by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:40 PM ET, Mon October 20, 2025
Calling all cruise fans: Now is your chance to be among a select group of travelers to experience the Explora III ahead of her official launch and maiden journey.
Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, has just announced “A Mediterranean Prelude to EXPLORA III,” a preview sailing meant to offer guests a rare first glimpse of the newest ship in its fleet.
The cruise is being described by Explora “as an intimate and immersive behind-the-scenes” experience on the ship before Explora III is introduced to the wider world in 2026. This special journey is set to take place from July 24 to July 29, 2026 departing from Genoa, Italy and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome.)
The itinerary will take cruisers along the glittering coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras. Some of the port-of-call highlights of that journey include:
- Marseille: Guests can explore the vibrant energy of the Vieux-Port
- Saint-Tropez: Take-in the sun-drenched beaches and boutique-lined streets capture the Côte d’Azur’s signature glamour
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: A stop featuring quieter charm
- Livorno: The gateway to Tuscany’s rolling landscapes and the Renaissance treasures of Florence
Guests on the special advance viewing voyage 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.
“This exclusive preview Journey is our way of honoring those who have grown with us and believed in our vision from the beginning,” Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, said in a statement.
“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,” Nash added.
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. The ship features 463 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences – all with private terraces.
TravelPulse recently conducted a Q&A with Anna Nash, Explora's new president, to learn more about her bold vision for the brand and its future. Read what Nash had to say here.
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