Explora Journeys has celebrated the official launch ceremony of EXPLORA III 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 will 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 launch ceremony held today. Explora Journeys Global Ambassador Jannik Sinner was the ship's first guest on this inaugural voyage. After the success of this inaugural crossing, 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 gave way to an evening of celebrations on board. The event featured speeches 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, 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 inauguration.
Afterwards, guests enjoyed a gala dinner in the various dining venues of EXPLORA III. The celebration culminated in an unforgettable evening featuring the legendary Sister Sledge featuring 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 toasted the addition of the new ship to the fleet.
“The launch ceremony for EXPLORA III marks a momentous occasion, reflecting 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 itself, EXPLORA III represents an even more expansive expression of space, design, gastronomy, and holistic well-being, where every detail invites you to fully experience the present and connect with your surroundings—the essence of our Ocean State of Mind.”
For her part, Cristina Ozores stated: “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 each journey invites us 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 dedicated 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 in the entire Explora Journeys fleet.
“The true evolution of EXPLORA III lies in our interpretation of informal luxury, now more mature 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, like being at home.”
This philosophy is especially reflected in the renovated lobby, conceived as the ship's true main lounge. A spectacular asymmetrical sculptural staircase made of Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marble runs through the double-height space beneath a cascade of Venini lamps, hand-blown in Murano.
Throughout the ship, a carefully curated selection of marbles, woods, leathers and fine fabrics creates a sophisticated atmosphere where natural light and sea views are the true protagonists.
This concept also extends to the expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences and the two exclusive 315 m² Owner's Residences.
The new Owner's Residence, located on deck 7, has been designed by Patricia Urquiola and combines a warm palette of bronze tones with Cipollino and Travertine marbles, grooved wood details, a private steam room and a large oceanfront terrace equipped with a jacuzzi.
Art also plays a prominent role thanks to a collection of contemporary works developed in collaboration with Clarendon Fine Art, displayed in the ship's gallery.
The ship's larger size has also allowed for the incorporation of new spaces such as a renovated 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 integrates spa and fitness experiences into a single space.
In addition to iconic spaces like Anthology and Fil Rouge, EXPLORA III incorporates new gastronomic and lifestyle offerings:
- The Cellar by Explora Journeys, an exclusive wine cellar with nearly 350 international references, including labels from England, Japan, Lebanon and Romania, Berkel charcuterie carving 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 gastronomic experience where the menu is designed together with the guest based on their preferences, travel memories and regional ingredients.
- Shore Club on 11, a new gastronomic space next to the expanded Conservatory pool, with freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine, artisanal crepes, ice cream and an innovative non-alcoholic cocktail menu.
- Ocean Wellness, completely redesigned as a comprehensive sanctuary that brings together fitness, movement and spa, incorporating the Sava Sound Pod, Technogym Sandstone equipment, Reformer Pilates studios, an outdoor sports court and an expanded running track.
- A revamped selection of luxury boutiques featuring Chopard's first offshore presence, alongside brands like 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), 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. It also features shore power,allowing the engines to be shut down during port calls at ports with this infrastructure.
Following tonight's ceremony in Barcelona, EXPLORA III will set sail on August 3rd for Lisbon on its seven-night inaugural voyage. Its first season will then take it to Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, offering travelers a new way to discover some of the world's most fascinating destinations aboard Explora Journeys' most spacious and sophisticated ship ever built.
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