Explora Journeys launches LNG‑powered EXPLORA III luxury cruise ship from Hamburg

Explora Journeys, the private luxury cruise brand of the MSC Group, will introduce its new LNG‑powered vessel EXPLORA III to the German market. The ship, designed like a private yacht with only suites featuring sea views, private terraces and floor‑to‑ceiling windows, will begin sailing in summer 2026. Hamburg is the initial home port, with Warnemünde added as a departure point from 2028.

The launch includes a range of itineraries: a short 5‑night voyage from Copenhagen to Hamburg in early September 2026, a 10‑night Hamburg‑to‑Reykjavik trip later that month, and longer “Grand Journeys” such as a transatlantic crossing via Iceland and Greenland to New York. Additional seasonal routes will cover the Mediterranean in the winter months. The LNG propulsion marks the first of its kind in the Explora fleet, underscoring the brand’s commitment to long‑term sustainability while offering a high‑end, slower‑pace travel experience.

The ship’s amenities encompass eleven dining concepts, multiple bars and lounges, and a 24‑hour in‑suite dining service, targeting affluent German travelers seeking immersive, flexible cruise experiences.