Explora Journeys has taken official delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, marking the halfway point in the development of its six-ship fleet, with three ships now sailing worldwide. EXPLORA III also represents the next phase of MSC Group’s investment of more than €3.5 billion in the fleet, with all six ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy, continuing a long-standing partnership that showcases the best of Italian shipbuilding, craftsmanship and innovation.
The vessel is the first LNG-capable ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, representing the next step in the brand’s environmental strategy, and is also the most spacious ship in the fleet, introducing enhanced public areas, expanded wellness and culinary experiences, and a greater sense of privacy and comfort.
The official delivery was celebrated at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa with the traditional handover ceremony, attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; Biagio Mazzotta, President of Fincantieri; Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, together with Italian civic and government authorities including Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa, and Marco Bucci, President of the Liguria Region. The ceremony, hosted by Italian television presenter Lorella Cuccarini, celebrated the continued expansion of Explora Journeys’ six-ship fleet.
The celebrations included a performance by Italian dance group Urban Theory, followed by the traditional parade of EXPLORA III’s officers and the Fincantieri shipyard workforce, paying tribute to the craftsmanship behind the vessel. Joined on stage by Captain Serena Melani, Pierfrancesco Vago and Pierroberto Folgiero presided over the ceremonial change of flag, accompanied by the Italian and Maltese national anthems, marking the official transfer of the ship from builder to owner. Following the ship’s blessing, 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.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said, “Today marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome EXPLORA III into our growing fleet. With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand. EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience. As a privately owned, family-led business with deep maritime heritage, we remain committed to investing for the long term, always with our guests at the centre of every decision.”
The next evolution of ocean travel
Extended by 19.2 metres, EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the fleet, delivering a greater sense of openness, privacy and comfort while welcoming a similar number of guests as her sister ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. The ship introduces an enhanced culinary offering with three distinctive new concepts — The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11 — and also features a second Owner’s Residence, designed by 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 space, and Chopard’s first boutique onboard.
An exclusive, behind-the-scenes prelude
Following its delivery, EXPLORA III will sail a one-time five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey, departing Genoa on 24 July 2026 and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) on 29 July. The sailing traces the coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras, calling at Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Livorno. Guests will sail alongside global sporting icon and brand ambassador Jannik Sinner on the first two days, with opportunities to meet the leadership, designers and officers who brought the ship to life and preview its venues, suites and wellness spaces ahead of the official Maiden Journey.
The naming ceremony, maiden journey and inaugural season
Following the Prelude Journey, EXPLORA III will sail to Barcelona for its official naming ceremony on 1 August 2026. On 3 August 2026, it will depart Barcelona on a seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America. Tracing a continuous northern route with no repeated itineraries, the deployment takes in the sheltered harbours of the Baltic capitals and the fjords of Norway, the remote landscapes of Iceland, and culminates in a transatlantic crossing via Greenland to the Canadian Maritimes and New England. In 2027, EXPLORA III will continue with Explora Journeys’ debut Alaska season, and the brand’s expansion will continue in 2028 with the debut of EXPLORA V in Asia.
Advanced environmental technology
As the first LNG-capable vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III takes the next step in the brand’s environmental strategy. Its LNG fuel capability supports future use of renewable alternatives, including bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, as availability develops. The ship is also equipped with shore power capability, enabling it to connect to onshore electricity and switch off its engines while alongside in ports where infrastructure is available, reducing direct emissions in port and improving local air quality.
With EXPLORA III now delivered, Explora Journeys reaches the halfway point in the development of its six-ship fleet, with three vessels now in service. Construction continues at Fincantieri on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028. These next-generation vessels will introduce progressively enhanced environmental technologies, supporting MSC Group’s Cruise Division’s wider commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its marine operations and work towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
