The ship’s delivery advances Explora Journeys’ six-vessel development plan while adding larger public spaces, new dining concepts and expanded environmental capabilities.
Explora Journeys took delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa on July 23, 2026, marking the halfway point in the brand’s planned six-ship fleet. The vessel is the first LNG-capable ship in the Explora Journeys fleet and is described by the company as its most spacious. The handover adds another operational milestone to the luxury ocean travel brand’s expansion under MSC Group.
The delivery places EXPLORA III within a broader investment of more than €3.5 billion by MSC Group in its fleet, with all six Explora Journeys ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy. Explora Journeys said three vessels are now sailing worldwide, while construction continues on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI. The company reported that those ships are scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.
EXPLORA III has been extended by 19.2 metres and will welcome a similar number of guests to sister ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, according to the release. Its additions include three dining concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11—alongside a second Owner’s Residence designed by Patricia Urquiola, more Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, and expanded wellness facilities combining spa and fitness. The ship also includes Chopard’s first onboard boutique.
Environmental capability is another defined feature of the new vessel. Explora Journeys said EXPLORA III’s LNG capability supports the future use of renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as availability develops. The ship can also connect to shore power where port infrastructure is available, allowing its engines to be switched off alongside and helping reduce direct emissions in port, according to the company.
Following delivery, EXPLORA III was reported as scheduled to depart Genoa on July 24, 2026, for a five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey ending in Civitavecchia on July 29. The release also scheduled the ship’s official naming ceremony for Barcelona on August 1, 2026, followed by a seven-night Maiden Journey departing Barcelona for Lisbon on August 3. Its inaugural season is planned to span Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America, giving the delivery a role beyond fleet growth as Explora Journeys builds out its longer-term itinerary network.
