New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys is growing its fleet quickly. Explora I and Explora II are already sailing the seas, and next up will be Explora III in July 2026.
“With Explora III, we are thrilled to reach the halfway point in the launch of our fleet of six luxury ships, each designed to redefine the standards of ocean travel,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “This milestone represents more than just growth; it underscores our dedication to offering guests unparalleled access to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. By expanding our fleet, we are able to offer a greater variety of itineraries, immersing travelers in diverse cultures, landscapes and unique moments across the globe.”
The design of the first two vessels of any ship class is usually locked in place at the shipyard, but the third in the series can bring some changes, and that is the case for Explora III, which will be 63 feet longer than its predecessors. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming ship.
Editor’s note: This page was last updated on Mar. 30, 2026.
Accommodations Onboard Explora III
Explora III will boast a total of 463 cabins — a teeny increase from the 461 offered on Explora I and Explora II — and in the categories of Ocean Suites, Penthouses and Residences. The exact breakdown will be 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences and two Owner’s Residences.
This amounts to higher-tier Ocean Penthouses making up 24% of the inventory, while upper Ocean Residences have increased to 9%. The ship will also have an additional Owner’s Residence on Deck 7, and redefined Cove Residences for a better suite configuration.
The Owner's Residence will be designed by Patricia Urquiola.
Credit: 2026 Explora JourneysThe Owner’s Residence, in particular, has been designed by internationally celebrated architect and designer Patricia Urquiola.
“Inside, warm, tactile materials, contemporary European furnishings and curated artworks create a nest-like sanctuary, complemented by a marble bathroom and private steam room,” the line said of the design. “Outside, a private whirlpool, daybeds, dining and lounging areas encourage immersive indoor-outdoor living.”
Besides private accommodations, the ship will feature 18.7 square meters (about 201 square feet) of public space per guest.
Lobby and Public Spaces
Also refreshed since Explora I and II will be III’s updated lobby. The double-decker atrium will forgo its previous angular geometry; instead an asymmetrical staircase and sinuous curves will be accented by Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marbles and punctuated by an offset Lobby Bar and fireplace.
Explora III will display a refreshed lobby since Explora I and Explora II.
Credit: 2026 Explora JourneysTaking advantage of the ship’s increased size, The Conservatory Pool & Bar will expand with an all-weather, glass-enclosed or -opened pool measuring 48.2 feet, in addition to three other outside pools (one of which will again be adults-only) and five indoor and outdoor whirlpools, plus 60 private cabanas.
Onboard Dining
Still along for the ride will be specialty fine dining (without a surcharge) at Sakura (pan-Asian), Fil Rouge (French), Med Yacht Club (Mediterranean) and Marble & Co. Grill (a steakhouse), as well as the elevated Emporium Marketplace buffet. Anthology is expected to be the only pre-fixe option for exceptional Italian cuisine.
The Chef's Table by Explora Journeys will be a new dining option on Explora III.
Credit: 2026 Explora JourneysMeanwhile, three more dining concepts will join the ship. Alongside the aforementioned Conservatory Pool will be Shore Club on 11, an alfresco option for meals throughout the day. The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys will deliver “an intimate, multi-sensory exploration of creativity, with live preparation, storytelling and immersive presentation,” per Explora. And The Cellar by Explora Journeys will be an expert-guided celebration befitting wine aficionados, complete with rare vintages.
Rounding out the dining will be a dozen bars and lounges, from said Lobby Bar to the returning Malt Whisky Bar. Next door to the latter will be a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge.
Wellness Features
The luxury ship’s Ocean Wellness fitness, spa and gym facilities will be reimagined as a unified space (on Explora I and Explora II, the venues are located on separate decks). The spa still promises to be a serene sanctuary, this time with a Sava Sound Pod that presents calibrated sounds and vibrations for rest, relaxation and stress reduction.
The fitness center will continue to offer state-of-the-art equipment, such as Technogym’s premium Sand Stone collection and Technogym Reform Pilates varieties.
The Open-Air Fitness area on Deck 14 will be enhanced, and the running track on Deck 12 will be elongated. An expanded Sports Court will showcase pickleball, paddle games and basketball.
Shopping
For retail therapy, Cartier will return among the bespoke boutiques, while Chopard will represent a new offering onboard. The Journey will still offer a wide selection of more than 30 other artisanal brands, and Galleria d’Arte will sell classic and contemporary pieces from Clarendon Fine Art.
Youth Spaces
Clients sailing with children will appreciate Explora III’s family amenities. The Explora’s singular Nautilus Club will be divided into two dedicated spaces on this ship: Nautilus Club Juniors for those ages 3 to 5, and Nautilus Club Teens for those ages 6 to 17. Nautilus Club Juniors will welcome those under the age of 3 accompanied by their parents.
Meetings and Events
Explora III will offer meeting rooms on Deck 11, good for hosting business events, video conferences and other functions. The space will be able to be divided into three individual rooms as needed for private gatherings.
Sustainability Features
Last but not least, Explora III will be the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel in the fleet, demonstrating the brand’s effort to decarbonize its marine operations and reduce its environmental impact. According to the line, use of LNG will potentially lower well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%. Additionally, the ship will employ shore power capabilities and further energy-efficient features.
Where Explora III Will Sail
Explora III’s maiden season will take the luxury ship to Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before heading over to the East Coast of North America and down to the Caribbean for the winter 2026-2027 season.
Specifically, departures will commence on July 24, 2026, with “A Mediterranean Prelude to Explora III,” a special five-night preview sailing. The itinerary will deliver a behind-the-scenes look at the brand-new ship with designers, officers and executives onboard as the vessel navigates from Genoa to Civitavecchia (Rome).
“This exclusive preview journey is our way of honoring 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.”
At the very start of the sailing from Genoa to Marseille, tennis grand slam champion and global brand ambassador Jannik Sinner will also be onboard for Q&A sessions, a charity gala dinner and private coaching and wellness sessions.
The ship’s official launch will be marked by a Aug. 3-10 journey, during which it will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon before navigating to the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden and Germany, then later to Ronne in Denmark, Nanortalik and Paamiut in Greenland and Seydisfjordur in Iceland.
The ship will then arrive in Quebec City, Canada, on Sept. 27, 2026, before calling on the Magdalen Islands and New York City. And on Oct. 25, 2026, the ship will dock in Miami.
