Explora Journeys’ newest ship brings ultra-elegant ocean travel to
one of the world’s most iconic destinations

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EXPLORA III, the newest ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, made her maiden call to New York City, marking another milestone in the ship’s inaugural season. As the third vessel in the brand’s growing fleet and the halfway point toward its vision of six ships by 2028, EXPLORA III represents an important chapter in the continued evolution of Explora Journeys.

EXPLORA III, the brand’s first LNG-powered vessel, is the most spacious ship in the fleet and introduces enhanced culinary experiences, expanded wellness offerings and thoughtfully designed public spaces that further elevate the guest experience. 

The arrival of EXPLORA III was commemorated with a traditional Crest Exchange Ceremony, a long-standing maritime tradition celebrating a vessel’s first visit to a destination. The ceremony took place on-board between the ship’s leadership team and local port representatives, recognizing the occasion.

Travel advisors from across the region were also welcomed on-board to experience the ship first-hand and gain deeper insight into Explora Journeys’ distinctive approach to ocean travel.

Guests aboard EXPLORA III enjoy spacious oceanfront suites, intuitive hospitality, award-winning culinary concepts and immersive destination experiences designed to inspire an Ocean State of Mind. Together, they reflect Explora Journeys’ distinctive approach to ultra-elegant ocean travel.

Celebrating EXPLORA III’s Maiden Call

For generations, New York City has served as a gateway to the world, welcoming travelers seeking discovery, connection and new perspectives. That spirit of exploration continues to resonate today, making the city a natural stop on EXPLORA III’s inaugural season in North America.

Chris Austin, President, North America, Explora Journeys, said: “EXPLORA III represents the next evolution of Explora Journeys, building on the success of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II while introducing new experiences that further elevate our approach to ultra-elegant ocean travel. As the third ship in our fleet and the halfway point toward our vision of six ships by 2028, she marks an important milestone for the brand, and we are delighted to celebrate her first visit to New York City.”

Following her call in New York City, EXPLORA III will continue exploring destinations along the U.S. and Canadian East Coast before making her way to Miami for her inaugural Caribbean season.

About Explora Journeys 

Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Rooted in Swiss precision, understated European elegance and the Aponte-Vago family’s 300 years of maritime heritage, the brand has grown from a long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning guests. At its heart is a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ that connects guests with the sea, themselves and like-minded others, while immersive itineraries blend iconic destinations with lesser-traveled ports for unhurried Journeys inspiring discovery.

Marrying the refined essence and service of the world’s finest boutique hotels with the boundless freedom of the ocean, the fleet prioritizes a profound sense of space. Each ship features generously proportioned oceanfront Suites, Penthouses and Residences, where abundant natural light, generous outdoor living space and uninterrupted sea views create an unrivaled sense of openness. Guests enjoy a sophisticated collection of distinct dining destinations, world-class wellness facilities, heated pools designed for all seasons and premium retail spaces, all reflecting the brand’s effortless sense of understated European luxury.

EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II entered the fleet in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and were joined in 2026 by EXPLORA III, the brand’s first LNG-powered ship. EXPLORA IV will follow in early 2027, with EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI joining the fleet through 2027 into 2028, incorporating advanced environmental technologies as part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

To learn more about Explora Journeys, visit explorajourneys.com or Stories for Journey inspiration. Follow us on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok.

Media Contact
Stephanie Krajewski
Executive Vice President
Brandman
ExploraJourneys@brandmanagency.com

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SOURCE Explora Journeys