Explora Journeys officially welcomed Explora III to its fleet, naming the new ship in Barcelona after taking delivery ahead of schedule in Genoa on 23 July.
The ceremony marked the arrival of the luxury cruise line's third ship and its first powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as the halfway point in Explora Journeys' planned six-ship fleet.
In attendance were executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division Pierfrancesco Vago, Explora Journeys president Anna Nash, President of the Port of Barcelona José Alberto Carbonell, alongside marine educator and founder of conservation organisation Vellmarí, Cristina Ozores, who served as the ship's godmother and performed the traditional naming ceremony.
At 19.2 metres longer than sister ships Explora I and Explora II, Explora III is the largest in the fleet. The additional space has been allocated to expanded public areas, including a redesigned lobby, larger wellness facilities, additional dining venues, alongside an expanded collection of ocean penthouses and ocean residences, as well as a second 315sqm owner's residence designed by acclaimed architect Patricia Urquiola.
Among the new culinary and lifestyle onboard additions are The Cellar, offering nearly 350 wine labels; bespoke dining concept The Chef's Table; Shore Club on 11, serving Mediterranean cuisine beside the Conservatory Pool; an expanded Ocean Wellness area combining spa, fitness and movement facilities; and Mandala by Ocean Atelier, Explora Journeys’ first jewellery maison at sea.
As the fleet's first LNG-powered vessel, Explora III is also equipped with shore power connectivity, allowing the ship to switch off its engines while berthed in ports with the necessary infrastructure.
Explora III departed on its maiden seven-night voyage to Lisbon on 3 August, and will then sail itineraries across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America during its inaugural season.
Explora has six ships total planned, with deliveries for the second half of the fleet continuing through 2028.