Explora III
Explora Journeys ship guide
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Explora III arriving in Bergen, August 2026 · Photo: Dag Chr Halvorsen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Explora III
Explora III is an Explora Journeys cruise ship of the Explora class, in service since 2026. She measures 72,810 gross tons. She sails Caribbean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, Asia itineraries. We rate her 4.3 out of 5.
Explora III is the third Explora-class ship and the line's first LNG-powered vessel, delivered by Fincantieri in Genoa in July 2026. At 72,810 gross tons she is 19.2 metres longer than her two sisters but carries a similar number of guests, adding a second Owner's Residence designed by Patricia Urquiola, new venues such as The Cellar, The Chef's Table and Shore Club on 11, a combined spa and gym, and a first Chopard boutique on board. She began with a Prelude Journey from Genoa on 24 July 2026, was named in Barcelona, and sailed Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before crossing to Canada and New England. She spends winter 2026-27 in the Caribbean between Miami and San Juan, then Alaska in 2027 and Asia in 2027-28.
Ship facts
- Entered service
- 2026
- Maiden voyage July 2026
Explora III is bigger than 56% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Dining
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Entertainment
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Service
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Pools & decks
- 5/5, fleet average 5.0
- Value
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Explora Journeys fleet average across 3 rated ships in service.
Sister ships: Explora class
Explora III is one of 6 Explora class ships. Explora II (2024) and Explora I (2023) are in service, and Explora IV (due 2027), Explora V (due December 2027) and Explora VI (due August 2028) are on the way.
| Ship | Year | Gross tons | Guests | Space | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explora III this ship | 2026 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora II | 2024 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora I | 2023 | 4.3/5 | |||
| Explora IV | Coming 2027 | — | |||
| Explora V | Debuts Dec 2027 | — | |||
| Explora VI | Debuts Aug 2028 | — |
Official deck plans
Photos
Explora III arriving in Bergen, August 2026Photo: Dag Chr Halvorsen, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Northern Europethe Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, May to September
- Canada and New EnglandBoston to Quebec City, at its best in autumn
- Alaskathe Inside Passage and glaciers from Seattle, Vancouver and Seward, May to September
- AsiaJapan, Southeast Asia and China
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Explora III?
Explora III is operated by Explora Journeys and belongs to its Explora class.
What are Explora III's sister ships?
Explora III is one of 6 Explora class ships. Explora II (2024) and Explora I (2023) are in service, and Explora IV (due 2027), Explora V (due December 2027) and Explora VI (due August 2028) are on the way.
How big is Explora III?
Explora III measures 72,810 gross tons.
How does Explora III compare in size with other cruise ships?
Explora III is bigger than 56% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record.
When did Explora III enter service?
Explora III entered service in 2026.
Where does Explora III sail?
Explora III sails Caribbean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska and Asia itineraries.
Where can I find the deck plans for Explora III?
Explora Journeys publishes the deck plans for Explora III; this page links to Deck plans and Deck plans (PDF).
How is Explora III rated?
Cruises Frog rates Explora III 4.3 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on cabins (5/5) and lowest on value (3/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
Related news about Explora III
- Solo cruising with Explora Journeys: a suite to yourself from a 0 percent supplement
Explora's "A Journey of One" offer puts solo guests in an Ocean Terrace Suite or penthouse for little or nothing over the per-person fare. Here is how it works.
Cruise lines
- Sisley Paris brings its first spa at sea to Explora III, with Explora I and II to follow in 2027
The French skincare brand gets a dedicated treatment suite and two signature facials in Explora III's Ocean Wellness spa.
Ships
- PortMiami names 16 new ships for its 2026-27 season, from Explora III to Hero of the Seas
Miami regained the title of world's busiest cruise port. Five Silversea ships arrive this winter, with Norwegian Aura and Hero of the Seas in 2027.
Ports
- 5 things Explora Journeys does well—and 1 it doesn’t
Five strengths of Explora Journeys, one clear drawback, and the travelers most likely to enjoy its cruise style.
Cruise lines