Explora Journeys announces exclusive preview sailing for EXPLORA III

Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced a limited preview sailing for its newest ship, EXPLORA III, ahead of the vessel’s official debut.

Dubbed A Mediterranean Prelude to EXPLORA III, the five-night journey will run from July 24 to 29, 2026, giving select guests an early look at the line’s first LNG-powered ship before its maiden voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on August 3, 2026.

Departing from Genoa and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome), the itinerary will visit Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Livorno, offering travellers an opportunity to experience the French and Italian Rivieras.

“This exclusive preview Journey is our way of honouring those who have grown with us and believed in our vision from the beginning,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. 

“It’s an intimate celebration of what’s to come – a chance to step aboard EXPLORA III before her official debut, connect with the visionaries who brought her to life and discover how our Ocean State of Mind philosophy continues to evolve with every new chapter.”

EXPLORA III will feature 463 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, each with private terraces. 

The ship will include seven restaurants and 13 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, along with expanded deck space and reimagined Ocean Wellness facilities. 

Guests on the preview sailing will also have the chance to meet Explora Journeys’ leadership, designers and officers.

As the first LNG-powered vessel in the fleet, EXPLORA III marks the next step in MSC Group’s sustainability strategy.

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