Tried & Tested: Explora III · Explora Journeys
All good things come in threes – and ships, too? When the invitation to preview EXPLORA III and attend her Naming Ceremony landed in our inbox, the obvious question for any curious travel trade journalist was: Is it worth going? Or is this simply more of the same after her two predecessors? Spoiler alert: it isn’t. So what’s new on board – and is a dinner at the gourmet restaurant Anthology really worth it? We went to find out for you. As Experienced by LuxuryWise Editor-in-Chief Iris M. Köpke
The Ship
Even from the outside, Explora III cuts an elegant figure, with her sleek silhouette, deep-blue hull, and gleaming gold logo. Step inside, and a sophisticated palette of soft creams and grays unfolds – along with an extraordinary sense of space. Which brings us straight to one of the biggest differences between Explora III and her two predecessors: she is 19.2 meters (63 feet) longer than her sister ships. This allows for two additional suites – including another Owner’s Residence – while the public areas benefit from an even more generous layout. And the concept works: space is king. Admittedly, the ship isn’t sailing at full capacity during our preview cruise. Still, it’s remarkable how easy it is to find a seat wherever you go, with virtually no lines anywhere – not even at the ladies’ rooms near the restaurants. Somehow, everyone simply spreads out. Explora III is the third of six ships planned for Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury brand. Although… will it really stop at six? President Anna Nash certainly drops a few intriguing hints. What we do know is that this luxury ship is the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora fleet. With a maximum of 922 guests and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1.25:1, Explora III is setting sail with expectations running high.
The Suites
The Explora III features 461 suites, all with ocean views. I’m staying in a Deluxe Penthouse Suite (pictured), and I’m impressed: not only is there plenty of room, but there’s also an exceptional amount of storage – something of a rarity on cruise ships. In addition to the generously sized living and sleeping area, complete with a dining table for four, there’s a walk-in closet with a vanity, stool, and Dyson hair dryer. The bathroom is stylish, too, although a second sink would be a welcome touch in a Penthouse category, especially when traveling as a couple. One important point for guests with limited mobility: my suite doesn’t have a walk-in shower, so I have to step into the bathtub to shower. That said, I could easily see myself spending two or three weeks here with my better half. Guests can choose from 12 suite categories. Touring the show suites, two in particular catch my eye: the Retreat Residence and Cove Residence. There’s certainly something to be said for having your own hot tub on the terrace – not to mention a bathroom with an ocean view. And for those who like to go all out, there’s the enormous Owner’s Residence. All Residence guests have the added benefit of a dedicated Residence Host, who takes care of these premium guests throughout their stay.
New & Noteworthy
The first thing that catches my eye is the Lobby, which has been completely redesigned with soft, flowing curves and a reception desk that’s now tucked discreetly out of sight. The result? A much warmer, more inviting space. The adults-only Helios Pool on Deck 12 has also had a makeover, with significantly more shaded areas and cabanas.
Also new are the Chopard boutique and Ocean Atelier, a jewelry boutique showcasing pieces by Monaco-based designer Fanny Blanchelande, all inspired by the Explora Journeys logo and maritime motifs. The delicate rings and bracelets resembling nautical rope are absolutely charming! A familiar face returns, too: the Rolex boutique, already found aboard Explora I, makes a comeback here.
The Nautilus Club has evolved as well, now offering separate spaces for teens and younger kids. Up on Deck 14, guests will find a 180 square meter (1,938-square-foot) outdoor court for tennis, padel, and basketball – inaugurated by Explora brand ambassador Jannik Sinner.
The most intriguing new addition, however, awaits me in the spa: the futuristic-looking Soundpod (pictured). This cocoon-like sound therapy bed envelops guests beneath a weighted blanket while immersing them in therapeutic frequencies said to help even NASA astronauts switch off and unwind.
Culinary Options
Anyone familiar with the first two Explora ships will initially find themselves on familiar ground aboard Explora III. Marketplace remains an exceptional buffet restaurant, offering an enormous selection and excellent quality – although the atmosphere is still, well, that of a buffet restaurant. Fil Rouge continues to serve French cuisine, while Med Yacht Club focuses on Mediterranean flavors. Marble Co. Grill, the steakhouse, was fully booked throughout our cruise, so Sakura, with its Japanese specialties, quickly became my personal favorite. New additions include the Shore Club, with the laid-back feel of a stylish beach restaurant; The Cellar (pictured), offering an extensive wine selection accompanied by small bites; and The Chef’s Table, designed for private dinners tailored to guests’ individual preferences. One venue sparked particularly lively debate among the luxury travel professionals on board: Anthology, the ship’s gourmet restaurant and the only dining venue that carries an additional charge (€165, plus €70 for the wine pairing). The big question: Is it worth it? My take: If you’re in the mood for an evening of elaborate, high-end cuisine paired with excellent service, Anthology makes for a very enjoyable night. But in a way, Explora is a victim of its own success here. The culinary standard throughout the ship is already so high that Anthology feels like a step up rather than a whole different league. The wine pairing could use a little fine-tuning as well. The service team, on the other hand, is absolutely delightful!
First Impressions
What It Feels Like on Board
Stylish
The colors, the fabrics, the curves: Explora III is très chic, effortlessly elegant, and a real treat for design lovers.
Joyful
The crew is more than polished and professional – there’s a genuine sense of joy and warmth that shines through. We like!
Spacious
So much space, such high ceilings: this ship feels more like a boutique hotel on the water. Never cramped, never crowded.
Relaxed
Zero stuffy luxury: smart casual is the way to go on board – with a refreshingly relaxed attitude toward anyone who dresses it up or down.
The Excursions
Even before we set sail, I’m thrilled when the itinerary lands in my inbox: the one and only stop on our short cruise is – drumroll, please – Portofino! It’s been on my bucket list forever, and now the opportunity to visit is practically being handed to me on a silver platter. And yes, it really is as delightful as I’d imagined. After tendering ashore, our group immediately takes countless photos of the tiny harbor and its colorful houses. Italian postcard perfection! Then we head a couple of bays over for lunch at the beautifully set Langosteria at Paraggi, a beachside restaurant overlooking swimmers splashing around in the turquoise water. Could this place be any prettier? Okay, service could have been a touch faster, but who cares when the tomatoes taste as if they’ve come straight from paradise?
After lunch, we hop aboard small speedboats, seven guests to a boat, and cruise along the coastline. And it’s even more beautiful – and dramatic – than expected. A swim stop provides the perfect cool-down. La dolce vita at its finest, and I’m loving every minute of it. There’s even time for a little stroll afterward, as the last tender back to Explora III doesn’t leave until 10:30 p.m. And how much does all this fun cost? Good question. Since this was a shakedown cruise, no excursions had been loaded into the Explora app, so there were no prices available. There is, however, good news when it comes to Destination Experiences: travel advisors can now earn commission on them.
The Service
It’s remarkable how polished and well-coordinated the crew already feels – after all, Explora III has been sailing for just seven days when I step on board. Sure, there are a few minor glitches in the luxury matrix here and there, but nothing worth fussing over, and they’re usually ironed out in no time. Speaking of speed: my Suite Host is either invisible or simply so fast that I never manage to catch a glimpse of him. One thing is certain: I take a quick stroll around the ship, and by the time I return, my suite looks brand-new again. What stays with me even more than the crew’s professionalism, though, is their genuine warmth. From the lady at Dining Reservations, who swiftly snips an annoyingly scratchy label out of the back of my summer dress so I can head off on my excursion in comfort, to the waiter at Marketplace who casually takes my buzzer, picks up my freshly prepared pasta, and delivers it to my table – almost everyone on board is seriously lovable. My personal favorite: Desy at Med Yacht Club, who goes above and beyond for her guests while somehow always finding time for a joke and a smile.
Snapshots of the Naming Ceremony in Barcelona
Naming Ceremony speech by President Anna Nash
On the left: an excited godmother, Cristina Ozores.
Afterwards: time to party on the pool deck!
What We Loved
✔ The relaxed safety drill: Once aboard, your very first stop is a quick visit to your muster station. That’s also where the life jackets are stored in case of an emergency – no lugging them around, strapping them on, and then standing around in the sweltering heat waiting for everyone else to show up. Love it! After that, it’s off to your suite, where you can watch the safety video. ✔ The genuine warmth of the crew. Both thumbs up! ✔ The fabulous DJane at the Sky Bar. ✔ The walk-in closet: from a high-end steamer to a Dyson hair dryer, it has everything a girl could wish for. ✔ The incredible selection at Marketplace. Where do you even begin?! ✔ The perfect soundproofing. Suite neighbors? What neighbors?
Not So Much
✖ Possibly the world’s firmest pillows. So if your clients happen to have beef with anyone on board, they can just challenge them to a pillow fight…! ✖ The water pressure in the handheld shower. Cute! Unless you’re trying to rinse shampoo out of long hair. ✖ The rather lonely check-in experience. It would feel much more welcoming to have someone escort you to your suite. And why, oh why, does my suitcase take a whopping four hours to arrive?!
Images: Explora Journeys (6), LuxuryWise (5)
In a Nutshell
One thing becomes clear aboard Explora III: Explora Journeys listens – and acts on what it hears. Many of the changes, such as the additional shaded areas around the adults-only pool, were introduced in direct response to guest feedback. There’s a noticeable evolution from the first two ships, without reinventing the concept altogether. And why would they? For the most part, it works exceptionally well. Explora III is simply a ship that makes you feel at ease. The all-inclusive concept certainly helps – there’s something wonderfully relaxing about not having every Coke added to your bill. The culinary offering is every bit worthy of a luxury ship, while the wonderfully warm crew seems to have been infused with an extra dose of hospitality DNA by Anna Nash, formerly of Aman. And this writer, who is by no means a die-hard cruise fan, would happily set sail aboard Explora III again anytime.
Trade Contact: Daniel Kierkemann-Rott