26 New ships head to Atlantic Canada for 2026 Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) will welcome maiden calls from several ships in 2026, when it will also mark its 30th anniversary. Newcomers will include Explora Journeys’ Explora III, Oceania Vista, Ponant’s L’Austral, Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas, Seabourn’s Seabourn Ovation, Viking Cruises’ Viking Vela and Virgin Voyage’s Valiant Lady. The ACCA was founded in 1996 and marked the beginning of a partnership between port tourism and cruise lines that has since shaped the future of the region’s cruise industry. Photo: Port Charlottetown MARKETWATCH Explora Journeys set to debut first LNG ship early Explora III, the third ship in Explora Journeys’ luxury fleet, is expected to be delivered ahead of schedule in July 2026. The ship, which is being built by Fincantieri in Italy, will be equipped with dual-fuel engines, enabling the use of LNG and lower-carbon fuels. Explora III is the first in the fleet to operate on LNG and will also be longer than its two predecessors. The public areas have also been redesigned to take advantage of the increased hull length. Amenities will include wellness and fitness facilities, an enlarged conservatory pool and bar, and five indoor and outdoor pools. “Explora III has been conceived as a destination in its own right, offering greater space, comfort and choice of amenities,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. The ship will commence its maiden voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal, on 3 August 2026. Photo: Explora Journeys
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