The language of luxury cruising is changing. Space, privacy and personalisation have become as important as the destinations themselves, with the newest generation of ships increasingly designed to feel less like floating resorts and more like sophisticated private addresses at sea.
EXPLORA III is the latest expression of that shift.
Explora Journeys officially named its newest ship in Barcelona on 1 August, marking the halfway point in the brand’s planned fleet of six ships. Following her early delivery in Genoa on 23 July, EXPLORA III arrived in Barcelona after an exclusive Prelude Journey through the Mediterranean, with Explora Journeys Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner welcomed aboard as the ship’s first guest.
The naming ceremony brought together senior figures from Explora Journeys and MSC Group alongside the ship’s godmother, marine educator and conservationist Cristina Ozores. The evening continued with a gala dinner before performances by Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge and DJ Bob Sinclar.
But the real story lies in what EXPLORA III brings to life.
More Space, Less Convention
At 19.2 metres longer than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, the new vessel dedicates its additional footprint to guest space. The result is 19.5 square metres of public space per guest, among the industry’s highest ratios and the most generous within the Explora Journeys fleet.
The ship’s redesigned lobby captures this philosophy. Conceived as a contemporary living room, the double-height space features a sculptural staircase in Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marble beneath bespoke Venini chandeliers, while natural light and ocean views remain central to the design.
That restrained approach continues throughout the ship, where marble, wood, leather and fine textiles create a residential atmosphere. Accommodation ranges from expanded Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences to two 315-square-metre Owner’s Residences, including a new residence designed with architect Patricia Urquiola featuring a private steam room, whirlpool and expansive ocean-facing terrace.
Art is similarly integrated into the experience, with contemporary works from Clarendon Fine Art displayed throughout the ship.
A New Generation Of Life At Sea
EXPLORA III also expands the brand’s culinary and lifestyle offering. The new Cellar by Explora Journeys houses almost 350 wine labels, spanning established names and emerging regions including England, Japan, Lebanon and Romania. A bespoke Chef’s Table offers menus shaped around individual preferences and travel memories, while Shore Club on 11 brings Mediterranean cuisine, artisanal crêpes, gelato and zero-proof cocktails alongside the expanded Conservatory Pool.
Wellness has been reimagined as a single sanctuary combining spa, fitness and movement, with a Technogym Sandstone collection, Reform Pilates, a Sava Sound Pod and an outdoor sports court.
For those inclined towards retail, the ship introduces Swiss Maison Chopard at sea, alongside Piaget, Cartier and a dedicated Rolex boutique. It also marks the debut of Mandala by Ocean Atelier, Explora Journeys’ own jewellery maison.
Technology Meets The Journey
EXPLORA III is also the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet. The vessel is designed to operate on liquefied natural gas while offering a pathway towards alternatives including bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as they become more widely available. Shore power capability further allows the ship to connect to onshore electricity where infrastructure permits.
Following its Barcelona celebrations, EXPLORA III will depart on 3 August for a seven-night maiden journey to Lisbon before embarking on an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.
For Explora Journeys, the arrival of EXPLORA III represents more than another addition to the fleet. It is a statement of how the brand believes luxury ocean travel should evolve: more space, more choice and a quieter sense of refinement, with the journey itself becoming as important as the destination.
