MSC Explora Journeys has released further details of its upcoming vessel EXPLORA III, which is scheduled to enter service ahead of the previously announced timeline with a preview sailing in the western Mediterranean in late July 2026, followed by a formal naming ceremony at Barcelona’s new Cruise Division terminal on August 1st. The ship’s maiden voyage is planned to Lisbon on August 3rd, after which EXPLORA III will deploy on a series of itineraries in Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland.
The vessel's design philosophy is anchored in the principle of generous space and privacy, conceptualized as a destination in its own right—a luxury floating hotel with an ever-changing vista. The president of Explora Journeys stated that EXPLORA III represents a natural evolution of their vision, deliberately maintaining a similar guest capacity as its predecessors to allow for a more expansive experience across the ship. She emphasized that this approach brings the brand halfway to realizing its 6-ship ambition, reinforcing a commitment to a more refined future for ocean travel where true luxury is defined by spatial generosity, intention, and a measured pace of exploration.
The ship's dimensions have been increased by 19.2 meters in length compared to earlier models, a gain enabled by LNG propulsion technology. This results in one of the industry's highest ratios of total public space per guest, calculated at 19.5 square meters. The host-to-guest ratio is also noted as nearly one-to-one. Key public spaces have been comprehensively reimagined. The lobby is now a sculptural, double-height atrium defined by sinuous curves and a contrast of Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marbles, featuring cascading Venini chandeliers and an asymmetrical staircase leading to a fluid, circular bar. The Conservatory Pool & Bar on Deck 11 serves as an all-weather sanctuary centered around a 14.7-meter pool, flooded with natural light and featuring a retractable glass roof. The ship offers three additional outdoor heated swimming pools, five indoor and outdoor whirlpools, and 60 private cabanas across its decks.
EXPLORA III will host 463 suites, a modest increase in number but a significant evolution in configuration. The inventory includes 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, and 39 Ocean Residences, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. The proportion of Ocean Penthouses now constitutes 24% of all suites, while Ocean Residences have increased to 9%. A defining new feature is the introduction of a second Owner's Residence. These two residences, situated aft on Decks 7 and 8, each encompass 280 square meters of interior space paired with a 125-square-meter terrace, occupying the full beam of the ship. The Owner's Residence on Deck 7 has been uniquely designed in collaboration with architect Patricia Urquiola, featuring warm, tactile materials, a marble bathroom, a private steam room, and an outdoor private whirlpool.
The ship's culinary landscape builds upon established venues from the existing fleet—Anthology, Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace, and Marble & Co. Grill—which have been refined with new design elements. EXPLORA III will introduce three entirely new dining concepts. The Shore Club on 11 offers refined all-day dining at the Conservatory Pool. The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys provides an intimate, multi-sensory dining experience with live preparation. The Cellar by Explora Journeys is dedicated to wine exploration, offering rare vintages with expert guidance. The vessel houses 12 bars and lounges, including an expanded Malt Whisky Bar now complemented by a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge.
The Ocean Wellness facility has been consolidated on Deck 5, uniting spa, wellness, and fitness areas. New features include the Sava Sound Pod for restorative audio therapy and signature treatments inspired by the sea. The fitness area is equipped with the premium Technogym Sand Stone collection and Reform Pilates equipment, supported by a private training studio. Outdoor fitness remains a focus, with an expanded sports court for padel, pickleball, and basketball, and an extended running track along the decks.
Curated retail reaches a new level with the debut of the first seagoing boutique from the Swiss Maison Chopard, joining the existing Cartier boutique. The Journey continues to showcase over 30 artisanal brands, and Explora Journeys will introduce its own exclusive jewelry collection. In partnership with Clarendon Fine Art, the Galleria d’Arte presents rotating exhibitions of purchasable artwork.
Spaces for younger travelers have been thoughtfully evolved. The Nautilus Club Juniors caters to children aged 3 to 5, while the Nautilus Club Teens is designed for ages 6 to 17, with a curated activity program. The brand maintains its policy of welcoming a limited number of younger guests per journey to preserve the onboard atmosphere. For connectivity and business, EXPLORA III introduces three modular meeting rooms on Deck 11, equipped with advanced technology for private meetings, remote work, and video conferences, complementing the ship-wide high-speed WiFi.
EXPLORA III’s placement in the brand’s roster follows the delivery of Explora I and Explora II and precedes vessels currently under construction for service in 2027 and beyond.