Image Credits: Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys has officially named EXPLORA III in Barcelona, marking the entry of the cruise brand’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship into its fleet and a key step in its plan to operate six vessels.
The ship was delivered in Genoa on July 23, 2026, and completed a Mediterranean prelude voyage before arriving in Barcelona for the naming ceremony.
EXPLORA III later departed Barcelona on August 3 for its seven-night maiden journey to Lisbon, starting its first season of voyages across Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.
EXPLORA III is the first LNG-powered vessel operated by Explora Journeys and has been developed with technology that allows it to operate on LNG while supporting the future use of renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG when they become available.
The vessel is also equipped with shore power capability, allowing it to connect to onshore electricity at ports with suitable infrastructure. This enables the ship to switch off its engines while docked.
The naming ceremony in Barcelona brought together senior officials from Explora Journeys and MSC Group, along with guests, travel partners and media representatives.
The ceremony featured speeches from MSC Group Cruise Division Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, Explora Journeys President Anna Nash, Port of Barcelona President José Alberto Carbonell and Cristina Ozores, who served as the ship’s Godmother.
Ozores, a marine educator, founder of conservation organisation Vellmarí and a National Geographic Educator, officially blessed and named the vessel during the traditional christening ceremony.
Explora Journeys Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner was the first guest to board EXPLORA III during the ship’s Mediterranean prelude journey ahead of the official naming event.
“Naming EXPLORA III is a momentous occasion that reflects both the trajectory of our fleet and our steadfast commitment to shaping the future of ultra-elegant ocean travel,” Nash said.
The ship is the most spacious vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet so far and features expanded public areas, new culinary concepts, redesigned wellness spaces and layouts aimed at creating more opportunities for guests to connect with the ocean.
“The real evolution on EXPLORA III is our idea of casual luxury, now even more mature and consistent throughout the ship,” said Antonio Di Nenno, Director of Architecture & Design.
The ship’s construction began with its steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard near Genoa on September 6, 2023.
The keel was laid on September 12, 2024, when commemorative coins were placed inside the hull by Godmothers from Explora Journeys and Fincantieri.
EXPLORA III was floated out on July 14, 2025, before completing sea trials on June 1, 2026. The trials tested the ship’s propulsion, navigation systems, safety features and operational readiness ahead of its delivery.
References: lngindustry, bunkermarket
