Explora Journeys officially christened EXPLORA III on August 3, 2026 in Barcelona. The first liquefied natural gas ship for the MSC Group’s luxury brand brings the fleet to the halfway mark of the six planned vessels, pushing the promise of an oceanfront residential lifestyle even further, complete with oceanfront terrace suites, signature restaurants, and a glass-covered pool.
- The christening: August 3, 2026 in Barcelona, attended by executives from Explora Journeys and the MSC Group
- The godmother: Cristina Ozores, marine educator and founder of the conservation organization Vellmarí
- The ship: 19.2 meters longer than her sister ships, 19.5 sqm of public space per guest, one of the highest ratios in the industry
- The propulsion: the first ship in the fleet powered by LNG, featuring shoreside power capabilities and future readiness for bio-LNG
A Barcelona Christening for the Third Ship
Delivered early in Genoa on July 23, 2026, EXPLORA III sailed to Barcelona for her official ceremony before setting off that same day for an inaugural seven-night voyage to Lisbon. The ceremony brought together Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, and José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona. The ship’s godmother, marine educator Cristina Ozores, founder of the conservation organization Vellmarí and a National Geographic Educator, performed the christening.
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“Christening EXPLORA III is a significant milestone that reflects both the journey of our fleet and our ongoing commitment to shaping the future of ultra-luxurious ocean travel,” said Anna Nash.
◆ In pictures · Onboard EXPLORA III
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Longer, Thus More Generous in Space
The difference comes down to 19.2 meters. That is how much longer EXPLORA III is compared to her predecessors EXPLORA I and II, with this extra length entirely dedicated to guest spaces. As a result, the ship offers 19.5 sqm of public space per guest, one of the highest ratios in the industry, a core selling point for a brand that offers less of a simple crossing and more the feeling of residing in a sanctuary. Two 315 sqm Owner’s Residences top the accommodation offerings, one of which was designed by Patricia Urquiola.
Dining and Wellness Designed Like Land-Based Resorts
On board, the culinary offering revolves around distinct venues rather than a single buffet: the Conservatory Pool & Bar under its glass dome, Crema Café, Anthology, Fil Rouge, The Cellar, Chef’s Table, and Shore Club on 11. The Ocean Wellness sanctuary completes the wellness offerings. “The true evolution on EXPLORA III is our vision of relaxed luxury, which is now more mature and cohesive throughout the entire ship,” explains Antonio Di Nenno, Director of Architecture and Design.
LNG, First Step in a Transition
Above all, EXPLORA III marks the debut of liquefied natural gas propulsion in the Explora fleet. The ship is also equipped for shoreside power connectivity, allowing engines to be shut down in port, while its engines open the door to bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. While this remains a transitional step for the broader industry, it is a significant milestone for a brand catering to eco-conscious travelers.
Our take
With this third ship, Explora Journeys reinforces its strategy: avoiding the race for gigantism to focus instead on space density per guest, an area where land-based luxury hospitality shines. The comparison is intentional, from oceanfront terrace suites to à la carte dining venues, further blurring the line between a luxury resort and a cruise ship. Its inaugural season, heading to Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, will show if the formula resonates beyond the Mediterranean. Reservations can be made on the official Explora Journeys website.
