modular meeting rooms equipped with premium technology and supported by high-speed WiFi throughout.

Ahead of public sailings, a limited number of guests will be invited aboard for the Mediterranean Prelude Journey from Genoa to Civitavecchia (July 24–29, 2026). The sailing offers early access to the ship’s new accommodations, dining venues, wellness concepts and design features, along with opportunities to engage with the ship’s leadership and creative teams.

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. EXPLORA III embodies our belief that true luxury lies in space, intention and the privilege of exploring the world at a more considered pace,” added Nash.