By
Rebecca Gibson |
Explora Journeys took delivery of Explora III, its first LNG-powered ship, at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy, on 23 July.
The milestone was celebrated during a traditional ceremony attended by Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Biagio Mazzotta, president of Fincantieri; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri; and Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’ merchant ships division. Other notable dignitaries included Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa, and Marco Bucci, president of Italy’s Liguria Region.
Italian television presenter Lorella Cuccarini hosted the ceremony, which featured a performance by Italian dance group Urban Theory, a parade of the ship’s officers and the shipyard team, and the traditional flag change, which was led by Vago, Folgiero and the ship’s captain, Serena Melani. Following a blessing, the ship’s godmother, Maya Aponte, concluded the ceremony by breaking a bottle of champagne across the hull.
Representatives from Explora Journeys, MSC Group and Fincantieri celebrate the completion of the construction project and the delivery of the ship (Photo: Explora Journeys)
“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,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “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.”
Explora Journeys’ president Anna Nash joined Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, at the ceremony (Photo: Explora Journeys)
Like its predecessors, Explora I and Explora III, the new Explora III has capacity for just over 900 guests but is 19.2 metres longer to “deliver an even greater sense of openness, privacy and comfort”. New onboard highlights include a second Owner’s Residence designed by architect Patricia Urquiola, an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, a Chopard boutique, and three dining concepts – The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11. The Ocean Wellness facilities have also been redesigned for the ship.
The ship is also equipped with various technologies and systems to reduce its environmental impact, including shore power connectors. It will also be capable of operating on bio-LNG and synthetic LNG fuels when they become widely available.
Explora III will depart on a five-night ‘Mediterranean Prelude Journey’ from Genoa to Civitavecchia (Rome) on 24 July 2026, calling at Marseille, Saint-Tropez and Villefranche-sur-Mer in France, as well as Livorno in Italy. Guests will be able to meet the leadership team, designers and officers involved in the newbuild project, as well as professional tennis player and Explora Journeys’ brand ambassador Jannik Sinner, who will join the first two days of the cruise.
Following the preview cruise, Explora III will reposition to Barcelona, Spain, for its official christening ceremony on 1 August, before embarking on a seven-day maiden cruise to Lisbon, Portugal, two days later. The ship will sail itineraries in Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America during its inaugural season, then sail Explora Journeys’ first Alaska cruises in 2027.
Explora III is longer than its predecessors and is the first in the fleet to be powered by LNG fuel (Photo: Explora Journeys)
Fincantieri will continue to work with Explora Journeys to construct Explora IV, Explora V and Explora VI, which are scheduled to debut in 2027 and 2028.
Anna Nash will share exclusive insights about Explora III and Explora Journeys' ongoing evolution in the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2026 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. Subscribe now to receive the print or digital edition on publication.