I was invited on Explora Journeys’ new Explora III for a “preview” (shakedown) cruise and her Naming Ceremony boarding in Civitavecchia, Italy, spending a day in Portofino, a day at sea (filled with meetings and presentations, so yes, “It is my job!”), and a day in Barcelona at the new MSC Cruise Terminal, followed by the Naming Ceremony.

While my journey to the ship was chaotic (with United Airlines canceling my flights only hours before departure), Explora III came right out firing on all cylinders. From service to cuisine, things have been top-notch. Delivering at such a high level, no less on a brand new ship, was impressive.

While there generally is an inclination to want the newest to be the best, and to be sure there are some additions and changes on Explora III when compared to Explora I and II, there is more of a feeling of refinement than competition between the three ships. And to be sure, there is nothing that would compel me to shun or pick one over the other. So, I will not catalog all of the changes, but mention some of the ones that are of note.

The most notable, and consistent with the Aponte-Vago family’s commitment to the environment, Explora III is powered by more environmentally friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG). While this has made the ship 19 meters longer to make room for the LNG tanks, Explora III carries the same number of guests, but in more premium suites, including two Owner’s Residences. Note that if you want to be on the dock in Monaco (for the F1 races or otherwise), Explora III is too long, so it will always be Explora I or II. Yes, each ship has its own advantages!

As it is the area you see first, let’s first discuss the Lobby Bar. It has been totally redesigned, focusing on creating more seating and conversational areas. But the design is controversial as it has lost the grandeur found on Explora I and II. Over the past few days, I have seen how it functions better for seating, but not as much as a bar, as it is sort of tucked into a corner. (Was the idea to reduce the area as a cocktail lounge and more of a meeting point?) Considering how little time most guests actually spend there, it isn’t a game-changer for me, though some influencers hype it as one.

Another change is the improved (different?) seating in Crema Café. There is now a diverse variety of seating, from low comfortable chairs to proper tables (for those wanting to, for example, work on their laptops) to proper coffee bars to sofas. It is a beautiful space; however, regardless of improved functionality and comfort, I still love the Italian style of Crema Café on Explora I and II.

The Med Yacht Club restaurant is essentially the same as on Explora I and II, but with the underutilized bar eliminated and seating added, plus it is (as it is throughout the ship) a bit lighter in décor. It remains my favorite dining venue on the ship, and my dinner with two travel executives, one from two different consortia, was delicious and from a very consistent menu.

The next morning, it was time for Explora III’s first port of call: Portofino, Italy. While a destination experience was offered (and I heard was exceptional…other than the two hours on a bus)…I chose to take a long walk and then head over to Puny for lunch. Unfortunately, and once again, Puny was closed for a private event. However, when I asked them for the next best option, without hesitation I was told Taverna Tripoli, which is tucked in a corner; kind of “If you know, you know” restaurant.

I was told to return when they opened at 12:15 PM (sort of an Italian, “We open at noon”), and when I did, I was given what I thought was the worst table, near the server’s station. I was about to sit at a table with a better view, and the maître d’ stopped me, saying, “Would you prefer to be hot with that view, or sit at the best table because it has a breeze coming down from the hill?” You know where I sat. 

I ordered Ligurian wine and cuisine. Laura Aschero Pigato wine (best described as a more intense Vermentino), a unique and wonderful summer octopus salad (with zucchini and carrots…and yes, it works!), and then seafood risotto. My server said the risotto was for two and, really wanting it, I said OK. When it came to the table, it was a single portion, again taking care of me. Receiving this sort of perfect service in the highly touristic Portofino was more than surprising and truly appreciated.

And then the server insisted I have a dessert, which was another friendly bit of advice, and a perfect, refreshing ending.

Alas, with the heat telling me it was time to head back to Explora III, I took advantage of my Ocean Terrace 4 suite. Everything is just as it is on Explora I and II, except now the hair dryer is in a bag, which frees up a lot of space in the vanity drawer, and a steamer is also provided. I still wish there was a chair under the shelf that runs at the foot of the bed because I use it as a desk. (Sailing alone, I use the vanity chair. Hint!)

While I was engaged in a serious testing of my bed (it passed with flying colors), others took advantage of the redesigned Helios Pool overlooking the bow and others, the beautiful design of the Conservatory Pool with its many versions of oversized lounges. Very cool. 

In addition, the area on Explora I and II designated as a poolside bar with a lot of underutilized space has, on Explora III, been brilliantly turned into the Shore Club casual dining venue. This small transformation does a few things: It gives those in swimwear a place to comfortably dine, takes some seating pressure off of The Emporium (which is pretty much the same), and allows Explora III’s culinary options to be even more diversified.

That evening I was at a hosted dinner with Chris Austin, President of North America, at Fil Rouge. Its new, more subtle color palette is appreciated, but it does retain its more, as I call it, cruise shippy feel. It is for many their favorite venue with its more French and international menu. Dinner was, again, flawless. I had the Mediterranean fish soup (a creative homage to bouillabaisse) and veal filet mignon. It is impressive how, on a brand new ship, Explora Journeys is delivering flawless service and cuisine!

After dinner, it was time for me to adjourn to my favorite venue: Malt Whisky Bar and Cigar Lounge. While the bar remains as is, the pool table has, appropriately, been relocated here from the Astern Lounge, the seating in the Cigar Lounge has been expanded, and there is a covered outside smoking area. (Cigarette smoking is not allowed in the lounge but is in the outdoor space.)

The next day was at sea, with a number of presentations and workshops (I told you “This is my job!”), but I did sign up for one event.  At the top of the Lobby’s grand staircase is The Cellar, and if you are into wines, this most certainly is one of the most appreciated additions on Explora III. With what is asserted to be the largest stocked selection of premium wines at sea (over 450 distinct offerings, including things as eye-popping as Petrus), it has three tasting rooms, where you can enjoy formal tastings arranged by the ship, drop in for a glass from its curated list, or enjoy one of its events. I chose the latter.

When I arrived at 12:30 pm for my Super Tuscan Wine Tasting (265 Euros), no one was there. I had been told that if there was a group larger than 10, it would be held in Anthology, the premium restaurant; but that too was empty. Just as my disappointment grew, the thing that separates ultra-luxury from luxury, Explora III created a private wine tasting for me with the same wines and Anthology-created small bites to accompany them. So, it was with great pleasure I would be christening one of the tasting rooms!

And then in walked the charming and knowledgeable sommelier with a smile and the words, “Hello Eric. I remember you from your events on Seabourn Sojourn!” And then our tasting began, more akin to two friends enjoying and discussing wines and life. Perfect!

• Ca del Bosco, Saten Franciacorta – to open one’s palate
• Marchesi Antinori Tignanello
• Gaja, Brunello di Montalcino “Pieve Santa Restituta”
• Ornellaia Bolgheri Superior DOC
• Tenuta San Guido Sassicala

Needless to say, it was an amazing tasting and something I will be adding to the Goldring Travel April 2027 Culinary & Cultural Journey from Panama to Los Angeles…though probably not with such a list of extraordinary wines.

As a result of this extended wine experience, I did miss one of the sessions I was supposed to be at. Ooops! After a nap, it was back to Fil Rouge for another hosted dinner with Aimee Price, Vice President of Field Sales, North America, and some other travel advisors. And it was another consistently excellent dining experience, but this time I ordered the pasta carbonara as my main course. Afterward, it was cigar and whisky (or two); it was bedtime before a full day in Barcelona, Spain, before the evening’s Naming Ceremony.

I do want to note that the Chef’s Kitchen has moved from Deck 11 to Deck 5, and the Captain’s Table has been relocated and converted into a Chef’s Table adjoining the Kitchen; a simple change that makes a lot of sense.

Speaking of cuisine, I have two favorite restaurants in Barcelona. One is El Quim, a small place inside La Boqueria (which I believe is the best market in Europe). I dined at this place long before Anthony Bourdain announced it was one of his favorites, which kind of ruined the ambiance, but it seems to have recovered a bit. A few glasses of cava, olives and anchovies marinated in cava vinegar, razor clams and blood sausage brought me back into the Catalan culinary world.

However, I was almost, but not quite, satiated, so it was off to my other favorite restaurant: Los Caracoles (The Snails). It was a short walk from La Boqueria to the Gothic Barrio, where you just follow the aroma of the chickens roasting in the rotisserie built into the entrance. As you may recall, it is not a new restaurant, but rather was founded in 1835, as were the waiters.  I asked for one of the small tables that overlook the ancient huge wood-fired stove where much of the cuisine is prepared and the waiters crowd, waiting for their orders.

As I dined, I thought back to many years ago, when you would walk in, head past the kitchen, and be met by an old man with a notebook, to whom you gave your name. He would then send you back to the bar at the entrance, and after he believed you had enough wine, you would be called to a table. Now, the list is electronic, and an older woman sits at a table with a laptop. Oh, how things change, but remain the same.

I started with a plate of caracoles (snails), first watching the chef dip his ladle into a huge pot of them and artfully placing them on my metal plate. Delicious as always. Not being able to leave without another dish, even though I was full, I ordered suckling pig. OMG, was it delicious, but with all the luscious fat, crisp crackling, and protein, I had to give up about halfway through. Food coma time, but I did have to walk back to the shuttle…and then take my nap before the evening’s festivities.

The Naming Ceremony started at 7:00 PM Italian time, or about 7:20 PM. While the Aponte and Vago family and friends, as well as dignitaries, were hosted in the Journeys Lounge, we were invited to the Explora Lounge to watch via video screen. It was much better than the Naming Ceremony for Explora II, as it was mostly in English, rather than Italian…and cocktails were plentiful! 

After the bottle christened Explora III, it was a fixed menu dinner (again delicious)

and then promptly-ish the real celebration began with an energetic performance by Sister Sledge (“We Are Family”), a very cool drone show, followed by a DJ who apparently is world-famous. While some rocked on, I retired to the Cigar Lounge for one last whisky and cigar before calling it a night. But what a night it was!

Overall, I was truly impressed with how flawless (at least the team at Explora Journeys made it seem that way) my short journey was. And I was similarly impressed with how Explora III has some nice tweaks, but also how she overall remains so very consistent with Explora I and Explora II.  So now, with three ships and Explora IV and V launching in 2027, Explora Journeys has truly become a worldwide luxury travel destination.