Explora Journeys celebrates Explora III setting sail on first revenue cruise

The vessel is the brand’s first LNG-powered ship
The ship features 461 ocean-front Suites, Penthouses and Residences
The inaugural season includes Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and Canada
Six ships are scheduled to be in service by 2028
Spanish hotels report solid summer demand despite global uncertainty

Explora Journeys has celebrated the departure of EXPLORA III following its official Naming Ceremony in Barcelona, with the ship embarking on its inaugural season and continuing the brand’s redefinition of ultra-elegant ocean travel. The vessel departed alongside sister ship EXPLORA I, with the two ships sailing together before setting course on their respective journeys.

The departure marks the third ship now sailing within the Explora Journeys fleet, with EXPLORA III representing the brand’s first LNG-powered vessel and introducing an even greater expression of space and thoughtful design.

The inaugural season has been designed to reveal destinations through slower, more immersive ocean travel, with EXPLORA III sailing through Northern Europe, exploring the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and New England. The ship features 461 ocean-front Suites, Penthouses and Residences, including two Owner’s Residences designed by Patricia Urquiola, with guests having access to seven distinctive culinary experiences, 13 bars and lounges, five heated swimming pools and an expanded Ocean Wellness offering. The launch represents another significant step in the brand’s long-term vision, with a fleet of six ships scheduled to be in service by 2028.

A large party of Irish travel trade sampled Explora III on a pre-launch cruise.

Anna Nash shared: “Watching EXPLORA III set sail on her inaugural season is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for everyone at Explora Journeys, as our vision of creating an entirely new category of ocean travel centred on space, elegance, intuitive hospitality and meaningful experiences has been beautifully embodied in this new vessel.”