EXPLORA III Embarks on Inaugural Season

EXPLORA III (Explora Journeys)

(Press Release) Barcelona, Spain, August 5, 2026 – Explora Journeys today celebrates the departure of EXPLORA III following her official Naming Ceremony in Barcelona, as the newest ship in the fleet embarks on her inaugural season and continues the brand's journey of redefining ultra-elegant ocean travel.

Following an elegant Naming Ceremony held alongside the new MSC Cruise Division Terminal in Barcelona, EXPLORA III departed on her Maiden Journey to Lisbon in a memorable moment for the brand. As she left the city, she was accompanied by sister ship EXPLORA I, with the two ships sailing together before setting course on their respective Journeys—an inspiring tribute to the continued growth of the Explora Journeys fleet.

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The departure marks another important chapter for Explora Journeys, with three ships now sailing across the world's oceans. EXPLORA III is the brand's first LNG-powered ship and introduces an even greater expression of space and thoughtful design, further elevating the experience for guests.

Her inaugural season has been carefully designed to reveal some of the world's most remarkable destinations through the lens of slower, more immersive ocean travel. Following her Maiden Journey from Barcelona to Lisbon, EXPLORA III will sail through Northern Europe, exploring the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and New England. Along the way, guests will enjoy longer stays, enriching destination experiences and thoughtfully curated itineraries that invite a deeper connection with every place visited.

"Watching EXPLORA III set sail on her inaugural season is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for everyone at Explora Journeys," said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. "From the very beginning, our vision has been to create an entirely new category of ocean travel—one centred on space, elegance, intuitive hospitality and meaningful experiences. EXPLORA III beautifully embodies that vision. Seeing her depart Barcelona, accompanied by EXPLORA I, is a powerful reminder of how far we have come and of the exciting journey that still lies ahead.”

Delivered by Fincantieri in Genoa on July 23, EXPLORA III has already celebrated a remarkable series of firsts. The ship welcomed World No. 1 tennis player and Explora Journeys Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner as her first guest during an exclusive Prelude Journey, before being officially named in Barcelona. Now, as she begins welcoming guests on her inaugural season, EXPLORA III introduces new culinary concepts, enhanced Ocean Wellness experiences, expanded public spaces and a second Owner's Residence designed by renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.

The launch of EXPLORA III represents another significant step in the brand's long-term vision, with a fleet of six ships scheduled to be in service by 2028. Every new ship builds on the experience of those before it, continually refining the Explora Journeys promise of exceptional space, intuitive hospitality and transformative ocean travel.