At a Glance

• EXPLORA III was officially named at the MSC Cruise Division Cruise Terminal in Barcelona.
• Godmother Cristina Ozores, marine educator and National Geographic Educator, officially blessed and named the ship.
• The most spacious vessel in the fleet, featuring expanded public areas, an even more comprehensive wellness and culinary offering, a second Owner’s Residence designed by Patricia Urquiola, and an even greater level of privacy and comfort.
• As the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III represents the next step in the MSC Group luxury lifestyle travel brand’s investment in advanced ship technology and forward-looking ship design.
• EXPLORA III was delivered ahead of schedule in Genoa on 23 July and subsequently embarked on an exclusive five-day “Prelude Journey” from Genoa to Civitavecchia (24–29 July).
• Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 tennis player and Global Brand Ambassador for Explora Journeys, joined the inaugural Prelude Journey, met guests during exclusive Q&A sessions, officially opened the new Sports Court, and became the first honorary Diamond member of the Explora Club.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – 2 August 2026 – Explora Journeys yesterday officially named EXPLORA III in Barcelona, welcoming the first LNG-powered ship into its fleet. This milestone also marks the halfway point in the MSC Group luxury lifestyle travel brand’s vision to build a fleet of six extraordinary ships redefining ultra-elegant ocean travel.

Following her early delivery in Genoa on 23 July 2026, EXPLORA III embarked on an exclusive Mediterranean “Prelude Journey” before arriving in Barcelona for her official naming ceremony. Among the guests on this special voyage was Jannik Sinner, Global Brand Ambassador for Explora Journeys, who became the very first guest to sail aboard the new vessel. Building on the excitement generated by the inaugural voyage, distinguished guests together with executives from Explora Journeys and MSC Group gathered to celebrate this significant milestone for the fleet.

Blending maritime tradition with the brand’s signature European elegance, the official naming ceremony was followed by a spectacular evening of celebrations across the ship. Speakers included Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division; Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys; José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona; and Godmother Cristina Ozores. The renowned marine educator, founder of the conservation organisation Vellmarí and National Geographic Educator, officially blessed and named EXPLORA III during the ceremony.

Guests later gathered in EXPLORA III’s exceptional dining venues for a gala dinner before the celebrations continued with an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment. Legendary disco icons Sister Sledge feat. Kathy Sledgedelivered an energetic performance of their timeless hits, followed by internationally acclaimed DJ Bob Sinclar, whose electrifying set kept guests dancing late into the night. Celebrity guests celebrating the newest addition to the fleet included Alex Rivière, The Gstaad Guy, and Alison Toby.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said:

“The naming of EXPLORA III marks a significant milestone, reflecting both the evolution of our fleet and our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of ultra-elegant ocean travel. Designed as a destination in herself, EXPLORA III embodies an even more generous expression of space, design, gastronomy and holistic wellbeing. Every detail has been carefully created to inspire the sense of presence and connection that defines our unique Ocean State of Mind.”

Cristina Ozores, Godmother of EXPLORA III, added:

“Being the Godmother of EXPLORA III means opening the door for people to experience a new way of travelling—one that allows them to discover the ocean in a deeper and more meaningful way. I hope every journey inspires guests to marvel at the beauty beneath the sea, appreciate its colours and biodiversity, and reconnect with the ocean through curiosity, joy and a genuine desire to protect it.”