Explora Journeys has celebrated the official naming ceremony of EXPLORA III in Barcelona, with Godmother Cristina Ozores blessing the brand’s first LNG-powered luxury ship. As the fleet’s most spacious vessel to date, she introduces expanded public spaces, new culinary concepts, and advanced environmental technologies. Following the celebration, EXPLORA III is set to embark on her inaugural season across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America.
Barcelona, Spain | August 3, 2026 – Explora Journeys reached a defining milestone in its fleet expansion with the official Naming Ceremony of EXPLORA III in Barcelona. The glamorous event marked another major stride toward the luxury cruise brand’s vision of introducing a fleet of six cruise ships designed to redefine ultra-elegant ocean travel.
Surrounded by time-honoured maritime tradition and European elegance, the ceremony brought together esteemed guests, global partners, travel advisors, media representatives, and key leadership figures from Explora Journeys and the broader MSC Group.
Pioneering Sustainable and Spacious Ocean Travel
As the first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-powered vessel to join the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III represents a substantial investment in advanced marine technologies and future-ready ship design.
Positioned as the brand’s most spacious ship to date, EXPLORA III delivers an elevated onboard experience featuring:
- Expanded public areas designed for relaxation and socializing.
- Brand-new culinary concepts offering an even greater variety of dining experiences at sea.
- Reimagined wellness spaces created to inspire deep relaxation.
- Immersive layouts that provide guests with more opportunities to connect directly with the ocean.
Following the traditional blessing, the vessel was officially named by her Godmother, Cristina Ozores, sealing its welcome into the Explora Journeys family.
EXPLORA III Milestone Timeline
In maritime tradition, the life of a ship begins long before her first voyage, marked by centuries-old customs that celebrate craftsmanship and bestow good fortune. For EXPLORA III, these milestones trace a remarkable path toward redefining luxury ocean travel:
- Steel-Cutting Ceremony (6 September 2023): Held at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa, Italy, this marked the official birth of the vessel as vision transformed into physical construction.
- Keel Laying (12 September 2024): Commemorative coins were placed within the hull by two Godmothers from Explora Journeys and Fincantieri, symbolizing strength, protection, and prosperity.
- Float-Out (14 July 2025): The vessel’s elegant silhouette met the water for the first time, transitioning from a land-based structure to an ocean-going ship.
- Sea Trials (1 June 2026): Rigorous open-water testing successfully proved the vessel’s propulsion, navigation systems, safety features, and operational readiness.
- Delivery Ceremony (23 July 2026): The official handover from shipbuilder to owner, marking EXPLORA III’s arrival as the first LNG-powered vessel in the fleet.
- Naming Ceremony (1 August 2026): Marine educator and conservationist Cristina Ozores served as Godmother, formally blessing the ship in Barcelona before her entry into service.
- The Maiden Journey: The ultimate culmination of design and dedication, inviting guests to experience the “Ocean State of Mind” across the world’s most captivating destinations.
Inaugural Season and Fleet Vision
With the naming celebrations concluded, EXPLORA III is set to embark on her inaugural season, offering captivating itineraries across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America.
Explora Journeys continues to reshape ultra-luxury ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travelers. Featuring 461 oceanfront suites, each complete with sweeping sea views and a private terrace, alongside nine distinct restaurants, the brand blends iconic destinations with hidden gems. Equipped with state-of-the-art environmental and marine technologies, Explora Journeys invites travelers to explore differently, fostering deep reconnections with themselves, their loved ones, and the world.
About Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, redefining cruising for discerning travelers worldwide. With a growing fleet of innovative ships, the brand offers remarkable itineraries that blend cultural discovery with supreme comfort. Whether onboard or ashore, guests experience a harmonious fusion of sophisticated design, environmental responsibility, and personalized enrichment.
Source: Explora Journeys