EXPLORA JOURNEYS COMPLETA CON SUCCESSO LE PROVE IN MARE DI EXPLORA III
- Terza fase di prove in mare completata: EXPLORA III ha completato con successo la terza fase di test tecnici e nautici nel Mediterraneo.
- Importante traguardo per la flotta: Essendo la terza nave ad entrare a far parte della flotta, EXPLORA III rappresenta un importante traguardo nel percorso di Explora Journeys verso una flotta di sei navi entro il 2028.
- Prima nave alimentata a GNL della flotta: EXPLORA III è la prima nave alimentata a GNL ad entrare a far parte della flotta di Explora Journeys.
- Consegna in anticipo rispetto ai tempi previsti: Il successo delle prove garantisce che la nave da 72.810 GT rimanga saldamente in linea con la data di partenza del suo viaggio preliminare nel Mediterraneo, prevista per il 24 luglio 2026.
source EXPLORA JOURNEYS
EXPLORA JOURNEYS COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL SEA TRIALS FOR EXPLORA III
- Third Sea Trials Completed: EXPLORA III has successfully finished her third round of technical and nautical testing in the Mediterranean.
- Important Fleet Milestone: As the third ship joining the fleet, EXPLORA III represents an important milestone in Explora Journeys’ pathway towards a six-ship fleet by 2028.
- First LNG-Powered Ship in the Fleet: EXPLORA III is the first LNG-powered ship to join the Explora Journeys fleet.
- Ahead of Schedule Delivery: The successful outcome ensures the 72,810 GT ship remains firmly on track for her Mediterranean Prelude Journey sailing on 24 July 2026.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – 1 June 2026 – EXPLORA III has successfully completed her sea trials in the Mediterranean, representing another important milestone in the continued expansion of Explora Journeys’ ultra-elegant fleet. The successful sea trials validated the ship’s technical and operational performance ahead of her summer debut and marks the next chapter in the brand’s long-term vision to redefine luxury ocean travel.
EXPLORA III is the first LNG-powered ship in the fleet, and it provides the flexibility to utilise renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, alongside continued innovation and energy efficiency.
With all six ships now in different phases of development — spanning operation, construction and future delivery — Explora Journeys has reached the halfway point of its planned six-ship fleet expansion, continuing to advance its long-term vision with responsible growth at its core.
“The completion of EXPLORA III’s sea trials marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we continue to bring our long-term fleet vision to life,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “EXPLORA III represents the next phase in our growth and reflects our continued commitment to thoughtful innovation, exceptional guest experiences and a conscious approach to luxury ocean travel. As the first LNG-powered ship in our fleet, she also marks an important step in our transition towards lower-emission technologies, supporting our pathway to net zero greenhouse gas emissions for our maritime operations by 2050. This summer, Explora Journeys will have three ships sailing – a significant milestone that reflects the strength of our vision and the remarkable momentum behind the brand.”
Following her successful sea trials, the ship has returned to Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa for interior outfitting and final finishing touches. On track for her delivery, ahead of schedule, EXPLORA III will begin her inaugural season with the Mediterranean Prelude Journey departing on 24 July 2026, arriving in Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on 1 August 2026. Two days later, her seven-night Maiden Journey will take her to Lisbon, marking the beginning of a refined Northern European season through culturally rich destinations and striking landscapes.
Across the remainder of her highly anticipated inaugural season, EXPLORA III will journey through the majestic fjords of Norway, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to
explore the vibrant autumn landscapes of New England and Canada’s East Coast, with each itinerary designed to offer a distinctive perspective on luxury ocean travel.
About Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Built on the Aponte family’s 300-year maritime heritage, Explora Journeys redefines luxury ocean travel with its signature Ocean State of Mind – a philosophy that connects discerning guests with the sea, with themselves and with one another. Immersive itineraries balance celebrated destinations with lesser-known ports, creating Journeys that inspire curiosity and discovery.
Each private-yacht-inspired ship serves as a floating luxury hotel, whose address is the ocean, with all oceanfront suites, featuring private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious European-designed interiors that evoke a sense of relaxed, contemporary elegance – a true Home at Sea.
Guests can choose from 11 distinct culinary experiences – including six restaurants, an experiential Chef’s Kitchen, 12 bars and lounges, and 24-hour in-suite dining. ‘Ocean Wellness – The Spa’ is complemented by five heated indoor and outdoor pools, an extensive holistic wellness programme, generous outdoor deck spaces, and refined entertainment designed to deliver the perfect mood for every moment.
Inspired by its European roots and guided by elevated Swiss hospitality, Explora Journeys offers intuitive service and a modern, effortless approach to luxury.
The brand launched its first ship, EXPLORA I, in July 2023, followed by EXPLORA II in September 2024. The LNG-powered EXPLORA III will join the fleet in July 2026, with EXPLORA IV arriving in 2027. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will follow in 2027 and 2028, each incorporating advanced environmental technologies as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.