In a resounding celebration of progress and purpose, Explora Journeys has marked a pivotal moment in its young but ambitious history with not just one, but three major construction milestones. At Fincantieri’s renowned shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, the luxury brand honoured the float out of Explora III, the ceremonial coin laying for Explora IV, and the first steel cut for Explora V. These landmark achievements collectively represent the cruise line’s unstoppable momentum toward its goal of fielding a six-ship fleet by 2028—an ambition rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and reimagined elegance at sea.
As the industry continues to evolve, Explora is carving its own course—quietly but confidently transforming expectations of what ultra-luxury ocean travel can become. And with each new ship, the vision becomes clearer: immersive journeys that honour both the art of travel and the artistry of shipbuilding itself.
Explora III: Preparing for a 2026 Launch
Explora Journey’s Explora III officially touched water for the first time with her float-out ceremony—an essential tradition in the maritime world marking the ship’s transition from dry dock to waterborne phase. Slated to join the fleet in 2026, this third vessel reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering intimate, elegant, and design-forward voyages that rival the finest land-based luxury resorts.
The float out not only signals a key moment in the construction timeline, but also allows finishing touches and interior design flourishes to commence onboard. Passengers can expect a refined blend of European sophistication, wellness-minded public spaces, and curated dining experiences that define Explora’s DNA. As the brand scales, its commitment to preserving a high crew-to-guest ratio and bespoke guest experiences remains unwavering.
Beyond its physical attributes, Explora III represents continuity—a link in the lineage of a brand that continues to grow without compromising its values of care, respect, and excellence.
Explora IV: Honouring Loyalty Through Tradition
Just steps away from Explora III’s basin, another meaningful moment unfolded—the traditional coin ceremony for Explora IV. This age-old maritime ritual involves welding commemorative coins beneath the ship’s mast for good fortune and safe passage, and it holds particular emotional weight in shipbuilding communities.
What made this ceremony particularly touching was the selection of Caroline Cooney-Hurrell, Explora’s Customer Journey Strategist, as godmother of the event. Having played a crucial role in establishing the Explora Experience Centre and guiding the brand’s hospitality ethos from its earliest stages, her recognition reflects Explora’s deeply rooted commitment to internal collaboration and appreciation.
Explora IV is expected to launch in 2027, further deepening the fleet’s presence across Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern European itineraries. Guests can anticipate a continuation of Explora’s understated aesthetic—a seamless fusion of modern luxury with the intimacy of yacht-style cruising.
Explora V: First Steel Cut for a Ship of the Future
The sound of sparks flying off freshly cut steel marked the birth of Explora V—a vessel that will embody the brand’s next chapter of innovation. Expected to debut in late 2027, the ship begins its journey from blueprint to reality with this symbolic first cut.
What sets Explora V apart, even in its earliest phase, is its alignment with sustainability advancements and long-term ecological goals. As the brand moves forward, each ship will become increasingly future-facing, both in design and in propulsion. In fact, following Explora V, the fleet will welcome Explora VI, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen-powered vessel—a significant shift toward green cruising technologies.
From the very beginning, Explora has positioned itself as a thinking person’s cruise line—where conscious luxury meets purposeful travel. With Explora V, the ambition is not just to meet expectations, but to challenge them—by creating elegant yet efficient ships that meet both emotional and environmental needs.
Setting the Stage for a Six-Ship Fleet
Explora’s ultimate vision—a six-ship fleet by 2028—is fast becoming reality. With ships spaced out across staggered construction schedules, the brand is ensuring each vessel receives the attention to detail, design excellence, and crew training it deserves. This steady rollout reflects the long-game approach favoured by the Aponte-Vago family and the leadership at MSC Group, owners of Explora Journeys.
Each ship in the series adds another dimension to Explora’s guest offering, expanding the line’s geographical reach while staying true to its immersive philosophy. Whether journeying to fjords, far-flung islands, or timeless Mediterranean ports, guests can expect consistent quality wrapped in surprising moments of delight.
And while each vessel boasts its own personality, they’re united by Explora’s mission: to redefine ocean travel as transformative rather than transactional, experiential rather than expected.
As this triple milestone unfolds in Genoa, it becomes clear that Explora Journeys is not simply expanding a fleet—it is expanding the very notion of what luxury cruising means. These ceremonies—float out, coin laying, and steel cutting—are more than rituals; they’re living symbols of vision and purpose.
Travellers who dream of elegant sea days, immersive cultural ports, and a strong sense of environmental stewardship will find the next generation of cruise travel right here. To begin planning your escape aboard Explora III, IV, V—or any of their existing luxury ships—head over to our Cruise Finder and tailor your next adventure.
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