MSC Explora 3

The 2026-built MSC Explora 3 cruise ship (officially “Explora III”) is the third in a series of six MSC EXPLORA-class expedition ships, with sisters Explora 1 (2023), Explora 2 (2024), Explora 4 (2027), Explora 5 (2027), and Explora 6 (2028). These vessels are owned by the MSC Group and operated as a separate fleet under MSC’s luxury brand EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

The vessel (IMO number 9869899) will be Malta-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Valletta. Delivery is currently planned for October 2025.

History – construction and ownership

MSC Cruises (MSC Crociere) is a passenger shipping company headquartered in Genoa and Naples. Established in 1960, MSC Crociere is a subsidiary of MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) – the world’s second-largest containership operator and the largest privately owned cruise company.

By annual passenger shipping volumes, MSC ranks as the world’s third-largest cruise shipowner, following Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Group.

MSC’s EXPLORA ships offer expansive interior public areas, more than 2500 m² (~27,000 ft²) of exterior deck spaces, a large Sundeck with 64 private cabanas, three outdoor swimming pools (two aft, one forward), and a midship indoor pool covered by a retractable glass roof (with a two-deck sunbathing area and a large LED screen for movies, UHD content, and real-time sea views). Additional amenities include multiple Jacuzzies (indoor/outdoor spa pools, including a crew pool), poolside dining and lounging areas, and nine dining venues (restaurants and food bars) plus 24-hour in-suite dining.

Explora III’s ultra-modern wellness complex exceeds 700 m² (7500+ ft²) and includes an indoor-outdoor Spa (nine treatment rooms, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon), a 270+ m² (2900+ ft²) Gym fitted with the latest equipment, and a dedicated Fitness Studio for group classes and personal training. A Running Track encircles the Sundeck’s sunbathing area on Deck 12.

The passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.25 ensures highly attentive service from a dedicated staff.

For more details on MSC’s EXPLORA-class vessels, see the ship’s Wiki section.

Decks and cabins

All MSC Explora III staterooms (463 total) are outside, balconied, and categorized as suites.

Each stateroom features floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a step-out terrace. Standard suites (OCEAN TERRACE SUITES) measure 35–39 m² / 375–420 ft², including 28 m² (300 ft²) of indoor space and a 7–11 m² (75–120 ft²) balcony.

The largest suite onboard is the OWNER’S RESIDENCE (280 m² / 3015 ft²), featuring 155 m² (1670 ft²) of indoor space and an aft-facing wraparound balcony (125 m² / 1345 ft²) with an infinity whirlpool.

Cabin categories include the Owner’s Residence (1), Ocean Residences (22), Ocean Penthouses (67), and Ocean Suites (371). The ship also has 82 interconnecting staterooms (Family Suites) designed for families and small groups.

Complimentary “MSC Yacht Club”-style 24-hour butler service is provided to all Ocean Residences and Ocean Penthouses. Butler services include packing/unpacking, pressing and laundry assistance, room service, itinerary and transportation planning, special-event coordination, and reservation assistance (onboard and ashore).

The vessel features 13 decks, of which 11 are accessible to passengers and 5 contain accommodations.

Explora Journeys fares include accommodation, shipboard dining (nine venues plus room service), unlimited beverages (fine wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks), complimentary in-suite mini-bar, access to wellness facilities (Spa, Fitness Center, training programs), onboard gratuities, free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout, Welcome Aboard gifts (flowers, chocolates, Champagne), port-city shuttle transfers, 24-hour concierge, twice-daily housekeeping (including evening turndown), and shoeshine service.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

All public venues (restaurants, lounges, bars) feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic sea views. Sundecks are wind-protected with wraparound glass walls, furnished with premium outdoor furniture (three-seat sofas, padded loungers, double daybeds, deckchairs), and decorated with abundant live plants.

The onboard dining program is fully all-inclusive, offering flexible dining times and gourmet cuisine prepared with sustainably and locally sourced ingredients.

The ship offers 18 food and beverage venues, including 10 dining options (six restaurants plus Chef’s Kitchen) and 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor, four outdoor). Wine selections vary by itinerary, with certified sommeliers providing pairing recommendations and boutique wine service.

The ship’s restaurants include:

• Anthology (Deck 4, midship) – international cuisine, featuring menus created by visiting celebrity chefs in collaboration with Franck Garanger (Head Chef, Explora Journeys).
• Sakura (Deck 5, aft-portside) – Pan-Asian cuisine (Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian), sake sommelier, Asian beverages, modern Asian music.
• Marble & Co. Grill (Deck 5, midship) – contemporary steakhouse with wine cellar; sustainably farmed, personally sourced beef.
• Med Yacht Club (Deck 4, midship-portside) – Mediterranean specialties from France, Spain, Italy, Greece; regional wines; cocktails with itinerary-inspired ingredients; fresh juices.
• Emporium Marketplace (Deck 11, aft) – all-day buffet restaurant themed around visited destinations; features 18 cooking stations (sushi, seafood, rotisserie, sandwiches, pasta, pizzas/breads, charcuterie, cheese, bakery) and beverage stations (soft drinks, teas, coffees, juices, wines, Champagne).
• Fil Rouge – French cuisine and French-inspired international dishes, with dessert cart and curated wine selection.
• Chef’s Kitchen & Private Dining Room (Deck 11, forward-starboard, capacity 12) – specialty venue offered at an additional charge.

In-suite dining is available 24 hours a day.

The ship’s lounges and bars include:

• Lobby Bar (Deck 4, midship)
• Malt Whiskey Bar (Deck 11, forward-portside; smoking-allowed terrace, walk-in humidor, curated rare whiskies)
• Journeys Lounge (Deck 4, forward; enrichment and entertainment venue)
• Explora Lounge (Deck 11, forward; 270-degree views, Afternoon Tea, light meals)
• Gelateria & Creperie (Deck 11, midship-starboard; gourmet ice cream, crepes, coffee)
• Crema Café (Deck 5, midship-starboard; premium coffees by certified baristas, fresh juices, pastries, desserts)
• Astern Lounge (Deck 5, aft; live music, DJ programming, nightclub)
• Astern Pool & Bar (Deck 5, aft; live music, acoustic sets, DJs)
• Sky Bar on 14 (Deck 14, aft; outdoor lounge)
• Atoll Pool & Bar (Deck 10, aft)
• Helios Pool & Bar (Deck 12, forward; adults-only outdoor venue)

The Conservatory Pool & Bar (Deck 11, midship) is protected by a retractable glass roof and transforms into an outdoor-style cinema in the evenings.

Deck 3 houses the Aft Marina Deck (for launching watersports activities), the Marina Lounge & Bar, and two Tender Areas (port and starboard). Forward-starboard is the Infirmary/Medical Centre.

Deck 4 features the Forward Lounge (large stage, amphitheater seating), Casino (table games and slot machines), Lobby Hall (24-hour Guest Services and Destination Experiences), Boutiques (duty-free shops), and two restaurants – Mediterranean-style (portside) and International-style (starboard) – supported by an adjacent Galley complex.

The onboard shops include the first at-sea Rolex Boutique, opened through a partnership signed in June 2023. The boutique offers an extensive selection of Rolex models, including the Oyster Perpetual collection. Another premium retail venue is the “Watch and Jewelry Shop,” introduced in July 2023, offering Cartier, Panerai, and Piaget timepieces.

Deck 5 contains the indoor-outdoor Spa (nine Treatment Rooms, Thermal Suites, Beauty Salon), Concept Restaurant, Coffee Lounge (patisserie), Steakhouse, Art Gallery (exhibitions and auctions), and MSC Foundation (representing the Aponte family’s nonprofit organization supporting humanitarian and environmental initiatives). Aft are the Pan-Asian Restaurant, Aft Lounge & Bar, and the Lower Aft Plunge Pool & Lounge.

Deck 6 forward is crew-only, with staff accommodations, Messhall (crew dining and lounge), and the crew sundeck (bow-facing, with a large Jacuzzi).

Deck 11 (Lido Deck) includes passenger accommodations, the Fitness complex (Gym and Fitness Studio), the Conservatory Pool (indoor, retractable roof), and the All-Day Dining Restaurant with aft terrace. At the stern is the Upper Aft Pool & Lounge.

Deck 12 features the Forward Pool & Lounge (adults-only) and the two-lane Running Track.

Deck 14 aft contains the Panorama Lounge & Bar (outdoor venue with whirlpool and sundeck areas) and the Sports Court. Midship are the funnels adjacent to the retractable glass roof covering the Deck 11 pool.

Journey Together Gatherings (family program)

In May 2023, Explora Journeys introduced the “Journey Together Gatherings” program.

The program targets multi-generational families and features a dedicated children’s lounge (Nautilus Club for kids and teenagers), various destination-themed family activities, and complimentary land-to-ship transfers.

The Nautilus Club hosts supervised, age-appropriate activities (for children aged 6–17), including interactive gaming (PlayStation 5, PS VR2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox), sports contests, workshops, and games. It also features its own heated swimming pools and a Sports Court.

Each Explora ship has 82 interconnecting staterooms (for families), offered in three categories: Ocean Suite, Ocean Penthouse, and Ocean Residence. In each family cabin, one minor (under 18) sails free.

Infants and toddlers (6–23 months) sail free, while children aged 2–17 sail at 50% off.

Itineraries

MSC Explora III’s itinerary program launches with the Maiden Voyage scheduled for August 3, 2026, departing from Barcelona (Spain). The inaugural Caribbean season begins October 25, sailing from PortMiami (Florida, USA), with one-way voyages between Miami and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

In May 2025, it was announced that EXPLORA III will inaugurate the brand’s Alaska program. Sailing from Vancouver (BC, Canada), the ship will explore glacier-carved fjords and forested islands, visiting destinations such as Sitka, Prince Rupert, and Endicott Arm.