Explora names godmother for EXPLORA III

Explora Journeys has named marine educator, dive trainer and National Geographic Educator Cristina Ozores as godmother of EXPLORA III.

Ozores will officially bless and name the ship during a ceremony in Barcelona on August 1, 2026, ahead of the ship’s maiden journey departing two days later.

The announcement was timed to World Ocean Day.

EXPLORA III will be the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet.

Ozores is co-founder of Vellmarí, a marine education and conservation centre in the Balearic Islands. 

Since 2024, Vellmarí has partnered with the MSC Foundation on seagrass restoration and education initiatives.

Explora Journeys says Ozores was selected for her work in ocean education, marine conservation and community engagement.

“Naming Cristina Ozores as Godmother on World Ocean Day is incredibly meaningful for us,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. 

“Her dedication to ocean education and preservation reflects values that are deeply important to our brand and to the Ocean State of Mind philosophy that guides us. Cristina’s inspiring work and lifelong connection to the ocean make her a natural choice for this role.”

In maritime tradition, a godmother serves as a symbolic guardian, offering a blessing for the ship, crew and guests.

“Being asked to become Godmother of EXPLORA III is not just an honour, it is a very emotional moment for me, particularly on World Ocean Day,” said Ozores. 

“I have spent much of my life working below the surface – studying marine biology, restoring seabeds and helping younger generations better understand fragile ocean habitats. To see that work symbolically connected to a ship that will travel the world feels incredibly meaningful. My hope is that EXPLORA III becomes a space where people can discover the ocean in a deeper and more meaningful way, reconnecting with the beauty beneath the surface.”

Following the naming ceremony, EXPLORA III will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon on a seven-night maiden journey.

The ship’s inaugural season will include Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before crossing the Atlantic to New England and Canada’s East Coast.

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