If Explora I and II were the elegant opening chapters of a travel memoir — think sun-dappled promenades, whisper-quiet staterooms and that particular Mediterranean-meets-contemporary design language — then Explora III arrives like the sequel that learned how to whisper even softer and stretch its arms a little wider. This is not a reinvention so much as a careful, luxury-minded refinement: more room to breathe, more corners to linger in, and a subtle engineering pivot that pushes the fleet toward the future.
Bigger, airier, more considered space
The most immediate difference you’ll notice on paper (and in person) is scale. Explora III has been stretched slightly — the latest published specifications place her in a higher gross-tonnage bracket than her sisters — which the brand has used deliberately: extra interior and outdoor public areas rather than a simple growth in passenger capacity. That means more lounges, expanded deck terraces and a higher ratio of public space per guest — an intentional luxury metric that translates into fewer elbows on deck and more room for that well-placed chaise longue.
Suites and accommodations: the subtle lift
Explora Journeys continues to prioritize ocean-facing suites across the fleet, but Explora III increases the suite count modestly while preserving — and in some cases enlarging — the livable space per suite. The result is a ship that manages to feel larger without feeling crowded. For travelers who prize in-suite calm — room to unpack, a sofa to stretch out on, a balcony with real private space — that’s the headline improvement.
A softer outdoor life: redesigned pools and more shaded terraces
Deck life on Explora I felt impeccably modern; II tweaked those ideas with additional shaded seating and small pool-area changes. Explora III continues the evolution with expanded outdoor terraces and more varied alfresco seating arrangements — more cabanas, more intimate pocket spaces, and refinements to pool areas for both privacy and sociability. In practice this means you can find a quiet nook with an ocean view or congregate poolside without the two colliding.
Culinary variety and destination-driven menus
Explora’s signature restaurant count remains consistent — multiple destination-inspired restaurants and bars — but you’ll see an even stronger emphasis on locally sourced menus and culinary concepts tuned to the ports the ship visits. Expect dining experiences that reference Reykjavik’s seafood craft one night and the Mediterranean’s slow-wood-fired grill the next, a feature designed to make port-to-plate storytelling feel seamless.
Wellness, design and small luxuries
The wellness areas get an equally thoughtful pass: expanded Ocean Wellness zones, larger spa footprints and indoor/outdoor whirlpool options make self-care on board feel less like an add-on and more like a curated program. Small design touches — from the flow of a lobby to the placement of a bar cart — were adjusted fleetwide as Explora learned from guest feedback on I and II; III benefits from that accumulated intelligence.
A practical, progressive engineering move: LNG capability
Perhaps the single most consequential technical change is Explora III’s step toward lower-emission operations: the new hulls in the later build orders are sized to accommodate liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion options. That matters: LNG is one of the clearest near-term moves the cruise industry can make toward cleaner operations, and if you care about the environmental profile of your travels, this is a meaningful evolution. (Note: fleet rollout timelines and actual operational fuel choices can change; always confirm the final configuration prior to booking.)
What stays the same — and why that’s good
The DNA of the brand — an intimate, yacht-adjacent silhouette, suites that feel like private apartments, and a rhythm of relaxed service — remains intact. Explora III is not about changing course; it’s about sharpening the edges and smoothing the experience. For loyal guests of I and II, think familiar comforts elevated, not replaced.
Where she will sail (and why it matters)
Explora III’s initial itineraries highlight Northern Europe (Iceland and Greenland), the dramatic fjords and city-ports of Scandinavia, and stretches of North America’s East Coast. Those itineraries pair exceptionally well with the ship’s enhanced outdoor spaces and expedition-proximate design: more deck space means better viewing in high-latitude destinations such as Reykjavík, Nuuk or the Faroe Islands. Mentioning destinations like Reykjavík (Iceland), Nuuk (Greenland) and Reykjavik’s Day Trip options here will help contextualize the experience for curious readers and serve as useful backlink targets.
Ready to explore in style? Call us now at 888-717-5074 our experts are here to help you find the ideal itinerary aboard Explora III.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Explora III differ in size from Explora I?
A: Explora I’s gross tonnage is around 63,900 GT; Explora III is significantly larger, in the ~72,800 GT range — a measured growth used to add public space and amenities.
Q: Are there more suites onboard Explora III?
A: Yes — Explora III lists a slightly higher number of suites (around 461–463 in published materials), configured to keep space-per-guest generous.
Q: Will Explora III use LNG fuel?
A: Explora III is part of a design evolution to accommodate liquefied natural gas (LNG) capability; final fuel operations may depend on deployment and regulatory/environmental factors.
Q: Is the food and dining different from the earlier ships?
A: The number of dining venues remains in the same luxury range (multiple restaurants and bars), but menus are more destination-driven and programs refined based on guest feedback.
Q: Is Explora III better for cold-weather itineraries?
A: Yes — expanded outdoor terraces and viewing spaces, along with indoor-outdoor wellness facilities, make it well suited to high-latitude sailings like Iceland and Greenland.
