Cruises

Explora III focuses on luxury and environmental protection

Almost 20 metres longer than the other ships in the Explora Journeys fleet (Masc Group), it offers more space for guests and a cabin designed by Urquiola

16 August 2026

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3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Casual luxury
Suites and communal areas featuring high-quality materials
Food and shopping

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

It is the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet (a luxury brand of the MSC Cruises group). Explora III, delivered by Fincantieri in Genoa on 23 July, subsequently arrived in Barcelona (with Jannik Sinner, the world number one Italian tennis player, on board as guest of honour) to celebrate its official christening and then set sail on its maiden voyage, is designed to run on liquefied natural gas today and, in the future, on renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. It is also equipped with numerous other green technologies, such as shore power, which allows the ship to connect to the electricity grid at ports with the necessary infrastructure, thereby switching off the engines whilst in port.

Explora III, lusso a bordo
Photogallery10 foto

But as well as being a key player in the cruise industry’s transition towards sustainability, the Explora III is a showcase of luxury amenities which, during this inaugural season, will call at ports in Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America, offering guests the chance to explore some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

The ship is 19.2 metres longer than its sister ships, the Explora I and Explora II, and, according to the shipping company, every additional metre has been dedicated to the guest experience, offering 19.5 square metres of public space per guest – one of the highest ratios in the entire sector and the most generous in the Explora Journeys fleet.

Casual luxury

“The true evolution of Explora III,” says Antonio Di Nenno, the brand’s director of architecture & design, “is our concept of informal luxury, which is now even more refined and consistent throughout every part of the ship. Luxury must be everywhere, without ever appearing formal or intimidating. It must be elegant, comfortable and familiar – just like feeling at home.”

This philosophy, as a note explains, ‘finds its fullest expression in the completely redesigned lobby, conceived as the ship’s true living room. A spectacular asymmetrical staircase in Sicilian pearl marble and Sahara Noir winds its way through the double-height space, illuminated by Venini chandeliers, handcrafted in Murano using traditional artisanal techniques’.

Suites and communal areas featuring high-quality materials

High-quality materials such as marble, wood, leather and fine fabrics ‘create a sophisticated atmosphere that enhances the natural light and the ocean views. This approach also characterises the new Ocean Penthouse cabins, Ocean Residences and the two exclusive 315-square-metre owner’s residences.’

One of the owner’s residences, situated on Deck 7, was designed in collaboration with the renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. The interiors “combine bronze, Cipollino marble and travertine with fluted wood detailing, and feature a private Turkish bath and a large panoramic terrace with a hot tub”.

The press release also emphasises that art “plays a central role, thanks to a selection of contemporary works curated in collaboration with Clarendon Fine Art. The ship’s increased floor space has also allowed for the introduction of new areas, including a brighter Conservatory Pool & bar, a completely refurbished Crema Café, a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge next to the Malt Whisky Bar, and a new Ocean Wellness layout, which combines the spa and fitness facilities in a single space’.

Food and shopping

As for dining, ‘alongside restaurants already popular with guests, such as Anthology and Fil Rouge, Explora III introduces new experiences, including The Cellar (a venue dedicated to wine, with around 350 labels). The experience is rounded off by caviar tastings and three exclusive labels from Sting’s Il Palagio winery, available in 100 autographed bottles on board); The Chef’s Table (a personalised experience, tailored in collaboration with guests based on their preferences, travel memories and local ingredients); and Shore Club on 11 (offering freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine, artisanal crêpes, homemade ice cream and non-alcoholic cocktails).

For shopping, the Swiss fashion house Chopard is making its debut at sea, alongside boutiques dedicated to Piaget, Cartier and Rolex. And then there is Mandala by ocean atelier, ‘the first at-sea boutique from Explora Journeys’ high-end jewellery brand, showcasing creations made with carefully selected gemstones and exceptional craftsmanship’.