The Explora III, the luxury line’s first LNG-powered vessel, features enhanced public spaces, expanded recreation facilities and new exclusive dining venues

With the Explora III’s debut, luxury cruise line Explora Journeys continues its growth. Following her delivery on July 23 in Geneva, the ship embarked on a five-night “Prelude Journey.” She departed Geneva for Civitavecchia and arrived in Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1.

 Explora III’s Official Naming Ceremony

Godmother Christina Ozores, a marine educator and National Geographic Educator, blessed and named the Explora III during the christening. The naming ceremony, held alongside the MSC Cruise Division terminal, featured addresses by Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; and Jose Alberto Carbonell, president of the Port of Barcelona.

Ozores said, “For me, being the godmother of Explora III is about opening the door to a new kind of experience – one where people can truly discover the ocean in a deeper, more meaningful way. I hope each journey invites them to feel the beauty beneath the surface, to be amazed by its colors and life, and to connect with the sea with curiosity, joy and a genuine desire to care for it.”

After the official naming ceremony and christening, guests enjoyed a gala dinner at Explora III’s  culinary venues. Celebrations continued with entertainment that featured disco icons Sister Sledge.

More About Explora III

On August 3, the Explora III’s seven-night maiden voyage went from Barcelona to Lisbon. Her inaugural season includes Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.

The Explora III is Explora Journeys’ first LNG-powered vessel. She is equipped with shore power capacity and offers a pathway towards synthetic LNG and bio-LNG.

The ship has 463 staterooms in three categories – Ocean Suites, Penthouses and Residences.

Fil Rouge offers French cuisine

Diverse Dining Options

Specialty fine dining restaurants on the Explora III do not impose any surcharges. They include the following:

  • Sakura – pan-Asian cuisine
  • Fil Rouge – French cuisine
  • Med Yacht Club – Mediterranean cuisine
  • Marble & Co. Grill – a steakhouse
  • Elevated Emporium Marketplace buffet

The ship also has some new exclusive dining venues. These include:

  • Shore Club on 11 at the Conservatory, a Mediterranean beach-club style retreat beside the pool offering light, made-to-order dishes, artisanal gelato and fresh cocktails
  • The Cellar, an intimate wine salon featuring nearly 35 curated labels, paired with elevated bites and guided by expert Cellar Masters

Anthology, a signature fine dining restaurant providing exceptional Italian cuisine, does charge a fee. The Chef’s Table, a private dining experience where guests can create personalized menus with the culinary team, also involves a fee.

Chef’s Kitchen Provides an Interactive Culinary Experience

Chef’s Kitchen is more than just a cooking class. In this oceanfront studio, up to a dozen guests join in. Wearing aprons, they work alongside chefs helping prepare the meal. The program welcomes cooking enthusiasts at all experience levels. In a cozy private dining room, guests and chefs gather to enjoy the dishes with wine pairings.

Chef’s Kitchen has 12 cooking stations and is limited to 12 guests. Because it is premium experience, there is a fee. Reservations need to be made in advance. Participants get a printed and digital copy of the recipes and techniques. The Chef’s Kitchen focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with daily embarkations bringing fresh seafood, produce and regional delicacies onboard.

Lifestyle Onboard Explora III

Public spaces on the Explora III have been enhanced in several ways. The Central Lobby now features a welcoming fireplace. The shopping promenade has an exclusive Chopard boutique, located alongside Cartier and Rolex.

Conservatory Pool

The expanded Conservatory Pool & Bar provides a more spacious all-weather retreat and has a retractable glass roof that opens to the sky when conditions allow. There are three other outdoor pools (one adults-only pool), five indoor and outdoor whirlpools, and 60 private cabanas.

Ocean Wellness fitness, spa and gym facilities provide guests with many options. Located on Deck 14, the Open-Air Fitness area has been enhanced, and the running track on Deck 12 has been elongated. The expanded Sports Court has pickleball, basketball and paddle games. The fitness center continues to offer state-of-the-art equipment, including Technogym’s premium Sand Stone collection and Technology Reform Pilates varieties.

The Explora III also has a dozen bars and lounges, including the Lobby Bar, Malt Whiskey Bar and new Outdoor Cigar Lounge.

Where Explora III is Sailing

During fall of 2026, guests will travel in Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, Eastern Canada and New England. On October 25, 2026, the Explora III will dock in Miami, where she will be offering Caribbean cruises during the winter season. Later in 2027, the ship will offer some new summer itineraries.

More About Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. At the heart of their unique “Ocean State of Mind,” Explora Journeys connects guests with the sea and like-minded others, providing immersive itineraries that blend iconic destinations with lesser-traveled ports for unhurried journeys that inspire discovery.

Explora Journeys started in July 2023 with the Explora I, and the Explora II was launched in 2024. The Explora III is the brand’s first LNG-powered ship, incorporating advanced environmental technologies, a reflection of Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability.

A Good Choice for Groups

Why consider Explora Journeys for a future group cruise? Their ships provide sophisticated, distinct dining options, world-class wellness facilities and beautiful outdoor spaces. Adding to the appeal are uninterrupted sea views, diverse itineraries and understated European luxury.

Reimagine your adventures at sea and sail for unrivaled experiences – start charting your new path with our Cruise Guide.

By Cindy Bertram

Photos courtesy of Explora Journeys