Explora Journeys is offering a chance to be the very first to experience Explora III ahead of its official launch in August 2026. A new cruise will offer select guests “never-before-experienced insights and perspectives.”
Designed as an intimate and immersive behind-the-scenes preview, this one-time Journey is an invitation to discover the elegance and innovation of EXPLORA III before she is introduced to the wider world during her inaugural Journey from Barcelona to Lisbon, 3 to 10 August, 2026.
Departing from Genoa on 24 July and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome) on 29 July, “A Mediterranean Prelude” will trace the coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras, with stops in Marseille, Saint-Tropez and Nice. Crossing back into Italy, EXPLORA III will visit Livorno and Florence, before arriving in the “Eternal City” as the final port of call.
“This exclusive preview Journey is our way of honouring those who have grown with us and believed in our vision from the beginning,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
“It’s an intimate celebration of what’s to come – a chance to step aboard EXPLORA III before her official debut, connect with the visionaries who brought her to life and discover how our Ocean State of Mind philosophy continues to evolve with every new chapter.”
EXPLORA III is the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, representing the next step in MSC Group’s commitment to sustainable ocean travel. Guests on the Prelude journey will be able to experience the “reimagined dining and lounge concepts” onboard.
The ship has 463 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences—all with private terraces—in addition to new culinary and lounge concepts. (Sister-ships EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II have 461 suites). In all, there will be seven restaurants and 13 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges. Guests of the “prelude” sailing will also be the first to discover the reimagined Ocean Wellness spaces.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Explora Journeys’ leadership, designers and officers.
