When EXPLORA I was launched three years ago, the anticipation was easy to understand. A completely new brand was entering the luxury segment, and it was doing so with a very different approach than much of the industry. More like a boutique hotel or a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship. Plenty of space, a relaxed pace, suites instead of cabins, and an aesthetic far removed from the excesses that have characterized some luxury ships for years.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 78 – September 2026
Then came EXPLORA II, confirming that it hadn't been a test. The concept finally worked. So with EXPLORA III, the question is no longer what Explora Journeys is—we already know that. The question is different: what changes when a company launches its third ship?
And it's changed quite a bit more than it seems. At first glance, EXPLORA III is unmistakably an Explora. The same elegant silhouette, the enormous exterior decks, the pools, the open spaces facing the sea, and that contemporary décor that is probably one of the brand's defining characteristics. It remains a very beautiful ship. In fact, possibly one of the most attractive to have joined the cruise fleet in recent years. But EXPLORA III isn't exactly a copy of its two siblings. It's the result of having already had two ships sailing, of having seen what works and what can be improved, and it's also the first step towards a new generation within the fleet itself. A ship perhaps a little larger, but with the essence of spaciousness.
The new EXPLORA III is longer and larger than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. At 72,810 gross tons, it's approximately 19 meters longer than the first two ships in the series. Interestingly, this growth hasn't translated into a race to cram in more passengers. The ship maintains the spacious feel that characterizes Explora Journeys and boasts 461 suites, penthouses, and residences, all with ocean views and private terraces, including the wonderful chaise longue. This number is very similar to its sister ships, which gives a clear idea of where the additional space has been invested: in making the ship more generous, not in cramming it full. This is especially noticeable in the public areas, which feature new spaces, expanded areas, and a layout designed to offer even more privacy. The result isn't a ship that tries to impress you with its size; in fact, one of Explora's strengths remains precisely that: never feeling like you're in a floating city.
The same philosophy, but with some important changes
. Design remains one of its strongest selling points. Explora Journeys has managed to create a recognizable image in a very short time, and instead of completely changing it for the third ship, it has decided to evolve it. The natural tones, woods, stones, fabrics, and the way of using light and sea views as part of the décor continue.
But there are some interesting changes. One of the most striking is the new Owner's Residence, designed by Patricia Urquiola. It's not simply an update of an existing suite, but a new interpretation of one of the ship's most exclusive spaces. Urquiola has worked with the company on a concept that will also be featured on EXPLORA IV and that fits perfectly with the kind of luxury the brand wants to convey: sophisticated, contemporary, and above all, livable. Because that's perhaps the word that best defines Explora's interiors, which don't seem designed for taking a picture and leaving, but rather invite you to stay.
And it is precisely when entering some of the spaces we know best from EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II that we can see that the third one is not a simple repetition.
The most obvious change is in the grand Lobby and Atrium, one of the most distinctive spaces on the first two ships, which has been completely redesigned. It remains that spectacular double-height space, but is now much more sculptural and has a different layout. Curves replace many of the straighter lines, a new asymmetrical staircase appears, and the overall decor is perhaps more theatrical, with the contrast of Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marbles, cascading Venini lamps, and a new circular bar that truly becomes the centerpiece of the space. On the other hand, the large bar with its gigantic bottle display case, which seemed to be a key element of the decor, has been removed, giving way to a space that is likely more practical and offers more room for gatherings. There is also a fireplace, a corner with a Steinway piano, and new pieces of contemporary furniture and art. But beyond the list of designers and materials, the important thing is that the Lobby has been transformed.
Something similar has happened at Crema Café. It's still in the same location, in the heart of Deck 5 with its ocean views, but it's been redesigned and the feeling is different. It's a more open space with a revamped layout, incorporating high tables and areas that allow you not only to eat and drink but also to work or meet.
But perhaps one of the changes that will most catch the attention of passengers who have traveled on the previous two ships is in the central pool of The Conservatory.
The space has gained in spaciousness and light, while retaining its enormous retractable glass roof, one of the area's defining features. But its appearance is now quite different. The large screen, which had a very dominant presence on the first two ships, is no longer the visually striking element upon entering. The new layout makes it much less noticeable, resulting in a cleaner and more open space. The way the area around the pool is used has also changed. New types of sun loungers and seating have been introduced, with a more organic and rounded design, giving The Conservatory a distinct and perhaps considerably more relaxed feel. The whole feels less like an interior space with a large screen and more like a true waterside retreat.
The most significant change isn't visible, but it represents a major difference from previous models, and it's not related to the decor, but rather lies beneath the hull. This is Explora Journeys' first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The next ship will also use this technology, and subsequent ships will continue to move in the same direction.
It is not advisable, as sometimes happens with environmental innovations in the industry, to present LNG as a magic solution because it is not, but it does represent a change from the first two ships and a platform prepared to use, when they become more widely available, alternatives such as bio-LNG or synthetic LNG.
Furthermore, the ship is equipped to connect to shore power. When the necessary infrastructure is available at the ports it visits, it will be able to shut down its engines during the stopover and use the shore power grid.
More Space for Wellness.
Another area where it has taken a step forward is wellness. The Ocean Wellness concept was already very present on the first two ships, but here it has been expanded and reorganized. There are new fitness areas, more space for activities like Pilates, and a more developed range of treatments and recovery services. The spa also incorporates new features and offerings, including Sisley treatments and experiences like the Sava Sound Pod. In recent years, onboard wellness has moved beyond simply a beautiful spa with a massage menu. New ships are beginning to incorporate technology, training, recovery, and much more specialized treatments, and EXPLORA III fully embraces this inevitable trend, because the type of passenger the brand targets already finds these kinds of experiences on land, in the best hotels and resorts in the world. If a ship wants to compete in this arena, it has to go far beyond the sauna and a 50-minute massage.
But the world of onboard shopping is also changing. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a ship, but there are also significant developments in the shops. Their luxury retail offerings have been strengthened with the addition of Cartier and Chopard to the fleet. It might seem like a minor detail, but it speaks volumes about where Explora Journeys is headed. For years, cruise ship shops have followed a very similar model, featuring perfumes, watches, jewelry, and well-known brands, often presented in a rather conventional way. Here, the idea is different. The retail space is part of the ship's luxury experience, and the brands that are added must be on par with that experience. It's a different way of understanding the product. On a ship that aspires to be more like a luxury hotel than a floating resort, it wouldn't make much sense for the boutiques to resemble any ordinary shopping mall.
With this addition, Explora Journeys reaches a significant milestone in its history: three ships are already in service, and three more are in various stages of construction. The first half of the project is already sailing, and now the other three are arriving. EXPLORA IV is scheduled to enter service in 2027. EXPLORA V will also arrive in 2027, and EXPLORA VI will complete the fleet of six ships in 2028.
And now comes the most interesting part, which is to see how far that evolution will go when the three remaining ships join a fleet that, in just a few years, will have gone from not existing to having six of the most unique ships in the luxury segment.
Barcelona for the Launch:
It's not every day that a new ship is christened in Barcelona. The inauguration ceremony was held on August 1st, next to the MSC Cruises Division terminal in Barcelona, after the ship was delivered by Fincantieri in Genoa on July 23rd and completed a pre-cruise voyage in the Mediterranean.
The chosen godmother was Cristina Ozores, a marine educator, diving instructor and National Geographic Educator, as well as co-founder of Vellmarí, an organization dedicated to marine education and conservation in the Balearic Islands.
The choice of Cristina Ozores was also no coincidence. Since it began naming its ships, Explora Journeys has sought to move away from the more common approach of choosing a major celebrity and has instead opted for godmothers with a genuine and professional connection to the sea. For EXPLORA II, the honor went to marine ecologist Rosalba Giugni, founder of Marevivo. This aligns quite well with the brand's philosophy, the Ocean State of Mind, which focuses on women whose lives and work are linked to the ocean and its conservation.
After the ceremony came the celebration. A gala dinner and a performance by Sister Sledge with Kathy Sledge, in which they performed some of their greatest hits, followed, before Bob Sinclar brought the night to a close with his DJ set. And in between, one of the most spectacular moments of the evening occurred: the sky above the port of Barcelona was filled with drones in a light show that accompanied the inauguration of the new ship.
But perhaps one of the most symbolic images came shortly after, when EXPLORA III began its maiden voyage from Barcelona. The ship was heading to Lisbon to begin a season exploring Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and later, New England and the east coast of Canada.
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