Now there are three out of six. Explora Journeys has taken delivery of Explora III, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the luxury ocean travel brand.
Explora represents MSC Group’s investment of more than 3.5 -billion Euros in the fleet of six ships.
The official delivery of Explora III was celebrated in July at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa with the traditional handover ceremony. The celebrations continued with a performance by Italian dance group Urban Theory, before the traditional parade of Explora III’s officers and the Fincantieri shipyard workforce, paying tribute to the craftsmanship behind the vessel. They were joined on stage by Captain Serena Melani, Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.
Explora III’s godmother, Maya Aponte, concluded the ceremony with the traditional ribbon-cutting and bottle-breaking, celebrating the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet.
Explora III, which is 19.2 meters longer than its two predecessors, is the most spacious ship in the fleet, delivering an even greater sense of openness, privacy and comfort while welcoming a similar number of guests as her sister ships. The ship introduces three distinctive new concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11—further enriching Explora Journeys’ celebrated approach to epicurean excellence.
Explora III also features two Owner’s Residences, designed by renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, reimagined Ocean Wellness facilities that bring spa and fitness together in one harmonious space, and Chopard’s first boutique onboard.
As the first liquefied natural gas capable vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, her engines are capable of running on renewable fuels, including bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, as availability develops.
The ship also is equipped with shore power capability, enabling her to connect to onshore electricity and switch off her engines while alongside in ports where infrastructure is available, helping to reduce direct emissions in port and improve local air quality.
Explora III will be officially named with a ceremony in Barcelona on August 1, 2026 and her inaugural season will include a route spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America with no repeated itineraries.
In 2027, Explora III will continue her global journey with Explora Journeys’ first Alaska season, inviting guests to discover one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural environments through immersive journeys showcasing dramatic glaciers, pristine wilderness and extraordinary wildlife.
Construction continues at Fincantieri on Explora IV, Explora V and Explora VI, scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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