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EXPLORA JOURNEYS ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE PRELUDE JOURNEY FOR EXPLORA III, AN EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES DEBUT (Switzerland)
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, today announced an exclusive opportunity for select guests to be the very first to experience EXPLORA III ahead of her official launch and Maiden Journey. . |
Category: Europe - Switzerland - Exclusive experiences
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on Wednesday 22 October 2025
A Mediterranean Prelude to EXPLORA III, a preview sailing from 24 to 29 July 2026, will offer guests a rare first glimpse of the newest ship in the fleet, offering never-before-experienced insights and perspectives.
Designed as an intimate and immersive behind-the-scenes preview, this one-time Journey is an invitation to discover the elegance and innovation of EXPLORA III before she is introduced to the wider world during her inaugural Journey from Barcelona to Lisbon, 3 to 10 August, 2026.
Departing from Genoa and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome), A Mediterranean Prelude to EXPLORA III will trace the glittering coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras, providing countless golden moments in which to linger, connect and absorb the Med's radiant midsummer allure.
In Marseille, guests can explore the vibrant energy of the Vieux-Port before continuing to Saint-Tropez, where sun-drenched beaches and boutique-lined streets capture the Côte d'Azur's signature glamour. The pastel harbourfront of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a quieter charm, serving as the perfect starting point for discovering Nice's palm-shaded avenues and Belle Époque elegance.
Crossing back into Italy, Livorno provides a gateway to Tuscany's rolling landscapes and the Renaissance treasures of Florence, before the Eternal City beckons as the prelude Journey's final port of call.
“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 is the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, representing the next step in MSC Group`s commitment to sustainable ocean travel.
With 463 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences – all with private terraces – the ship offers an atmosphere of relaxed, refined luxury, evoking the spirit of a private yacht.
Boasting Explora Journeys` signature European design combined with highly-anticipated new culinary and lounge concepts – soon to be revealed - the ship will feature seven distinct restaurants and 13 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, creating a cosmopolitan environment in which to unwind and explore.
Generous outdoor decks offer more space per guest than ever before, and guests will be among the first to encounter reimagined Ocean Wellness spaces.
They will also have the opportunity to meet Explora Journeys' leadership, designers and officers – the individuals whose vision and expertise have shaped every element of the ship.
With its curated itinerary, elevated onboard experiences and once-in-a-lifetime nature,A Mediterranean Prelude to EXPLORA IIIis a celebration of innovation, intimacy and appreciation – a truly unique prelude to the ship and Explora Journeys' continued evolution.About Explora JourneysExplora Journeys is the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The brand stems from a long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travellers, drawing on the Aponte family's 300 years of maritime heritage. Its aspiration is to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind' by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and with like-minded others, while immersive itineraries blend iconic destinations with lesser-travelled ports for Journeys that inspire discovery.
Explora Journeys introduces a new style of transformative ocean travel, offering 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences (EXPLORA I & II) - each a ‘Home at Sea' with floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean views, private terrace, and elegant, spacious interiors.
Guests enjoy eleven distinct culinary experiences across six restaurants (EXPLORA I & II), in-suite dining, and Chef's Kitchen, along with twelve bars and lounges (EXPLORA I & II), five pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, a holistic wellness programme, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the brand's European heritage, seated at the heart of elevated Swiss hospitality, Explora Journeys delivers intuitive service and a relaxed sense of luxury.
The first ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA I, was launched in July 2023, with EXPLORA II arriving in September 2024. EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV, both LNG-powered, will follow in 2026 and 2027. EXPLORAV and EXPLORA VI are set to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, incorporating advanced environmental technologies as part of the brand's commitment to sustainability.
Ultimate luxury experience will end on 2026-07-24
 EXPLORA III - Exterior view
Photo credit © Explora Journeys
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