GENOA — EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa today marks another significant milestone in the growth of Explora Journeys, the ultra-elegant ocean travel brand of the MSC Group.

The next phase of MSC Group’s €3.5 billion+ fleet investment is here, with the delivery of EXPLORA III.

The official delivery of EXPLORA III was celebrated at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa with the traditional handover ceremony, attended by MSC Group’s Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division, Pierfrancesco Vago and Explora Journeys’ President, Anna Nash as well as Fincantieri’s President, Biagio Mazzotta and other executives.

With EXPLORA III now delivered, Explora Journeys has reached the halfway point in the development of its six-ship fleet. Construction continues at Fincantieri on EXPLORA IV, EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028.

“PROUD MILESTONE”

Nash said the delivery marks another proud milestone for Explora Journeys. “EXPLORA III represents the next step in our journey as we continue to redefine ocean travel through thoughtful innovation, exceptional design and the intuitive hospitality that sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience. As a privately owned, family-led business with deep maritime heritage, we remain committed to investing for the long term, always with our guests at the centre of every decision,” she said.

MSC Group’s Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division, Pierfrancesco Vago, and Explora Journeys’ President, Anna Nash

Extended by 19.2 metres, EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the line’s fleet and introduces three new dining concepts—The Cellar, The Chef’s Table and Shore Club on 11. The ship also features a second Owner’s Residence, an expanded collection of Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences and reimagined Ocean Wellness facilities.

EXPLORA III is now sailing a one-time five-night Mediterranean prelude journey from Genoa and wrapping up in Civitavecchia (Rome). EXPLORA III will then sail to Barcelona for its official naming ceremony on Aug.1. On Aug. 3, the ship departs Barcelona for a seven-night maiden journey to Lisbon.

EXPLORA III is the first LNG-capable vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, plus the ship is equipped with shore power capability.