New luxury cruise line Explora Journeys is growing its fleet quickly. Explora I and Explora II are already sailing the seas, and next up will be Explora III in summer 2026.
“With Explora III, we are thrilled to reach the halfway point in the launch of our fleet of six luxury ships, each designed to redefine the standards of ocean travel,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “This milestone represents more than just growth; it underscores our dedication to offering guests unparalleled access to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. By expanding our fleet, we are able to offer a greater variety of itineraries, immersing travelers in diverse cultures, landscapes and unique moments across the globe.”
The design of the first two vessels of any ship class is usually locked in place at the shipyard, but the third in the series can bring some changes, and that is the case for Explora III. Here’s what we know so far about the upcoming ship.
Accommodations Onboard Explora III
Explora III will boast a total of 463 cabins — a teeny increase from the 461 offered on Explora I and Explora II — and in the categories of Ocean Suites, Penthouses and Residences. The exact breakdown will be 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, 39 Ocean Residences and two Owner’s Residences.
This amounts to higher-tier Ocean Penthouses making up 24% of the inventory, while upper Ocean Residences have increased to 9%. The ship will also have an additional Owner’s Residence on Deck 7, and redefined Cove Residences for a better suite configuration.
Besides private accommodations, the ship will feature 18.7 square meters (about 201 square feet) of public space per guest.
Onboard Dining
Still along for the ride will be specialty fine dining (without a surcharge) at Sakura (pan-Asian), Fil Rouge (French), Med Yacht Club (Mediterranean) and Marble & Co. Grill (a steakhouse), as well as the elevated Emporium Marketplace buffet. Anthology is expected to be the only pre-fixe option for exceptional Italian cuisine.
Wellness Features
The luxury ship’s Ocean Wellness fitness, spa and gym facilities will be reimagined as a unified space (on Explora I and Explora II, the venues are located on separate decks). The spa still promises to be a serene sanctuary, and the fitness center will continue to offer state-of-the-art equipment.
The Open-Air Fitness area on Deck 14 will be enhanced, and the running track on Deck 12 will be elongated. An expanded Sports Court will showcase pickleball, paddle games and basketball.
Youth Spaces
Clients sailing with children will note Explora III’s family amenities. The Explora’s singular Nautilus Club will be divided into two dedicated spaces on this ship: Nautilus Club Juniors for those ages 3 to 5, and Nautilus Club Teens for those ages 6 to 17. Nautilus Club Juniors will also offer six hours of daily baby care services for those under the age of 3.
Meetings and Events
Explora III will offer meeting rooms on Deck 11, good for hosting business events, video conferences and other functions. The space will be able to be divided into three individual rooms as needed for private gatherings.
Sustainability Features
Last but not least, Explora III will be the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel in the fleet, demonstrating the brand’s effort to decarbonize its marine operations and reduce its environmental impact. According to the line, use of LNG will potentially lower well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%. Additionally, the ship will employ shore power capabilities and further energy-efficient features.
Where Explora III Will Sail
Explora III’s maiden season will take the luxury ship to Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before heading over to the East Coast of North America and down to the Caribbean for the winter 2026-2027 season.
Specifically, departures from Southampton, U.K., will commence on Aug. 17, 2026, navigating to the Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden and Germany, and later to Ronne in Denmark, Nanortalik and Paamiut in Greenland and Seydisfjordur in Iceland.
The ship will then arrive in Quebec City, Canada, on Sept. 27, 2026, before calling on the Magdalen Islands and New York City. And on Oct. 25, 2026, the ship will arrive in Miami.
