A landmark evening on the Barcelona waterfront
Beneath the MSC Cruise Division terminal in Barcelona, Explora Journeys named its third ship, Explora III, on August 3, 2026—the fleet’s first LNG-powered vessel and a milestone marking the halfway point in the brand’s six-ship vision. Marine educator and Vellmarí co-founder Cristina Ozores blessed and named the ship, following addresses from Explora Journeys President Anna Nash, and Port of Barcelona President José Alberto Carbonell. A gala dinner and performances from Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, followed by a DJ set from Bob Sinclar, carried the celebration into the night.
“Naming Explora III is a momentous occasion that reflects both the trajectory of our fleet and our steadfast commitment to shaping the future of ultra-elegant ocean travel”.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
The naming capped a Prelude Journey that began with the ship’s early delivery in Genoa on July 23. Global Brand Ambassador Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 tennis champion, joined that opening leg as the ship’s first guest, hosting Q&As and becoming the first Honorary Diamond Member of the Explora Club.
An architectural evolution of space and light
At 19.2 meters longer than her sister ships, Explora III offers 19.5 square meters of public space per guest—the most generous ratio in the fleet. Her redesigned lobby centers on an asymmetrical marble staircase beneath hand-blown Venini chandeliers from Murano, while a second Owner’s Residence, designed with architect Patricia Urquiola, adds a private steam room and ocean-facing terrace with whirlpool.
“Luxury should be everywhere but never feel formal or intimidating. It should feel elegant, comfortable and familiar, like being at home.”
Antonio Di Nenno, Director of Architecture & Design.
New flavors, wellness and a lower-carbon course
New venues include The Cellar by Explora Journeys, an intimate wine destination with nearly 350 labels, and a reimagined Ocean Wellness deck combining fitness, spa, and an outdoor sports court. As the fleet’s first LNG-powered ship, Explora III also points toward bio-LNG and shore power capability as the brand pushes further into low-carbon ship design.
A parallel mission: restoring the Mediterranean’s seagrass
The naming celebrations doubled as the launch pad for “Shallow Bays of the Mediterranean,” a three-year MSC Foundation and Asociación Vellmarí program to restore Posidonia oceanica seagrass, timed to coincide with Ozores’ appointment as Godmother. Beginning in Ibiza, the initiative aims to plant up to 180,000 plants and engage more than 30,000 people in marine education by 2029.
“How easy it is to destroy these ecosystems, but extraordinarily difficult to restore them”.
Manu San Félix, Founder of Asociación Vellmarí.
New horizons
Explora III departed Barcelona on August 3 for a seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon, opening an inaugural season through Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America—with Explora IV, V, and VI still to come.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
