ONBOARD EXPLORA III — Reimagined to up the luxury quotient of Explora Journeys’ Explora I and II, Explora III delivers a faultless cruising lifestyle, with accommodations, cuisine and amenities to satisfy discriminating guests.

No wonder. As described by Explora Journeys’ President, Anna Nash at the ship’s christening ceremony in Barcelona, Explora III was built on the experience and client feedback of her sister ships, while incorporating advanced environmental technologies as the brand’s first LNG-powered vessel.

The Emporium Marketplace prepares grilled lobster à la minute (photo courtesy Toby Saltzman)

Upon boarding Explora III for the 4-night preview journey out of Rome (Civitavecchia), I was first struck by the ship’s easy elegance.

From The lofty Lobby Bar with its cascading chandelier to inviting public lounges, restaurants and suites, the design is cleverly conceived to create a serene residential environment accented by exuberant sparks of glittering lights and colourful art.

Third in the fleet of six ships scheduled for service by 2028, Explora III is 19.2 metres (63 feet) longer than Explora I and II, increasing public space by 19.5 square metres (64 sq. ft.).

Explora III features 461 all ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences, including two Owner’s Residences at 315 square metres (3,391 sq. ft.), with one designed by Spanish architect and industrial designer, Patricia Urquiola, featuring a sauna and terrace with whirlpool.

My Premier Penthouse suite was exceedingly comfortable with its separate bedroom and living room – featuring a sectional sofa, coffee table and dining table with four chairs – that opens to a balcony with a chaise lounge, table and two chairs.

The ample space includes a powder room with a Dyson hairdryer, clothes steamer and Technogym yoga mat. Similar suite bathrooms have heated floors and include a shower stall or combo bathtub-with-shower.

Explora III has plenty of places to splash and relax, with five swimming pools, outdoor cabanas and shaded lounges. The expanded Conservatory Pool has a retractable roof for all-season swimming.

The Ocean Wellness Centre clusters the spa and fitness facilities to create a sanctuary at sea for those seeking indulgent relaxation, rejuvenating therapy or energizing activity. The vast indoor gym, featuring Technogym Sandstone and Reform Pilates equipment, is complimented outdoors by Technogym cycles, a running track, and padel court that was busy with pickleball players.

I loved the spa, starting with my zen-inducing zone in the Sava Sound Pod followed by a muscle-kneading massage, and the invigorating circuit through the steamy Finnish sauna, chilly Himalayan salt cave and therapeutic pool. Given time, I would have relished the Dr. Levy medi-sculpt facial for its glowing results.

Other Explora III enhancements include the redesigned Crema Café, a fave spot for espressos and snacks, and the new outside cigar patio at the Malt Whisky Bar.

Sky Bar on 14 is an open-air rooftop lounge

Explora III guests can expect gastronomic excellence in each of its seven distinct dining venues. Besides dining at the prized Anthology on chef Franck Garanger’s seven-course feast paired with wines, or Japanese Sakura where starters include Wagyu beef tataki, or Marble & Co steakhouse where palates are stunned by the appetizer of fingerling potatoes capped with Calvisius Oscietra caviar and gold leaf garnish, guests can always eat at Emporium Marketplace where abundant choices include a carving station, pastas and foods prepared à la minute including grilled lobster, salmon and tuna.

New on Explora III, the Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys offers a private dining experience customized to guest choices of menu and wines. The Cellar By Explora Journeys is an intimate wine bar featuring some 350 labels. At the Conservatory Pool, the Shore Club on 11 serves Mediterranean dishes, crêpes, gelato and refreshing zero-proof drinks.

Appealing to well-heeled guests, retail boutiques include Cartier, Piaget, Chopard and Rolex, where appointments are de rigueur. The first Mandala by Ocean Atelier boutique at sea sells exquisite items, including Explora Journeys’ exclusive designs.

Family-friendly Explora III welcomes children six months and older, with programs organized for kids 3-5. The bright Nautilus Club caters to older kids with a pool table, VR headsets, Xbox, PlayStation, plus assorted games and toys.

All Explora Journeys’ ships offer optional excursions and specially curated activities where possible.

On my brief preview journey from Rome to Barcelona, my curated Portofino experiences included a breathtaking jaunt in a heritage yacht along the scenic Ligurian Riviera dotted with small villages, followed by a lunch of local delicacies at Langosteria. Future Portofino excursions include an all-day tour to Cinque Terre, kayaking in the Bay of Paraggi, or a hike with gourmet picnic in bio-diverse Portofino Natural Park.

Wherever Explora Journey’s destination, returning to Explora III is pure pleasure.

Premier Penthouse accommodation onboard Explora III (photo courtesy Toby Saltzman)

TIPS FOR THE TRADE

• Explora III has 11 accessible cabins. Tendering ashore involves many steps, a possible hurdle for mobility-challenged passengers.
• For advisors with solo travellers, select itineraries have no single supplements.
• The ship is conducive to the meetings and incentive market with its spacious layout including 13 bars and lounges, plus state-of-the-art technical facilities and reliable WiFi by Starlink.
• Explora III is currently on her maiden journey to Lisbon. She will continue through northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and New England. Fall itineraries will loop between Quebec City and New York City, with stops in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Maine. Winter Caribbean itineraries will call at Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Turks and Caicos.

Lead image caption (clockwise from left): Explora III’s Anthology elevates Italian cuisine; The Conservatory Pool; Explora III at sea (all images courtesy Explora Journeys except where noted)