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Mid-sizeLuxury (adult-only suite ship, LNG new generation)

EXPLORA III

Exterior of EXPLORA III (Explora Journeys), sailing
Photo credits

Photo: Dag Chr Halvorsen / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons (resized)

Explora class · Caribbean & Bahamas, Alaska, Japan & Asia

Itineraries on this ship: 4

Regions
Caribbean & Bahamas, Alaska, Japan & Asia
Departure months
Oct 2026Nov 2026Dec 2026Jan 2027Feb 2027Mar 2027May 2027Jun 2027Jul 2027Aug 2027Sep 2027Oct 2027Nov 2027Mar 2028
View itineraries

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.

Adult-orientedLuxuryNew shipExtended-stay style
72,800 GT
Gross tonnage
926
Guests
640
Crew
11
Decks
463
Cabins
267 m (876 ft)
Length
2026
Year built
9869899
IMO number

Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9869899)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Pitta.

Japanese language support and practical onboard information

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.

Public bath
Official

Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Japanese food
Official

Japanese food included in the fare

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Japanese language support
Official

Confirmed services

No Japanese language support

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: explorajourneys.com
Payment in yen
Official

Payment in yen not accepted

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: explorajourneys.com
Smoking
Official

Smoking in designated areas only

Checked Oct 4, 2026Source: explorajourneys.com
Dress code
Official

Smart casual

Line-wide details: 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.

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: explorajourneys.com
Power outlets
Secondary source

Plug types: B, C

Line-wide details: Supports both 110V and 220V.

Checked Oct 4, 2026Line-wideSource: cruisenation.com

English text in preparation.

Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Pitta / Not stated: no information found in official sources

At a glance

Kids club: YesAdults-only areas: YesCasino: YesTheater and shows: YesSpa: YesAccessible cabins: YesAll-inclusive: YesJapanese support rating (editorial) 2/5Five-point rating of the scope of Japanese-language services

What is included and what costs extra

Included in the fare / extra
  • Meals (main restaurants)Included
  • AlcoholIncluded
  • GratuitiesUnknown
  • 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.

Onboard costs (original currency)
  • Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)Included (included in the fare, no additional charge)
  • Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterSoft drinks Included (included in the fare, no additional charge) / Water Included (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).
  • UnknownGratuities (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

Boarding and logistics
  • Japan departures: No
  • Home ports: Barcelona (Spain), Civitavecchia (Italy, Rome), Miami (United States), San Juan (Puerto Rico)
  • Departure ports: Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Miami, San Juan
Atmosphere and guests
  • 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.
Find out more

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

Families
2
Adults
5
Luxury
5
First-time cruisers
3
Entertainment
3
Dining
5
Great for
  • • Travelers seeking the newest ship
  • • Northern Europe and Iceland
  • • 2027 Alaska, Japan, and Asia voyages
  • • Adults-only voyages
Less suited to
  • • Traveling with young children
  • • Price-conscious travelers
  • • Travelers seeking only short Caribbean cruises

Cruise stories and videos on external sites

5 links

These are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Pitta. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.

English text in preparation.

About this data
Ship detail verification: Ship details have not yet been checked against their sources

Sources

View all (1 more sites)

Cabins by category

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.

Size
35 m² (377 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
—King bed (180 x 200 cm); convertible to twin beds (90 x 200 cm x 2)

Decks 6–10

Balcony: YesWindow: Yes

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.

Size
39 m² (420 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
—King bed (convertible to twins)

Decks 6-7

Balcony: YesWindow: Yes

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.

Size
43–68 m² (463–732 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
—King bed (convertible to twins)

Decks 6–10

Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes

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.

Size
70–280 m² (753–3,014 ft²)
Occupancy and beds
2-3 people (Owner's Residence accommodates up to 3, including up to 1 child)King bed + separate bedroom

Decks 6-10 (Owner's Residence at the far aft of Deck 8)

Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes

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

Children and families
  • • 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.
Adults-only areas
  • • 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.
Practical information (line-wide)
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
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 UnknownMenus UnknownAnnouncements Unknown

Dining

Included Included in the fare (no extra charge)
Emporium MarketplaceMarket-style global cuisine (sushi, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and other live stations)

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)

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

SakuraPan-Asian cuisine

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

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Marble & Co. GrillEuropean-style steakhouse and grill

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

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Med Yacht ClubMediterranean cuisine (Provençal style)

Outdoor-focused dining themed around the Mediterranean Riviera. Included basic dining known for signature dishes such as lobster ravioli.

Hours: Lunch and dinner

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Fil RougeFrench cuisine

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

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Crema CaféSpecialty coffee and light snacks

A fare-included cafe serving specialty coffee and light meals.

Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Explora LoungeLight snacks and drinks (lounge)

A central social space filled with natural light. Used as a lounge for reading, relaxing, and enjoying light meals and drinks.

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

In-Suite DiningIn-room dining

24-hour room service. Enjoy charcuterie, creme brulee, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches in your suite or on the terrace.

Hours: 24 hours

Beer Included (standard beverages are included in the fare) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Gelateria & Crêperie at The ConservatoryGelato and crepes

A gelato and crepe stand on deck. Fare-included dessert-style light meals.

Soft drinks Included • Water Included

Extra charge Specialty dining (prices in the onboard currency)
Anthology€165/person (reservation required); wine pairing +€70 extra
Italian cuisine (fine dining)• Dinner only; reservations required

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

Beer Included (the standard beverage portion is included in the fare; the only additional charge is the course price) • Soft drinks Included • Water Included

The CellarCharged by the glass (rare vintages cost extra)
Wine bar

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
The Chef's Kitchen
Interactive cooking classes

A small-group hands-on cooking class for up to 12 people. An additional experience not included in the fare.

The Chef's Table
Fully private dining

A bespoke special dining experience created in consultation with the chef. Not included in the fare.

Facilities and activities

Highlights
An all-suite layout in which all 463 cabins (including the three new Explora III categories) are suites with an ocean-side terrace, and there are no interior or oceanview (window-only) categories at allPersonal service backed by a generous passenger-to-crew ratio, with about 650 crew for a passenger capacity of 922LNG (liquefied natural gas) dual-fuel propulsion, an industry first, strengthening environmental measures toward net zero by 2050In partnership with Steinway & Sons, three Spirio self-playing pianos are installed onboardA calm, adult-oriented design throughout, including the adults-only Helios Pool area on Deck 12 and a Wellness area limited to guests aged 16 and overGalleria d'Arte: A permanent art gallery displaying works from masters such as Dalí and Chagall to contemporary artists
Helios PoolIncluded
PoolAdults only: Yes

An adults-only pool area facing forward on Deck 12. This quiet area has about 100 seats, including sunbeds, lounge chairs, and bar seats.

PoolsIncluded
Pool

Five heated pools distributed throughout the ship. All are available to everyone except the adults-only Helios Pool.

Ocean Wellness - The SpaExtra charge
Spa

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.

Sports CourtIncluded
Sports

A multipurpose sports court for basketball, pickleball, touch tennis, and more.

Jogging TrackIncluded
Jogging

An outdoor running track circling the ship. Each lap is about 250 m, with unobstructed ocean views.

CasinoExtra charge
CasinoAdults only: Yes

A small casino with 18 slot machines and 3 gaming tables. It is smoke-free, and guests must be aged 18 or over.

Journeys LoungeIncluded
Theater

The main entertainment venue, presenting shows by performers from Broadway and the West End.

LibraryIncluded
Library

A library space for quiet reading and writing.

Galleria d'ArteIncluded
Other

An onboard art gallery displaying works by masters such as Dalí and Chagall, as well as contemporary artists including Damien Hirst and Mr. Brainwash.

Nautilus ClubIncluded
KidsFor children: YesFree

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.

Bars & LoungesIncluded
Bar

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.

BoutiquesExtra charge
Shop

Boutique area selling luxury branded goods and original ship merchandise.

Itineraries on this ship

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