Setting off on her maiden voyages on 3 August, EXPLORA III which offers 463 ocean-front suites, invites guests to experience a more refined expression of summer travel. From the quiet majesty of the Norwegian fjords to the cinematic coastlines of New England, each Journey has been thoughtfully designed to foster deeper connection through longer stays, overnight immersions and a more unhurried pace of discovery.
Offering a sophisticated perspective on the season through cooler climates, luminous northern landscapes and culturally rich destinations, EXPLORA III sails from Barcelona to Lisbon, through Northern Europe and Iceland, before crossing the Atlantic via Greenland to North America.
Dramatic inaugural journeys
Guests sailing aboard EXPLORA III during summer 2026 will experience the sheltered harbours of Baltic capitals and Scandinavia before crossing the Atlantic towards Iceland, Greenland, the Canadian Maritimes and New England. Longer stays and overnights in destinations such as Stockholm, Reykjavik and Quebec City invite guests to explore each destination with greater depth, while the transatlantic crossing itself becomes a defining moment of stillness and perspective at sea.
The Northern Europe itineraries introduce maiden ports for the brand, including Bergen, Flåm, Riga and Tallinn, while voyages through Icelandic Fjords and Greenland reveal dramatic and remote landscapes shaped by shifting ice and ancient traditions where time is measured by the slow movement of glaciers.
Immersive Destination Experiences
In the Norwegian fjords, guests may explore the small-town charm of Mandal by silent electric boat, visit family-run orchards overlooking the Fisterfjord or ascend the Loen Skylift near the shimmering Briksdal Glacier for panoramic views across one of Europe’s most breathtaking glacial landscapes.
As EXPLORA III crosses westward, guests are invited into Canada’s rugged coastline, from kayaking and hiking along the Cabot Trail to exploring the windswept Magdalen Islands and the pristine wilderness of the Mingan Archipelago. Heading southward, the season concludes along the cinematic Atlantic seaboard as it transforms with vibrant autumn hues.
Guests can discover the forested shores and river canyons of New England, alongside iconic moments in New York City, before the ship makes her grand arrival against the tropical skyline of Miami.
A rare solar eclipse experience
A defining highlight of the season is the solar eclipse Journey of 12 August, with EXPLORA III positioned in optimal conditions to witness this rare celestial phenomenon — the first such event visible from Europe in 27 years. The solar eclipse can be experienced during the voyage from Lisbon to Southampton 10 to 17 August which can be combined with the inaugural sailing from Barcelona on 3 August into a 14-night sailing.
Science presenter and adventurer and Huw James will join guests onboard from 10 August to share expert insight ahead of the eclipse experience. Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, will also offer an inspiring talk on the wonders of the cosmos and her pioneering journey into space.
The first LNG-powered ship in the fleet
As the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III represents an important step forward in the brand’s commitment to long-term sustainability solutions. Designed with advanced environmental technologies, shore power capability and energy efficiency innovations, the ship reflects Explora Journeys’ responsible approach to ocean travel while maintaining the refined elegance and comfort that define the experience on board.
New highlights
Among the new highlights on board EXPLORA III is the return of Rolex’s boutique-at-sea concept, building on the success of the boutique aboard EXPLORA I. As an Official Rolex Retailer at sea, the boutique offers guests the opportunity to discover a curated selection of iconic timepieces. The onboard retail offering is further complemented by a curated selection of world-renowned maisons including Cartier, Piaget and, for the first time on board, Chopard.
EXPLORA III also introduces new culinary concepts including The Cellar by Explora Journeys, offering the most extensive wine collection at sea, and The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, where bespoke menus are crafted collaboratively with guests for a deeply personal dining experience.
