The delivery of EXPLORA III, which took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa), marks a new milestone in the growth of Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s ultra-luxury ocean travel brand. It also represents a new phase in the MSC Group’s investment of more than 3.5 billion euros in its fleet. The six ships were designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy, the result of a long-standing partnership that showcases the best of Italian shipbuilding, craftsmanship, and innovation.
The official delivery of EXPLORA III took place during the traditional delivery ceremony at the Genoa shipyard, attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; Biagio Mazzotta, president of Fincantieri; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, managing director of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ship Division. Also present were Italian officials, including Silvia Salis, mayor of Genoa, and Marco Bucci, president of the Liguria Region. The ceremony, hosted by the well-known Italian TV personality Lorella Cuccarini, celebrated the continued expansion of Explora Journeys’ six-ship fleet.
The celebrations continued with a performance by the Italian dance group Urban Theory, followed by the traditional parade of EXPLORA III officers and Fincantieri shipyard workers, as a tribute to the craftsmanship that made the new ship possible. Accompanied by Captain Serena Melani, Pierfrancesco Vago and Pierroberto Folgiero presided over the symbolic flag-changing ceremony, accompanied by the national anthems of Italy and Malta, which marked the official transfer of the ship from the builder to the owner. Following the blessing of the ship, the EXPLORA III’s godmother, Maya Aponte, brought the ceremony to a close with the traditional ribbon-cutting and bottle-breaking.
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, stated:“Today is another source of pride for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome the EXPLORA III to our growing fleet. With each new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn, and refine our offering, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand. EXPLORA III represents the next step on our journey to redefine seafaring through carefully conceived innovation, exceptional design, and the intuitive hospitality that lies at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience. As a privately held, family-owned company with a deep maritime tradition, we remain committed to long-term investment, always placing our guests at the center of every decision.”
At 19.2 meters longer, EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the fleet, offering a greater sense of spaciousness, privacy, and comfort without significantly increasing the number of passengers compared to its sister ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.
The ship features three new dining concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table, and Shore Club on 11—which further enrich Explora Journeys’ renowned culinary offerings. It also features:
- a second Owner’s Residence, designed by the renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola;
- an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences;
- a completely redesigned Ocean Wellness facility that combines a spa and a gym in a single space;
- and Chopard's first boutique aboard one of the company's ships.
All of these new features reflect Explora Journeys' commitment to continually enhancing the guest experience and setting a new standard in ultra-luxury ocean travel.
Following its delivery, EXPLORA III will embark on a one-time “Mediterranean Prelude Journey,” a special five-night cruise that will depart from Genoa on July 24, 2026, and end in Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 29.
Designed as an intimate and exclusive experience, this voyage will explore the French and Italian Rivieras with stops in Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Livorno. World tennis icon and brand ambassador Jannik Sinner will be on board for the first two days. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the management team, designers, and officials responsible for the ship’s development, as well as be among the first to discover its new spaces, suites, and wellness areas.
Following its maiden voyage, the EXPLORA III will arrive in Barcelona, where it will be officially christened on August 1, 2026.
On August 3, 2026, the ship will set sail on its maiden voyage—a seven-night itinerary between Barcelona and Lisbon—marking the start of its first season cruising through Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. Each itinerary will be unique and has been designed to allow for a deeper immersion in the destinations, with longer stays and a more relaxed pace. From the ports of the Baltic Sea and the Norwegian fjords to the remote landscapes of Iceland, the voyage will culminate in a transatlantic crossing via Greenland to Canada’s Maritime Provinces and New England.
In 2027, EXPLORA III will launch the first season of Explora Journeys in Alaska, offering itineraries focused on glaciers, unspoiled nature, and extraordinary wildlife.
The brand's global expansion will continue in 2028 with the launch of EXPLORA V in Asia, introducing a new collection of voyages through one of the world's most culturally rich and diverse regions.
Advanced Environmental Technology
As the first Explora Journeys vessel equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG), the EXPLORA III marks a new step in the company’s environmental strategy. Its ability to use LNG will allow for the future use of renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as they become available.
In addition, it is equipped with shore power, which allows the engines to be shut down while the vessel is docked at ports that have this infrastructure, thereby reducing direct emissions and improving air quality.
With the delivery of EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys has reached the halfway point in the development of its six-ship fleet, with three vessels already in service. Meanwhile, Fincantieri continues to build EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V, and EXPLORA VI, which are scheduled to join the fleet between 2027 and 2028.
These new, state-of-the-art ships will continue to advance the brand’s vision and incorporate increasingly advanced environmental technologies, contributing to the MSC Group’s Cruise Division’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its maritime operations and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
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