Explora Journeys on July 23, 2026 took the delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa. today marks another significant milestone in the growth of Explora Journeys. EXPLORA III also represents the next phase of MSC Group's investment of more than €3.5 billion ($3.98 billion) in its fleet, with all six ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy.
The official delivery of EXPLORA III 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. Hosted by Italian television presenter Lorella Cuccarini, the ceremony celebrated the expansion of Explora Journeys' six-ship fleet.
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. Joined on stage by Captain Serena Melani, Vago and Folgiero presided over the ceremonial change of flag, accompanied by the Italian and Maltese national anthems. Following the ship's blessing, EXPLORA III's Godmother, Maya Aponte, concluded the ceremony with the traditional ribbon-cutting and bottle-breaking.
Nash said, "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, welcoming a similar number of guests as her sister ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. The ship introduces an enhanced culinary offering with three new concepts—The Cellar, The Chef's Table and Shore Club on 11. She 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, and Chopard's first boutique onboard.
A Behind-the-Scenes Prelude
EXPLORA III presents a one-time five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey departing Genoa on July 24, 2026 and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 29. Designed as a behind-the-scenes preview, this exclusive sailing traces the coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras, calling at Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Livorno. Sailing alongside global sporting icon and brand ambassador Jannik Sinner on the first two days, this unique unveiling offers guests rare opportunities to meet the leadership, designers and officers who brought the ship to life.
The Naming Ceremony, Maiden Journey and Inaugural Season
Following the Prelude Journey, EXPLORA III will sail to Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1, 2026. On August 3, 2026, she will depart Barcelona on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season spanning Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America. From the sheltered harbours of the Baltic capitals and the fjords of Norway to the remote landscapes of Iceland, the voyage culminates in a transatlantic crossing via Greenland to the Canadian Maritimes and New England.
In 2027, EXPLORA III will continue her global journey with Explora Journeys' debut Alaska season. The brand's global expansion will continue in 2028 with the debut of EXPLORA V in Asia.
As the first LNG-capable vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III takes the next step in the brand's environmental strategy, and Explora Journeys reaches the halfway point in the development of its six-ship fleet, with three vessels now in service. Construction continues on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.
Related Articles
Silversea Launches New Collection Of S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages
New in Cruise: Low Water Levels Disrupt Europe River Cruises
Uniworld Launches 2028 With Three New Vessels
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Appoints Chief Sales Officer