Explora Journeys officially welcomed its new ship, EXPLORA III, to its fleet during a naming ceremony held in Barcelona in early August 2026. The event included speeches by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona; and godmother Cristina Ozores, a marine and National Geographic educator, who named and blessed the ship.
EXPLORA III is the cruise line’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel and its largest to date. Delivered by Fincantieri ahead of schedule in July 2026, the ship is 63 feet longer
than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II and features the highest public space-per-guest ratio within the Explora Journeys fleet. The accommodations have expanded to include additional Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, including two 3,391-square-foot Owner’s Residences.
Following its delivery, EXPLORA III operated a five-night preview cruise from Genoa to Civitavecchia before arriving in Barcelona for the official naming ceremony. The ship’s design emphasizes increased space, specialized dining venues, and holistic wellbeing consistent with Explora Journeys’ luxury brand ethos.
EXPLORA III’s debut marks the midpoint in Explora Journeys’ planned fleet expansion. Ships EXPLORA IV, V, and VI are currently in various stages
of construction at different shipyards, reflecting ongoing investment in ultra-luxury cruise offerings by the MSC Group-backed brand.
New on board EXPLORA III are upgraded public spaces such as a more spacious Conservatory Pool & Bar, a redesigned Crema Café, and the addition of an Outdoor Cigar Lounge adjacent to the Malt Whisky Bar. These venues complement the ship’s focus on enhanced passenger experience and elevated onboard lifestyle.
Anna Nash described the occasion as a significant moment signaling the fleet’s growth and the brand’s commitment to ultra-elegant ocean travel. She stated, “Naming EXPLORA III is a momentous occasion that reflects both
the trajectory of our fleet and our steadfast commitment to shaping the future of ultra-elegant ocean travel.” Nash also said the ship embodies “an even more generous expression of space, design, gastronomy and holistic wellbeing” that supports Explora Journeys’ unique “Ocean State of Mind.”
The naming ceremony concluded with a performance by Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, marking a celebratory close to the event in Barcelona.
