Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has officially launched its newest vessel, EXPLORA III, marking a major milestone in high-end ocean travel. World Number One tennis champion Jannik Sinner joined the ship’s maiden Mediterranean voyage from Genoa to Marseille between July 24 and July 25, 2026, serving as the inaugural guest aboard the luxury vessel.
The initial sailing brought together high-end hospitality, athletic performance, wellness innovation, and marine sustainability. As the first vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), EXPLORA III represents a key advancement toward cleaner maritime operations while establishing new standards for ultra-luxury cruising.
Elite Athletics and Wellness Innovation at Sea
Jannik Sinner, serving as global brand ambassador for Explora Journeys, embarked on the Mediterranean Prelude Journey shortly after his victory at Wimbledon. During the voyage, guests participated in interactive sessions where Sinner shared insights into the discipline, physical conditioning, and mental focus required at the pinnacle of professional sports.
The inaugural voyage also featured the debut of “In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Programme”. Developed in direct collaboration with the tennis champion and his core performance team—including coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill, alongside performance specialists Umberto Ferrara and Andrea Cipolla—the program introduces ocean-inspired fitness, recovery, and holistic wellness protocols now available to guests aboard EXPLORA III.
In recognition of his partnership and contributions to the brand, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, presented Sinner with the first Honorary Diamond Membership in the Explora Club loyalty program. The honor was simultaneously extended to Sinner’s coaching and support staff, recognizing the critical role of collective teamwork in world-class athletic achievement.
Onboard Padel Court Ribbon-Cutting and Marine Conservation Initiatives
Highlighting the ship’s focus on active lifestyle amenities, Sinner joined Captain Serena Melani, Master of EXPLORA III, and President Anna Nash for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the vessel’s newly installed padel court. Following the ceremony, Sinner played an exhibition rally with his coaching staff, officially opening the court for future passengers.
The opening leg of the voyage concluded in Marseille with a gala dinner hosted at Fil Rouge, the ship’s signature French-inspired restaurant. The charity event convened Sinner, representatives from the Jannik Sinner Foundation, the MSC Foundation, and Explora Journeys leadership.
The gathering launched the first joint philanthropic initiative between the foundations, raising dedicated funds for environmental education projects. These programs aim to educate children across Mediterranean coastal communities on marine conservation and ocean protection.
Design Innovations and Next-Generation Luxury Amenities
EXPLORA III represents the third ship to join the Explora Journeys fleet, incorporating expanded public spaces and enhanced guest accommodation options. Extended by 19.2 meters compared to her sister ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, the vessel delivers one of the highest ratios of public space per guest in the luxury cruise industry.
Key enhancements and onboard features include:
Expanded Suite Inventory: Features enlarged Ocean Penthouses, Ocean Residences, and a second Owner’s Residence designed by acclaimed architect Patricia Urquiola.
New Culinary and Lounge Venues: Debuts three distinctive concepts, including The Chef’s Table, The Cellar, and the elevated Shore Club on Deck 11.
Consolidated Ocean Wellness Facilities: Unifies spa, fitness, and recovery amenities on Deck 5 into a harmonious wellness space.
Environmental Technology: Equipped with LNG-capable engines designed to reduce environmental emissions and support long-term decarbonization goals.
Exclusive Retail: Houses the first onboard Chopard boutique alongside curated luxury retail spaces.
Inaugural Itinerary and Future Fleet Expansion
Following its initial leg from Genoa to Marseille, the Mediterranean Prelude Journey continues toward Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 29. EXPLORA III will subsequently sail to Barcelona, Spain, where its official naming ceremony will take place on August 1, 2026.
On August 3, 2026, the ship will embark on its official seven-night Maiden Journey from Barcelona to Lisbon, Portugal. This sailing initiates an inaugural season across Western Europe, Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and North America, culminating in a scenic transatlantic crossing. Looking ahead, Explora Journeys confirmed that EXPLORA III will make its brand debut in Alaska during the summer 2027 season.
The delivery of EXPLORA III marks the halfway milestone in Explora Journeys’ planned six-ship fleet expansion by 2028. Representing part of a €3.5 billion investment by the MSC Group, all six vessels are built in Italy by Fincantieri, underscoring a long-term commitment to maritime innovation, luxury hospitality, and sustainable ocean travel.
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