This summer, one of the most notable new openings in luxury travel takes place not on land, but at sea with the arrival of Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA III.
The new luxury cruise ship begins her maiden voyages this August 2026, offering a refined and unhurried approach to summer exploration across cooler northern waters.
Rather than rushing between ports, the ship’s itineraries emphasise longer stays, overnight calls, and a more deliberate pace. From the dramatic Norwegian fjords to the historic coastlines of New England, EXPLORA III traces a northern arc that prioritises depth over breadth, making some of Europe and North America’s most sought-after destinations more accessible and immersive.
Inaugural Journeys: From Barcelona to Miami via the North
EXPLORA III’s Summer 2026 programme sails from Barcelona to Lisbon, through Northern Europe and Iceland, before crossing the Atlantic via Greenland to North America. No itineraries are repeated, allowing guests to experience a varied sweep of landscapes shaped by water, wilderness, and cultural heritage.
Highlights include maiden ports for the brand such as Bergen, Flåm, Riga, and Tallinn. Guests will navigate the sheltered harbours of Baltic capitals and Scandinavia’s historic cities before venturing into Icelandic fjords and Greenland’s remote, ice-sculpted terrain.
The journey continues along Canada’s rugged coastline and concludes with the autumnal hues of New England, ending in Miami.
Longer stays and overnights in places like Stockholm, Reykjavik, and Quebec City give travellers more time to explore with intention. The transatlantic crossing itself offers a period of stillness at sea, providing perspective between continents.
Immersive Experiences on Shore and at Sea
Consistent with Explora Journeys’ focus on meaningful connections, the Destination Experiences programme invites guests to engage directly with local heritage and landscapes.
In Norway, options include silent electric boat excursions in Mandal, visits to family-run orchards overlooking fjords, or ascents via the Loen Skylift for views of the Briksdal Glacier. Further west, activities range from kayaking and hiking the Cabot Trail to exploring the Magdalen Islands and Mingan Archipelago.
In New England, forested shores and river canyons give way to iconic urban moments in New York before the final arrival in Miami.
Rare Moments and Notable Guests
A standout voyage on 12 August positions EXPLORA III optimally for the first solar eclipse visible from Europe in 27 years. Science presenter and adventurer Huw James joins from 10 August to provide expert context, followed by a talk from Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, on 13 August.
Later in the month, Lewis Pugh, UN Patron of the Oceans, sails from Bergen to Copenhagen (22–25 August). The endurance swimmer and marine conservation advocate returns to Norwegian waters where his first long-distance swim took place, offering reflections on the oceans’ beauty and vulnerability.
Sustainability and Onboard Refinements
As the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora fleet, EXPLORA III incorporates advanced environmental technologies, shore power capability, and energy efficiency measures. This marks a considered step in the brand’s approach to responsible ocean travel while preserving the elegance expected in luxury cruising.
New onboard features include the return of a Rolex boutique at sea, joined by curated selections from Cartier, Piaget, and, for the first time, Chopard. Culinary offerings expand with The Cellar by Explora Journeys – featuring one of the most extensive wine collections at sea – and The Chef’s Table, where bespoke menus are created in collaboration with guests.
By combining thoughtful itineraries, cultural depth, and modern innovation, EXPLORA III presents a compelling new option for those seeking a more refined and restorative summer at sea. For travellers drawn to northern landscapes and a slower rhythm of discovery, the ship’s inaugural season offers a distinctive way to experience some of the world’s most striking destinations.
