Tourexpi
Explora Journeys has officially named EXPLORA III in Barcelona, marking the arrival of the third vessel in its planned six-ship fleet. The ceremony took place beside the MSC Cruise Division terminal and followed the ship’s early delivery in Genoa on 23 July 2026.
Marine educator Cristina Ozores served as godmother and formally blessed the vessel. Guests included senior representatives of Explora Journeys, MSC Group and the Port of Barcelona.
More space and privacy
EXPLORA III is 19.2 metres longer than its sister ships and offers 19.5 square metres of public space per guest. The expanded design includes larger public areas, additional Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, and two Owner’s Residences measuring 315 square metres each.
One of the residences was created in collaboration with architect and designer Patricia Urquiola and includes a private steam room, whirlpool and ocean-facing terrace.
New culinary and wellness concepts
The ship introduces several new venues, including The Cellar, with almost 350 wine labels, and The Chef’s Table, where menus are tailored to individual guest preferences.
Ocean Wellness has also been redesigned as a single spa and fitness area. It includes Pilates facilities, an outdoor sports court, an extended running track and new fitness equipment.
First LNG-powered ship in the fleet
EXPLORA III is the first Explora Journeys vessel powered by liquefied natural gas. It is also equipped for shore power, allowing its engines to be switched off in ports with the necessary infrastructure.
“EXPLORA III brings to life an even more generous expression of space, design, gastronomy and holistic wellbeing,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.
Following the naming ceremony, the ship departed Barcelona on 3 August for its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon. Its inaugural season will include Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America.
Image Credit: © Explora Journeys
The most interesting news
Hong Kong launches new luxury lifestyle exhibition in November
The Festival of Connoisseurs will combine premium travel, superyachts and luxury brands with public events across Victoria Harbour, AsiaWorld-Expo and Discovery Bay
Bedsonline+ launches integrated travel packages for advisors in North America
The new PerfectStay-powered solution allows travel advisors to book flights, hotels and experiences through a single platform, with expansion to European markets planned
Hilton Plans Major Global Expansion with New Hotels in 2027
The hotel group is preparing brand debuts in more than 30 countries, with new luxury properties, lifestyle hotels and extended-stay accommodation across Asia, Europe and the Americas
SWISS Launches Direct Flights from Zurich to Bengaluru
The airline now serves three destinations in India, with five weekly nonstop flights to the country's major technology and business hub in southern India
Thailand Promotes Lesser-Known Southern Destinations to European Tour Operators
An eight-day familiarisation trip introduced travel professionals from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Khanom, Sichon and Cheow Lan Lake, combining coastal tourism with nature and cultural experiences
Aeroitalia selects Delta TechOps to support its Boeing 737 fleet
The agreement combines component maintenance, spare parts access and technical support to improve aircraft availability as the Italian airline expands its operations
Lufthansa and Fraport unveil Gate of the Future at Frankfurt Airport
Redesigned Gate A16 introduces mobile passenger assistance, real-time digital information and lounge-style seating as a testing ground for future airport services
Rixos Chairman Fettah Tamince Calls for a New Tourism Strategy in Türkiye
Rixos Chairman Fettah Tamince urges Türkiye to prioritize tourism revenue over visitor numbers, targeting $100 billion from 50 million tourists
New York Restaurant Takes Diners Across India with Changing Menus
A restaurant in the Hudson Valley introduces a new culinary journey every 100 days, exploring India's regional cuisines through seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques
IHG brings Garner brand to Uzbekistan with new Tashkent hotel
The 100-room Garner Hotel Tashkent is scheduled to open in September 2027, marking the midscale brand's first property in Central Asia
Spain’s International Airline Seat Capacity Rises to 9.1 Million in November
Turespaña reports a 1.3% year-on-year increase, with strong growth from Italy, Poland and Mexico offsetting declines in the British, German and French markets
Germany Records Growth in International Tourism During Summer 2026
Foreign visitor overnight stays increased during the peak travel season, with Germany outperforming global tourism growth in the first half of the year
Türkiye Reports Record Tourism Revenue of $51.3 Billion in First Nine Months of 2026
Tourism earnings rise 2.4 percent as the country welcomes 49.1 million visitors, with Russia, Germany and the UK remaining its largest source markets
Phuket to Host Global Wellness Summit as Thailand Expands Health Tourism Strategy
The November gathering will bring around 600 international delegates to Thailand as the country promotes traditional healing, wellness travel and higher-value tourism
Sanya and Maldives Expand Cooperation in Marine Tourism and Trade
New agreements cover yacht services, fisheries and aquaculture as the Chinese resort city seeks stronger economic links with the Indian Ocean destination
Eurowings adds five European routes to its summer 2027 network
New services from Berlin, Hanover and Stuttgart lead the airline's latest announcements, alongside seasonal Edinburgh flights, a renewed Borussia Dortmund partnership and a television documentary
Lufthansa Group Reports Record Quarterly Revenue Despite Rising Fuel Costs
Third-quarter revenue reaches €12.2 billion as strong passenger demand and higher profits at Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik support earnings
WTTC Welcomes 50 Members as Global Tourism Industry Expands
Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental join the organisation’s Executive Committee as travel and tourism is forecast to contribute US$11.9 trillion to the global economy in 2026
Ryanair Extends Erasmus Student Partnership with Discounted Flights for 2026/27
The airline and Erasmus Student Network enter their tenth year of cooperation, offering members 15% off four one-way flights across Europe
Eurowings Carries More Than 18 Million Passengers in Nine Months
The Lufthansa Group airline reports an 88 percent summer load factor, expands its Berlin network and introduces premium seating on selected routes
Bangkok Expo Strengthens Thailand’s Ambitions as ASEAN Tourism and Entertainment Hub
The World Travel & Culture Expo brought together partners from 18 countries to explore investment, technology and new opportunities across tourism and the creative industries



