It's Full Speed Ahead for Explora Journeys in 2026

Explora III (Explora Journeys)

Explora President Anna Nash and President - North America Chris Austin at Seatrade (Photo: Gerry Barker)

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

After taking a pause in 2025, Explora Journeys -- MSC's "ultra elegant" brand -- is going full speed ahead in 2026, riding the wave of a new branding campaign and a new ship, Explora III, launching this summer.
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Explora Journeys President, Anna Nash, and Chris Austin, President-North America, held a press conference at the recently-concluded Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami Beach to talk about what's new and what's ahead for the luxury lifestyle brand launched in 2021.

Actually, Ms. Nash doesn't think the word "luxury" fits. "I don't like the word luxury," she said. "It doesn't have a feeling, and we are all about emotion," adding, "Explora Journeys is the ultra-elegant ocean brand of travel from the MSC group."

As a family-owned brand, "with a European mindset," she emphasized how Explora Journeys sees themselves "as a category of one -- a floating hotel whose address is the ocean."

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The Shore Club on Explora III (Explora Journeys)

That's the message in a new branding campaign launched earlier this year, aimed at answering the question: "What would ocean travel look like if it were designed today for the modern luxury guest?"

With Explora I and II sailing, and Explora III debuting in July, they have three more ships in various stages of construction, with Explora IV floated out, a coin ceremony for Explora V  and steel cut for Explora VI. "The vision is coming to life," said Ms. Nash, "and we are very excited."

Explora III's inaugural sailing to set for August, when she'll depart from Barcelona. Afterwards, she will sail in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe before coming to Miami for the 2026/27 winter season. Prior to the inaugural voyage, a prelude journey is scheduled, featuring their Global Brand Ambassador, tennis star Jannik Sinner.

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Explora III Conservatory Pool and Bar
(Explora Journneys)

​"Explora III is more than a ship," said Austin. "She's a destination in her own right." While a sister ship to Exploras I and II, he said Explora III will be a little longer and offers more space than the first two. There will be more ocean residences, along with a second owner's suite. He also pointed out it will be the first ship in the fleet to have LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) capabilities.

Also new on Explora III is The Cellar, "a dedicated space for wine discovery, where guests can explore rare vintages in a setting that feels relaxed, personal and deeply curated," said Austin. The Shore Club, on deck 11, "is a sun-drenched, beach club-inspired dining concept -- blending relaxed, poolside living with refined, all-day dining," while The Chef's Table "will introduce a highly intimate and immersive dining journey. These new concepts are designed to further expand choice, which is a key pillar of our brand," said Austin.

Another major focus is wellness, which has been re-imagined on Explora III by joining the spa and fitness facilities into one space, featuring the latest generation of Technogym equipment. Another new feature is the SAVA Sound Pod, "designed to support deep relaxation and mental clarity through immersive sound and vibration therapy," said Austin.

As a brand, Explora maintains a focus on "longer stays, deeper immersion in the ports and more flexibility with the times we arrive -- allowing guests to experience the destinations at their own pace."

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Explora III Cove Residence (Explora Journeys)

​Looking ahead, Ms. Nash said they will have two ships launching in 2027, and Explora VI launching in 2028. They also made note of the World Journey, "Endless Worlds," announced earlier this year. Set for 2029, designed as a "deeply immersive, once in a lifetime experience," it will span 128 days, 29 countries and 63 destinations.

The other big announcement was a new partnership with Swiss SailGP team, described in a press release as "a nation-versus-nation, close-to-shore, high-speed, high-tech racing series like no other. This global sports championship combines cutting-edge technology, iconic global venues, elite athletes and record-breaking speeds to create the most exciting racing on water."

In summary, Ms. Nash cited the support of MSC has allowed the cruise line "to focus on the guest experience, the innovation and the service delivery," adding "we have a bright future."

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