[REVISION HISTORY]

Explora III delivery and Explora Journeys fleet expansion

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What changed

2026-09-11 11:03 UTC → 2026-09-14 14:31 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, ~~which will replace~~ replacing previously planned routes in the Middle East and Red Sea.

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