Introducing EXPLORA III: A Luxury Resort at Sea for a New Kind of Traveller 

For discerning travellers accustomed to the world’s most exclusive boutique hotels, traditional ocean cruising hasn’t always matched the brief. Explora Journeys is changing that perception entirely. With the arrival of the Explora III, luxury ocean travel evolves into a luminous, European-style resort at sea that simply happens to move with the horizon.

“EXPLORA III is for a different breed of traveller. It is European in style and sensibility,” says Joe O’Sullivan, Director of Cruise Traveller. “Guests who aspire to penthouse suites at high-end resorts may be surprised by the value, particularly when they consider the generous inclusions that come as standard. It is difficult for land-based resorts to compete with that combination of quality, ease and flexibility. If you value exceptional dining and intimate service, but have never considered a cruise, this is an excellent place to start.” 

Drawing on over 300 years of seafaring heritage from the Aponte family, this new luxury cruise ship combines the generous space, intuitive service, and culinary artistry of an ultra-luxury land sanctuary with the effortless ease of unpacking just once.

All-Oceanfront Suites & Residences

Designed around the philosophy of the Ocean State of Mind, every private accommodation on board is an oceanfront sanctuary offering floor-to-ceiling glass, walk-in wardrobes, and expansive private sun terraces:

The Owner’s Residence by Patricia Urquiola:

An architectural masterclass spanning the full beam of the ship, complete with a private terrace, a private steam room and a generous ocean-facing terrace  with an infinity whirlpool.

• All-Oceanfront Living: 461 spacious oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences.
• Intuitive Service: An industry-leading 1.25 : 1 guest-to-host ratio delivers seamless, highly personalised hospitality.

Elevated Culinary Artistry & Boutique Shopping

Dining aboard this Explora Journeys luxury ship is a cosmopolitan journey spanning 7 distinct restaurants and 12 stylish bars and lounges:

The Cellar by Explora Journeys: An intimate haven for wine connoisseurs pairing rare vintage labels with artisanal cheeses, tableside-carved charcuterie, and fresh lobster.

The Chef’s Table: A bespoke, private dining experience curated in collaboration with master chefs.

Shore Club on 11 at The Conservatory: A relaxed, beach-club-inspired venue made for breezy alfresco dining.

Haute Horlogerie at Sea: Swiss luxury maison Chopard debuts its first onboard boutique alongside iconic heritage houses Cartier, Piaget, and Rolex.

Luxury with Generous Inclusions

Explora Journeys’ inclusions are an important part of its appeal, particularly when comparing the total cost with a stay at a high-end land resort.

Each journey includes nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining, as well as unlimited beverages such as fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks. Guests also receive complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities, access to the Ocean Wellness spa thermal area, group fitness and well-being activities, and port-to-city shuttle services where available.

A welcome bottle of champagne is provided in every suite, together with a bottle of wine and a bottle of spirit selected according to the guest’s preference. Selected premium dining experiences and rare wine and spirit selections are available at an additional cost.

This comprehensive approach allows guests to relax into their holiday without continually calculating the cost of dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, wellness facilities or gratuities.

Future-Ready Design: The First LNG-Powered Vessel

As the fleet’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, Explora III represents a major technological leap forward in sustainable marine travel.

Officially christened on 1 August 2026 by Godmother and celebrated marine conservationist Cristina Ozores, the ship blends maritime tradition with forward-thinking environmental engineering—significantly reducing emissions while delivering a remarkably smooth, whisper-quiet voyage.

Inaugural Journeys: Northern Europe to the Americas

EXPLORA III’s inaugural season takes guests through Western and Northern Europe, the Baltic capitals and Norwegian fjords before continuing to Iceland, Greenland, the Canadian Maritimes and New England.

Her global journey then continues through the Caribbean and Central America, including a passage through the Panama Canal. In summer 2027, EXPLORA III will lead Explora Journeys’ first season in Alaska.

With longer stays, overnight visits and a combination of celebrated destinations and lesser-travelled ports, each journey has been designed to encourage deeper, more unhurried exploration.

Discover Explora Journeys with Cruise Traveller

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or exploring ocean travel for the very first time, Explora III offers an unmatched combination of luxury, generous inclusions, and value. Explore Explora Journeys cruises with Cruise Traveller or speak with our luxury small-ship cruise specialists about finding the EXPLORA III journey that is right for you. 

Explora III in images