Explora Journeys has held the official EXPLORA III ceremony in Barcelona, welcoming the company’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship and reaching a new milestone in its ambition to build a fleet of six ships that redefine ultra-luxury ocean travel.
Following its early delivery in Genoa on July 23, 2026, EXPLORA III embarked on an exclusive Prelude Journey through the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona for the official unveiling ceremony held today. Explora Journeys’ global ambassador, Jannik Sinner, was the ship’s first guest on this maiden voyage. Following the success of this maiden voyage, the ceremony brought together distinguished guests and senior executives from Explora Journeys and the MSC Group to celebrate this new chapter in the company’s history.
Combining maritime tradition with the brand’s signature European elegance, the official ceremony kicked off a night of celebrations on board. The event featured remarks by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; José Alberto Carbonell, president of the Port of Barcelona; and Cristina Ozores, a renowned marine educator, founder of the marine conservation organization Vellmarí, and National Geographic Educator, who served as the ship’s godmother and performed the traditional christening.
Afterward, guests enjoyed a gala dinner in the various dining venues on EXPLORA III. The celebration culminated in an unforgettable evening featuring the legendary Sister Sledge feat. Kathy Sledge, who performed some of their greatest hits, followed by a set from renowned international DJ Bob Sinclar, who brought the night to a close. Among the guests were also personalities such as Alex Rivière and The Gstaad Guy, who raised a toast to the addition of the new ship to the fleet.
“The launch ceremony for EXPLORA III marks a momentous occasion that reflects both the evolution of our fleet and our unwavering commitment to the future of ultra-luxury ocean travel,” said Anna Nash. “Conceived as a destination in its own right, EXPLORA III represents an even more generous expression of space, design, gastronomy, and holistic well-being, where every detail invites guests to live fully in the present and connect with their surroundings—the essence of our Ocean State of Mind.”
For her part, Cristina Ozores said: “For me, being the godmother of EXPLORA III means opening the door to a new way of discovering the ocean, allowing people to connect with it in a deeper and more meaningful way. I hope that every journey will invite people to admire the beauty hidden beneath the surface, to marvel at its colors and marine life, and to reconnect with the sea through curiosity, joy, and a genuine desire to protect it.”
EXPLORA III represents a new evolution of the brand’s design language, conceived with an even greater commitment to spaciousness, natural light, and leisurely exploration. At 19.2 meters longer than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, every additional meter has been devoted entirely to enhancing the guest experience. The result is 19.5 m² of public space per passenger—one of the highest ratios in the industry and the most generous across the entire Explora Journeys fleet.
“The true evolution of EXPLORA III lies in our interpretation of casual luxury, which is now more refined and consistent throughout the ship,” explained Antonio Di Nenno, Director of Architecture and Design. “Luxury should be present in every corner without being ostentatious or intimidating. It should feel elegant, comfortable, and familiar—just like being at home.”
This philosophy is particularly evident in the renovated lobby, designed to serve as the ship’s true main salon. A spectacular, asymmetrical sculptural staircase crafted from Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marble winds its way through the double-height space beneath a cascade of Venini lamps, hand-blown in Murano.
Throughout the ship, a careful selection of marble, wood, leather, and fine fabrics creates a sophisticated atmosphere where natural light and ocean views take center stage.
This concept also extends to the expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences, and the two exclusive 315-square-meter Owner’s Residences.
The new Owner’s Residence, located on Deck 7, was designed by Patricia Urquiola and combines a warm palette of bronze tones with Cipollino and Travertino marble, fluted wood accents, a private steam room, and a spacious oceanfront terrace equipped with a hot tub.
Art also takes center stage thanks to a collection of contemporary works curated in collaboration with Clarendon Fine Art, on display in the ship's gallery.
The ship's larger size has also made it possible to incorporate new spaces, such as a renovated The Conservatory Pool & Bar, a redesigned Crema Café, a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge next to the Malt Whisky Bar, and a complete renovation of Ocean Wellness, which combines spa and fitness experiences into a single space.
In addition to already iconic venues such as Anthology and Fil Rouge, EXPLORA III features new dining and lifestyle options:
- The Cellar by Explora Journeys, an exclusive wine cellar featuring nearly 350 international wines, including labels from England, Japan, Lebanon, and Romania, a Berkel cold-cut service, caviar, and three exclusive wines from Sting’s Il Palagio winery, limited to 100 bottles signed on board.
- The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, a fully personalized dining experience where the menu is designed in collaboration with the guest based on their preferences, travel memories, and regional ingredients.
- Shore Club on 11, a new dining venue next to the expanded Conservatory pool, featuring freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine, handmade crepes, ice cream, and an innovative non-alcoholic cocktail menu.
- Ocean Wellness, completely redesigned as a comprehensive wellness sanctuary that combines fitness, movement, and spa amenities, featuring the Sava Sound Pod, Technogym Sandstone equipment, Reformer Pilates studios, an outdoor sports court, and an expanded running track.
- A fresh take on luxury boutiques, featuring Chopard’s first presence at sea, alongside brands such as Piaget, Cartier, and an exclusive Rolex boutique.
- The first Mandala by Ocean Atelier boutique at sea, dedicated to Explora Journeys' new jewelry brand.
As Explora Journeys’ first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the EXPLORA III represents a new step forward in the brand’s sustainability and technological innovation strategy. The ship is currently equipped to operate on LNG and can be adapted in the future to use renewable fuels such as bio-LNG or synthetic LNG. In addition, it is equipped withshore power, allowing the engines to be shut down during port calls at ports that have this infrastructure.
Following tonight’s ceremony in Barcelona, EXPLORA III will set sail on August 3 for Lisbon on its seven-night maiden voyage. During its first season, the ship will then travel through Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, offering travelers a new way to discover some of the world’s most fascinating destinations aboard the most spacious and sophisticated ship built to date by Explora Journeys.
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