Explora Journeys officially added the luxury cruise ship EXPLORA III to its fleet during a naming event held in Barcelona, Spain, on August 3, 2026. Delivered by shipbuilder Fincantieri ahead of schedule in July 2026, EXPLORA III is the cruise line’s first vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is the largest ship in its fleet at 63 feet longer than its predecessors EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.
Naming Ceremony in Barcelona
The naming ceremony took place in Barcelona with speeches from 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, National Geographic Educator and marine educator Cristina Ozores, officially blessed and named EXPLORA III. The event featured a performance by the music group Sister Sledge, led by Kathy Sledge.
Design and Onboard Features
EXPLORA III introduces an evolved design with a larger footprint and the highest public space-per-guest ratio of the Explora Journeys fleet. The ship offers expanded accommodations, including a collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, as well as two Owner’s Residences each measuring 3,391 square feet. New onboard venues include The Conservatory Pool & Bar, a redesigned Crema Café, an Outdoor Cigar Lounge, and
a Malt Whisky Bar, enhancing the guest experience across multiple luxury-focused amenities.
Fleet Expansion and Preview Cruise
Following its delivery in July 2026, EXPLORA III conducted an exclusive five-night preview cruise from Genoa, Italy, to Civitavecchia, Italy. The ship’s addition marks the halfway point in Explora Journeys’ fleet development plan, which includes EXPLORA IV, V, and VI currently in various construction phases at different shipyards.
Statements from Explora Journeys Leadership
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, described the occasion as “momentous,” reflecting the fleet’s trajectory and the company’s commitment to ultra-elegant ocean travel. She characterized EXPLORA III as “a destination in her own right,” embodying space, design, gastronomy, and holistic
wellbeing, all integral to the brand’s Ocean State of Mind.
Industry Context
EXPLORA III is Explora Journeys’ first LNG-powered ship, aligning with industry trends toward more sustainable cruise technologies. Its high public space-to-guest ratio positions it competitively within the luxury cruise market. The ship’s commissioning is part of a broader expansion strategy by Explora Journeys, owned by MSC Group, to grow its luxury cruise offerings.
