Explora Journeys Takes Delivery of Third Luxury Cruise Ship
There are officially three ships in the Explora Journeys fleet! The luxury cruise line took delivery of Explora III today at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
The delivery was celebrated with a traditional handover ceremony, which was attended by cruise line and shipyard executives, local government officials, and other invited guests. Hosted by Italian TV presenter Lorella Cuccarini, the ceremony celebrated the continued expansion of Explora Journeys, as the line aims for a six-ship fleet by 2028.
The ceremony included a performance by Italian dance group Urban Theory, the traditional parade of Explora III‘s officers and the Fincantieri shipyard workforce, and the ceremonial change of flag that marks the official transfer of the ship from builder to owner. Following a blessing that was bestowed upon the vessel, godmother Maya Aponte concluded the ceremony with a ribbon-cutting and bottle-breaking, welcoming the newest member of the Explora Journeys family.
“Today marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys as we officially welcome EXPLORA III into our growing fleet,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “With every new ship, we have the opportunity to listen, learn and refine, building on what our guests value most while remaining true to the vision that defines our brand. EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience.”
Following a five-night Prelude Journey cruise, Explora III will sail to Barcelona for her official naming ceremony on August 1. On August 3, she will depart Barcelona on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, launching an inaugural season of voyages in northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America. In 2027, Explora III will usher in Explora’s debut in Alaska, where she will operate a wide variety of itineraries out of Vancouver.
About Explora III
Extended by about 63 feet, Explora III is the most spacious ship in the Explora Journeys fleet thus far, while hosting about the same number of guests as her sister ships Explora I and Explora II. The ship introduces three new dining concepts — The Cellar, The Chef’s Table, and Shore Club on 11. It also includes a second Owner’s Residence accommodation and an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. As well, the Ocean Wellness facilities have been reimagined aboard this ship to bring spa and fitness together.
