# Explora III delivery and Explora Journeys fleet expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/explora-iii-cruise-ship-delivery > Updated: 2026-09-14T03:45:23.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 10. Fincantieri handed over the LNG-powered luxury cruise ship Explora III to MSC Group’s Explora Journeys brand on 22 July 2026 in Genoa. The 267-metre vessel, 19.2 m longer than its sisters, carries 461 suites for up to approximately 922 passengers and offers 19.5 m² of public space per guest. It includes a second Owner’s Residence designed by Patricia Urquiola. As the first MSC ship to run on liquefied natural gas, it reduces SOx emissions by 99% and NOx by 85%, with the capacity for future use of bio-LNG or synthetic LNG. It also features shore power capabilities to reduce emissions while in port. Following a five-day “Prelude Journey” from Genoa to Civitavecchia, Explora III was christened on 1 August 2026 in Barcelona. The ceremony was attended by MSC executives Pierfrancesco Vago and Anna Nash, Barcelona port president José Alberto Carbonell, National Geographic educator Cristina Ozores as godmother, and global brand ambassador Jannik Sinner, who served as the ship’s first guest. Explora III has since begun its inaugural Mediterranean voyage. The vessel recently made its first call at the Port of Tangier Ville in Morocco, part of nine scheduled calls at the port through the end of 2027. The ship features expanded amenities including seven culinary experiences, 12 bars and lounges, five heated pools, and the brand’s first Chopard boutique. The delivery marks a milestone in MSC’s €3.5 billion luxury fleet programme, with three of the six planned vessels now operational. Explora IV and V are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028. On 10 and 14 September 2026, Explora Journeys announced new Journey Collections for the 2027-2028 season, replacing previously planned routes in the Middle East and Red Sea. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Explora Journeys announces new 2027-2028 winter cruise collections Explora Journeys has unveiled new 2027-2028 winter collections for Explora I and Explora V, featuring South American summer routes and Mediterranean winter itineraries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-announces-new-2027-2028-winter-cruise-collections ### 2026-09-10: Explora Journeys announces new 2027-2028 travel collections Explora Journeys has unveiled new 2027-2028 itineraries, featuring South American voyages on EXPLORA I and Mediterranean and Atlantic routes on the debuting EXPLORA V. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-announces-new-mediterranean-and-south-american-cruise-itineraries ### 2026-08-22: Explora Journeys debuts EXPLORA III in Mediterranean itineraries Explora Journeys has introduced its new LNG-powered luxury cruise ship, EXPLORA III, to Mediterranean routes, including a strategic new stop at the Port of Tangier Ville in Morocco. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-debuts-explora-iii-in-mediterranean-itineraries ### 2026-08-17: Explora III begins inaugural Mediterranean voyage Explora Journeys has launched Explora III, a luxury vessel in the Mediterranean, as part of its plan to reach six ships by 2028. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-iii-begins-inaugural-mediterranean-voyage ### 2026-08-12: Explora Journeys launches LNG-powered Explora III cruise ship Explora Journeys has launched the Explora III, its first LNG-powered luxury cruise ship, marking a significant fleet expansion with its inaugural stop in Lisbon. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-launches-lng-powered-explora-iii-cruise-ship ### 2026-08-09: Explora Journeys expands luxury fleet with delivery of Explora III Explora Journeys and Fincantieri celebrate the delivery of Explora III, marking the halfway point of a six-ship luxury fleet expansion featuring advanced LNG propulsion technology. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-expands-luxury-fleet-with-delivery-of-explora-iii ### 2026-08-04: MSC’s Explora III luxury LNG‑powered cruise ship launched in the Mediterranean and named in Barcelona MSC’s Explora III, the cruise line’s first LNG‑powered luxury ship, debuted in the Mediterranean and was officially named in Barcelona, featuring 461 suites, high‑end amenities and performances by Sister Sledge 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mscs-explora-iii-luxury-lngpowered-cruise-ship-launched-in-the-mediterranean-and-named-in-barcelona ### 2026-08-02: Explora Journeys launches LNG‑powered Explora III cruise ship in Barcelona Explora Journeys christened the LNG‑powered Explora III in Barcelona, the first MSC ship using cleaner fuel, part of a €7 billion plan for a six‑ship ultra‑luxury fleet by 2028. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-christens-lngpowered-explora-iii-cruise-ship-in-barcelona ### 2026-07-26: Explora III cruise ship delivered by Fincantieri to MSC Group's Explora Journeys Fincantieri handed over the LNG‑powered luxury cruise ship Explora III to MSC’s Explora Journeys on 22 July 2026 in Genoa; the 267 m vessel carries 922 passengers and will begin service after a prelude cruise. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fincantieri-delivers-mscs-explora-iii-luxury-cruise-ship-to-genoa ### 2026-07-23: Explora III luxury cruise ship delivered to Explora Journeys Fincantieri delivered the LNG‑powered Explora III to Explora Journeys in Genoa, marking the third of six luxury ships in a €3.5 bn MSC program, with new amenities and a sustainability focus. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/explora-journeys-receives-third-lng-powered-cruise-ship-explora-iii --- Cite as: Explora III delivery and Explora Journeys fleet expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/explora-iii-cruise-ship-delivery