It is exciting times at Explora Journeys! And Explora Journeys has invited me to Explora III’s Naming Ceremony at the brand new MSC Cruise Terminal in Barcelona on August 1, 2026, immediately after arriving on a Pre-Maiden Voyage journey which departs Rome on July 29, 2026.

As the rave reviews and awards keep coming, to me what is equally important is that more diverse and exciting itineraries are coming too. And the best way to do that is by first defining the product, then second, refining the product, and then third, expanding the product. Explora III truly opens up Explora Journeys the way it was originally expected to be: Diverse Worldwide Itineraries. 

This will most certainly address the frustration of seasoned travelers loving the Explora Journeys’ product, but who have also been stymied by somewhat limited itineraries. So, before what new physical changes Explora III brings to Explora Journeys (and, no, there will be no increase in the number of guests), let’s talk itineraries!  No longer somewhat limited to the Mediterranean and Caribbean,  Explora III calling on Northern Europe (including Norwegian fjords), then over to Iceland and Greenland, working its way along the Canadian coast to New York City and then Miami, before transiting the Panama Canal, up the west coast of the Americas to Los Angeles (and Goldring Travel’s 2027 Central America Culinary & Cultural Journey – Explora Journey’s Explora III -April 22, 2027 – space is still available) to Alaska and then over to Asia, where, starting in September 2027, she will have an extended stay with departures from Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok, through at least April 2028. (Meanwhile Explora II will be focused on the Middle East from December 2026 through March 2027 and Explora I will call on South America and the Amazon in February 2027.) 

Explora III will be the second generation of Explora Journeys’ ships, which are focused on environmentally responsible design as much as delivering an outstanding luxury experience. She will have the option of being powered by less impactful LNG (liquified natural gas). In order to keep all that is wonderful about Explora I and II, in order to make room for the LNG tanks, Explora III will be sixty (60) feet longer. That doesn’t mean more guests! It means more premium suites and some additional venues for the same number of guests to enjoy.

• Shore Club on 11 at the Conservatory – Midship between the Conservatory Pool/Bar and the Emporium Marketplace the Shore Club will be a beach club style restaurant.
• The Cigar Bar – Remains on Deck 11 and will now have an al fresco element

• Owners Residences – There will now be two Owner’s Residences that stretch across the entire beam of the ship overlooking the stern on Decks 7 and 8. Each with a unique interior.

• Chef’s Kitchen – Moves to Deck 5
• Chef’s Table – Adjoining the Chef’s Kitchen and next to Anthology, it is a private dining experience curated by Explora III’s chefs.

• The Cellar – Also on Deck 5, it is an unpretentious venue for wine exploration and enjoyment, and completes the transformation of Deck 5 midship into the most comprehensive culinary destination at sea. 

• The Lobby Bar – Deck Four’s focal point has been totally reimagined and has more and redesigned seating.
• The Casino – It will be expanded, but still unobtrusively tucked away on Deck 4.
• The Shops: Rolex will makes it reappearance and Chopard will make its grand entrance.
• The Nautilus Club will expand for both Teens and Juniors.
• On Deck – There will be more cabanas and shaded areas.

While that may seem like a significant number of improvements. Explora III will still have the dining venues: Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, Marble & Co., Sakura, The Emporium, and Anthology…plus Cafe Crema.  It will have twelve bars and lounges including, but not limited to my favorite Malt Whisky Bar, Lobby Bar, Astern Bar and Lounge, and Explora Lounge. And, of course, the five heated pools will also be present.

What I am also looking forward to is the startup of the ship with seasoned crew, now that Explora Journeys has two ships that elevated service and culinary levels to transition over to, rather than create for, Explora III. 

While you cannot join me at the Pre-Inaugural Journey or Naming Ceremony, I would suggest you take at Explora Journeys’ diverse itineraries in 2026 and 2027, which make it the Purveyor of True Worldwide Luxury Experiences. (And consider the 2027 Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journey in April 2027 sailing from Panama to Los Angeles.)