Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has officially taken delivery of its newest ship, EXPLORA III. Constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri at the Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, the handover represents a major milestone for the brand’s multi-billion-euro maritime investment program. As the third of six planned luxury vessels, the ship expands the brand’s global fleet footprint while introducing advanced environmental propulsion systems, upgraded suite configurations, and curated global itineraries.
Designed to provide high-end, yacht-inspired ocean travel, EXPLORA III combines Italian architectural craftsmanship with next-generation marine engineering. The physical construction of the vessel was extended by 19.2 meters compared to its sister ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. This structural expansion accommodates liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks while preserving low guest-density ratios across expanded public spaces and onboard suites.
Advanced Environmental Technology and Marine Sustainability
The introduction of EXPLORA III marks a strategic shift toward sustainable maritime energy solutions for the fleet. As the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, the ship utilizes a fuel that significantly reduces key marine atmospheric emissions. According to official technical data from Fincantieri, LNG fuel reduces sulfur oxide emissions by 99 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85 percent, particulate matter by 98 percent, and overall greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent compared to conventional marine fuels.
The vessel’s engines are fully compatible with alternative renewable fuels, including bio-LNG, synthetic LNG, and approved biofuels, allowing for future operational decarbonization as global supply chains mature. Furthermore, the ship is built with full shore power connectivity, enabling its main engines to be switched off in equipped ports to achieve zero localized emissions.
Designed under the supervision of the RINA classification society, EXPLORA III holds Green Plus certification, specialized noise and vibration comfort notations, and the Dolphin notation for minimizing underwater radiated noise in sensitive marine ecosystems. The vessel also holds Polar Code C certification, allowing it to navigate safely through high-latitude marine environments.
Preview Voyages, Naming Ceremony, and Global Itineraries
Following its official handover ceremony in Genoa, EXPLORA III is embarking on an inaugural series of Mediterranean and global transits. The ship commences its inaugural operations with a five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey, departing Genoa and calling at key regional ports including Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Livorno, before concluding near Rome in Civitavecchia.
Following this preview, the ship will transit to Barcelona, Spain, for its official naming ceremony. The official maiden voyage will depart from Barcelona to Lisbon, initiating an extensive inaugural season covering Northern Europe, the Baltic regions, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. Future deployment schedules will bring the vessel into the Alaska cruise market to offer wilderness itineraries, followed by expanded routes in Asia as sister vessels enter service.
The physical extension of the ship’s hull allowed interior architects to expand guest amenities without increasing passenger numbers. EXPLORA III introduces three brand-new culinary concepts: The Cellar, The Chef’s Table, and Shore Club on 11. The ship also features upgraded wellness and fitness environments alongside an expanded collection of oceanfront residences and suites.
Leadership Vision and Strategic Fleet Growth
The delivery of EXPLORA III marks the exact halfway point of Explora Journeys’ six-ship newbuilding program, which represents an investment exceeding 3.5 billion euros in Italian shipbuilding. Three ships are now in active service worldwide, while construction continues on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V, and EXPLORA VI, with final deliveries scheduled through 2028.
According to statements from leadership at Explora Journeys and MSC Group, the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to redefining luxury ocean travel through sustainable design, spacious layouts, and guest-centric hospitality. Shipyard executives noted that the vessel demonstrates the capability of advanced industrial manufacturing to drive environmental transformation through technological innovation and alternative marine fuels.
With its blend of advanced environmental systems, spacious Italian design, and slow-travel itinerary planning, EXPLORA III sets a high standard for modern ocean travel as it begins its maiden journeys across world waters.
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