Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, presents EXPLORA III, which will set sail in the summer of 2026 to begin its inaugural voyages. Designed to offer a home away from home, EXPLORA III will feature 463 spacious Ocean Suites, Penthouses, and Residences, an award-winning culinary offering, and ocean-inspired wellness experiences.
During its inaugural season, EXPLORA III will offer guests scenic voyages in Northern Europe, the landscapes of Iceland and Greenland, and the east coast of North America, before positioning itself in the Caribbean for the winter of 2026/2027. Throughout, guests will be invited to embrace the Ocean State of Mind as they experience a redefined meaning of luxury ocean travel.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, commented: “With EXPLORA III, we are thrilled to reach the halfway point in launching our fleet of six luxury ships. This milestone underscores our commitment to providing guests with unparalleled access to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. By expanding our fleet, we can offer a wider variety of itineraries, immersing travelers in diverse cultures, landscapes, and unique experiences around the globe.”
EXPLORA III has been designed with the guest experience in mind, offering more space than ever before. The ship boasts one of the highest ratios of total public space per guest, as well as expanded outdoor public spaces with a total of 18.7 m² of public space per guest.
The ship's layout focuses on the higher suite categories, offering more luxurious, comprehensive, and spacious accommodations. These include Ocean Penthouses, which now represent 24% of the total suites, and Ocean Residences, which have increased to 9%. EXPLORA III also introduces an additional Owner's Residence on Deck 7, as well as redesigned Cove Residences, allowing guests to select their ideal suite configuration. EXPLORA III will feature 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences, and 2 Owner's Residences.
Explora Journeys' signature dining concepts return to EXPLORA III to elevate the onboard experience, along with additional new offerings. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of dining options, including restaurants such as Anthology, Sakura, Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, Marble & Co. Grill, and Emporium Marketplace. Culinary exploration will continue to be a highlight, as guests can enjoy both casual dining and fine dining in a variety of inspiring venues.
Ocean Wellness and Fitness has been thoughtfully redesigned to offer a unified space dedicated to well-being. The enhanced area includes Ocean Wellness – The Spa, a sanctuary of serenity offering experiences inspired by the power of the sea, along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and studio, created in collaboration with Technogym. The space features the latest cutting-edge workout equipment. The outdoor fitness area on Deck 14, where guests can work out in the fresh air while enjoying breathtaking ocean views, and an expanded running track along Deck 12, further enhance this unique wellness experience. The expanded sports court now offers pickleball, paddle tennis, and basketball, providing a variety of activities to energize and inspire.
The Nautilus Club at EXPLORA III has been enhanced with dedicated spaces and experiences designed for children and teenagers. A dedicated team of expert hosts will ensure unforgettable moments for younger guests, fostering creativity, fun, and engagement.
EXPLORA III will also offer sophisticated meeting rooms on Deck 11, ideal for business events, functions, and seamless videoconferencing. These versatile spaces can be divided into three separate rooms, making them perfect for corporate meetings or private functions while enjoying the ship's luxurious surroundings.
Unforgettable itineraries
EXPLORA III will take guests from Iceland and Greenland to the East Coast and New England regions of the United States and Canada. In the summer of 2026, the ship will begin sailing Western Europe with a visit to Bordeaux, France, before heading to Northern Europe. Departing from Southampton on August 17, 2026, the ship will visit the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, and Germany before continuing on to Iceland and Greenland. Along the way, guests will have the opportunity to explore lesser-known ports such as Rønne in Denmark, Nanortalik and Paamiut in Greenland, and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland.
On September 27, EXPLORA III will arrive in Quebec, Canada, before continuing its journey to the east coast of the United States and Canada, including New York City and the Magdalen Islands. The ship will arrive in Miami on October 25, 2026, before sailing to the Caribbean for the winter season, offering an exceptional escape to tropical destinations.
EXPLORA III is equipped with shore-based feeding systems, advanced energy efficiency features and is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, enabling a direct transition to biological and synthetic LNG.
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