EXPLORA III
Explora class · Northern Europe & Fjords, Other, Caribbean & Bahamas, Alaska, Japan & Asia
Scheduled to be delivered by Fincantieri in July 2026, EXPLORA III is the third ship in the series. She is about 19 meters longer than the first two ships, with gross tonnage increased to about 73,000 GT. The ship will feature the brand’s LNG-ready propulsion system and a hybrid power system combining batteries with conventional engines. After departing Genoa on July 24, 2026, she will begin her maiden voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on August 3, followed by Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, Iceland, and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and New England, then continuing to the Caribbean from Miami. From May 2027, Alaska cruises will depart from Vancouver, followed by Asia cruises including Japan from September of the same year, offering a broader range of itineraries.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9869899)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Japanese food included in the fare
No Japanese language support
Payment in yen not accepted
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholIncluded
- GratuitiesIncluded
- Wi‑FiIncluded
- Specialty diningIncluded
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
The fare is basically a single all-inclusive plan (including meals, standard drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and more). However, Anthology (€165 per person, wine pairing €70), The Cellar (a wine bar), The Chef's Kitchen, The Chef's Table and others cost extra. Shore excursions are also charged separately. The higher the suite category, the more benefits are added in stages, such as spa treatments and laundry.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)Included (included in the fare, no additional charge)
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterIncluded (included in the fare, no additional charge)
- Extra chargeDrink packageThe fare includes unlimited wine, champagne, premium spirits (gin/whisky/rum/vodka/tequila/cognac, etc.), cocktails, coffee/tea and soft drinks, and the same applies inside suites. The dividing line is ultra-premium labels (rare cognacs, fine Bordeaux/Burgundy, etc.), which show a surcharge on the menu and are charged separately. On arrival, 1 bottle of champagne and 1 bottle each of wine and spirits are provided in the suite.
- IncludedWi‑FiIncluded in the fare (no additional charge; unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is available on all ships).
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)There is no fixed daily gratuity, as gratuities are covered by the fare, and no separate service charge line item appears on your onboard account.
- IncludedLaundrySelf-service laundry in two onboard locations is included in the fare. Penthouse and higher suites also receive complimentary finished laundry (valet/pressing).
- Shore excursionsShore excursions, called Destination Experiences, are not included in the fare. They are booked separately by choosing from several categories.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Barcelona (Spain), Civitavecchia (Italy, Rome), Miami (United States), San Juan (Puerto Rico)
- Departure ports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Miami, San Juan
- All ages
- A calm, all-suite, all-inclusive luxury ship. LNG propulsion strengthens its environmental performance, creating a sustainable, refined experience. Children are allowed, but the actual clientele is mainly honeymooners, anniversary travelers, adult couples, and seniors. Adult-oriented design is reflected throughout.
- Primarily affluent couples and seniors from North America and Europe. LNG propulsion, which attracts environmentally and sustainability-minded passengers, is a major differentiator for EXPLORA III.
With LNG (liquefied natural gas) dual-fuel propulsion, Explora III achieves the industry's first full-scale net-zero readiness. Its four Wärtsilä engines make it possible to cut Well-to-Wake emissions by about 80%. It also incorporates a design ready for future Bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, putting it at the forefront of the fleet-wide policy of aiming for net zero by 2050. Compared with the shore-power connection (cold ironing) of Explora I and II, the major advance is the substantial reduction achieved in propulsion itself.
Ship character
- • Travelers seeking the newest ship
- • Northern Europe and Iceland
- • 2027 Alaska, Japan, and Asia voyages
- • Adults-only voyages
- • Traveling with young children
- • Price-conscious travelers
- • Travelers seeking only short Caribbean cruises
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- ArticleJapanesecrea.bunshun.jp
crea.bunshun.jp · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishA Week Finding My 'Ocean State of Mind' Aboard EXPLORA III
blog.panachecruises.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- ArticleEnglishExplora III Review: Is This Really a Five-Star Hotel at Sea?
elitetraveler.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishEXPLORA III Full Ship Tour (2026) | Inside MSC's Most Luxurious Cruise Ship
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishPR / hosted trip disclosedEXPLORA III Erfahrungen: Neuerungen im persönlichen Check
unlimited-cruises.com · Sailed Jul 29, 2026 · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
English text in preparation.
Sources
- Officialexplorajourneys.com
- Secondary sourcevesselfinder.com
- Secondary sourceprnewswire.com
- Secondary sourcetravelmarketreport.com
- Secondary sourceparamountcruises.com
- Secondary sourcestarsdesk.com
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ocean Suite The entry category. It features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a private terrace of about 7 m²; at about 35 m², it is considered one of the largest entry suites in the industry. Decks 6–10 | 35 m² (377 ft²) | — King bed (180 x 200 cm); convertible to twin beds (90 x 200 cm x 2) | Balcony | Explora III official page |
Ocean Terrace Suite (Ocean Grand Terrace) A type with more outdoor living space than the entry category. Its terrace is about 11 m², larger than the Ocean Suite's, and it includes a dining table and daybed, making it suitable for outdoor dining and relaxation. Decks 6-7 | 39 m² (420 ft²) | — King bed (convertible to twins) | Balcony | Explora III official page |
Penthouse Bedrooms and living rooms are separated, with a dedicated dining space. A private concierge is provided, along with benefits such as priority boarding and complimentary laundry. Decks 6–10 | 43–68 m² (463–732 ft²) | — King bed (convertible to twins) | BalconyConcierge | Explora III official page |
Residence / Owner's Residence A category combining 4 types, Cove, Retreat, Serenity, and Cacoon, with the ship's only top-tier suite, the Owner's Residence. The Owner's Residence uses the ship's full width and is supported by a dedicated residence manager. Decks 6-10 (Owner's Residence at the far aft of Deck 8) | 70–280 m² (753–3,014 ft²) | 2-3 people (Owner's Residence accommodates up to 3, including up to 1 child) King bed + separate bedroom | BalconyConcierge | Explora III official page |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Nautilus Club — A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. It offers board games, video games, table tennis and table soccer, outdoor screenings on the pool deck, and more.
- • Helios Pool — An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. This quiet area has about 100 seats, including sunbeds, lounge chairs, and bar seats.
- • Casino — A small casino with 18 slot machines and 3 gaming tables. It is smoke-free, and guests must be aged 18 or over.
- Onboard currency
- EUR
- Gratuities
- Gratuities for crew, restaurant staff, bartenders and others are included in the base fare as part of the all-inclusive offer, so there is no need to tip extra. There is also no particular custom of adding extra tips. However, tips for shore excursion guides and drivers are not included in the fare and are given at your discretion.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Supports both 110V and 220V.
- Formal nights
- There are no formal nights (there are no nights requiring black tie or evening dresses). This is promoted as a point of differentiation from other traditional luxury cruise lines.
- Medical facilities
- There is a 24-hour medical center with nurses and doctors on staff, but it is not equivalent to a hospital on land and mainly handles first aid and minor conditions. Consultation and treatment costs are not included in the fare and are charged separately (the specific fee structure is not public).
- Bringing items onboard
- The official boarding terms explicitly state that bringing alcohol on board is prohibited. On the other hand, there are also multiple reports from actual passengers that bringing wine and the like was tolerated, so handling on the spot appears to vary. It is safest to check with the cruise line in advance.
- Mobile and connectivity
- No information on cruise-line-specific mobile roaming charges or partner plans could be confirmed. Because unlimited Wi-Fi is included in the fare, the usual approach at sea is to switch to airplane mode and use the onboard Wi-Fi.
- Japanese support
- Staff —Menus —Announcements —
Dining
A large market-style restaurant with live stations where chefs finish dishes before you, serving sushi, pasta, pizza, and other dishes as fare-included basic dining.
Hours: 24-hour service (breakfast, lunch, and dinner served continuously)
An Asian restaurant with striking decor featuring artificial cherry blossoms hanging from the ceiling. One of the basic dining venues included in the fare.
Hours: Dinner-focused
A steakhouse with a stately feel, centered on aged beef. Open only for dinner, but a basic dining venue included in the fare.
Hours: Dinner only
Outdoor-focused dining themed around the Mediterranean Riviera. Included basic dining known for signature dishes such as lobster ravioli.
Hours: Lunch and dinner
An elegant French restaurant with white tablecloths. It serves breakfast items such as eggs Benedict, and dinner dishes such as Burgundy-style escargots and lobster and veal Wellington.
Hours: Breakfast and dinner
A fare-included cafe serving specialty coffee and light meals.
A central social space filled with natural light. Used as a lounge for reading, relaxing, and enjoying light meals and drinks.
24-hour room service. Enjoy charcuterie, creme brulee, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches in your suite or on the terrace.
Hours: 24 hours
A gelato and crepe stand on deck. Fare-included dessert-style light meals.
Explora III's only restaurant that is entirely extra-charge. It offers an Italian tasting menu supervised by the Culinary Director.
- Tasting menu (course format)€165
- Wine pairing€70
A paid wine bar where sommeliers' selections can be enjoyed by the glass. Rare and premium vintages can be purchased for an additional charge.
- Wine (depending on label)€15 to €20
A small-group hands-on cooking class for up to 12 people. An additional experience not included in the fare.
A bespoke special dining experience created in consultation with the chef. Not included in the fare.
Facilities and activities
An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. This quiet area has about 100 seats, including sunbeds, lounge chairs, and bar seats.
Five heated pools distributed throughout the ship. All are available to everyone except the adults-only Helios Pool.
A spa with 11 treatment rooms. The thermal suite (hydrotherapy pool, steam room, Finnish sauna, salt cave, and more) is included in the fare, while individual treatments cost extra. The wellness area is restricted to guests aged 16 and over.
A multipurpose sports court for basketball, pickleball, touch tennis, and more.
An outdoor running track circling the ship. Each lap is about 250 m, with unobstructed ocean views.
A small casino with 18 slot machines and 3 gaming tables. It is smoke-free, and guests must be aged 18 or over.
The main entertainment venue, presenting shows by performers from Broadway and the West End.
A library space for quiet reading and writing.
An onboard art gallery displaying works by masters such as Dalí and Chagall, as well as contemporary artists including Damien Hirst and Mr. Brainwash.
A dedicated kids and youth club for ages 6 to 17. It offers board games, video games, table tennis and table soccer, outdoor screenings on the pool deck, and more.
A total of 12 bars and lounges, including the Sky Bar on Deck 14. Standard beer, wine, cocktails and similar drinks are included in the fare; only rare and premium brands cost extra.
Boutique area selling luxury branded goods and original ship merchandise.