It’s an exciting time for Explora Journeys, as the luxury cruising newcomer expands beyond its first two ships, Explora I and Explora II. In fact, Explora III recently celebrated its first float-out, while Explora IV marked its coin ceremony and Explora V its initial steel cutting. Explora VI is also on order.
To better understand where the brand and its fleet are headed, we chatted with Chris Austin, president, North America.
Exactly how much larger will Explora III and her future sisters be compared to I and II?
Explora III and her future sisters will be our most spacious ships yet. Explora III and IV will be slightly longer, at 879 feet long and 72,810 gross tonnage, to allow space for liquefied natural gas.
While the increase in size is modest in terms of tonnage and dimensions, it’s been carefully planned to create a higher ratio of category suites and even more public space per guest — one of the highest ratios in the industry. This allows us to expand key guest areas, refine the ship’s flow and introduce exciting new features without compromising the sense of intimacy our guests love.
Where will guests see that extra space carved out?
With added space, our intentions are to “optimize, not maximize,” to deliver superior guest experiences. We are not adding guest capacity.
You will see it in more expansive outdoor spaces, enhanced wellness areas and dedicated venues for younger travelers. For example, we’re combining the spa and fitness center into one large, integrated wellness hub, creating a seamless environment for relaxation, movement and wellbeing.
Further, the Nautilus Club will be expanded into two age-specific areas, one for juniors and one for teens. Lastly, Explora III will have a higher category suites ratio, with more Ocean Penthouses and Residences compared to Explora I and II, including two Owners’ Residences on decks 7 and 8.
Are any such changes expected to roll back onto I and II in the near future?
We're always looking to continuously improve our ships’ features. For example, we recently added more shaded outdoor areas on Explora I after listening to guest feedback. Where it’s practical and meaningful for guests, we will make enhancements on Explora I and II to ensure consistency and keep the experience fresh for returning guests.
How was it decided to showcase more upper suite categories than before? Will layouts be modified?
Our guests are increasingly seeking larger, more private accommodations, especially for multigenerational travel and longer voyages. By increasing the number of higher suite categories, we’re answering that demand. Layouts will remain consistent with the signature design our guests love, with small refinements to maximize comfort and functionality.
Why should travel advisors be excited about these changes?
Every enhancement represents a new story for advisors to share with their clients — more space, more flexibility and more choice. The expanded suite mix allows advisors to meet the needs of high-value clients who want the best of the best, while family-friendly spaces open fresh selling opportunities in the premium family and multigenerational segments.
And as our fleet grows, so will our destination portfolio, offering more itineraries and regions for advisors to match their clients’ travel dreams — while staying true to our vision of iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations, late departures, overnights and carefully curated sea days.
What sales opportunities will the new ships provide?
The beauty of our new ships is that they give travel advisors even more ways to match the right guest with the right journey. Explora III, for example, will take us to Alaska in 2027, a first for the brand and a huge opportunity for advisors to bring clients this iconic destination in true Explora Journeys style.
With more elevated suites, enhanced wellness, family spaces and curated dining, advisors have plenty of fresh stories to tell, whether for loyal guests or those discovering us for the first time.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the agent community?
We’re building these ships with our guests and our travel partners in mind. Every new feature is designed to strengthen the Explora Journeys promise: more space, more choice, more luxury and more reasons to return.
As always, our travel partners are central to our success, and we’re committed to equipping them with the tools, training and support via developments to our Travel Advisor Center to turn these updates into real sales growth.
