EXPLORA III

Like Explora I and Explora II, accommodation aboard Explora III is entirely suite-based, with every category featuring a private terrace, a spacious living area and an elegant ensuite bathroom. Every detail has been carefully considered, from Dyson hairdryers and clothes steamers to wireless charging points beside the bed, creating a residential feel that’s become synonymous with Explora Journeys.

Despite being Explora III’s entry-level accommodation, the Ocean Terrace Suites offer a level of space and comfort rarely found in this category. Each features a private terrace, a beautifully appointed bathroom with a rainforest shower and a generous seating area, while the abundance of storage makes them particularly well suited to longer voyages.

The Ocean Penthouses perfectly capture Explora Journeys’ residential approach to luxury. Alongside everything included in the Ocean Terrace Suites, you’ll enjoy a larger private terrace, separate living and sleeping areas and a prime location on the upper decks. The larger Grand Penthouses add a private whirlpool and an outdoor dining area for up to four guests.

The Ocean Residences are among the finest suites at sea and remain a favourite with many of our loyal Explora clients. Available across five categories, they offer up to 1,600 square feet of beautifully designed living space, complete with expansive private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, curated mini-libraries and thoughtful touches such as binoculars for watching the ever-changing scenery unfold.

The Owner’s Residence is the pinnacle of accommodation aboard Explora III. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, it feels more like a contemporary waterfront apartment than a cruise ship suite. Double entrance doors open onto beautifully proportioned living spaces, complemented by panoramic views, a wraparound terrace, dining for up to eight guests and a private bar and pantry. Throughout your voyage, a dedicated Residence Manager ensures every detail is taken care of.

Dining aboard Explora III is included across six of the ship’s restaurants, with only Anthology carrying a supplementary charge. From refined French-inspired cuisine to relaxed poolside dining, the choice is impressive, and every dish is cooked to order in its restaurant’s own dedicated kitchen rather than a central galley. Better still, premium beverages, including champagne, fine wines and premium spirits, are all included in your fare.

Emporium Marketplace may be Explora III’s casual dining venue, but it’s far removed from a traditional cruise buffet. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it offers freshly prepared dishes from a series of live cooking stations alongside sushi, artisan breads, pastries, salads and changing international specialities. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace make it just as enjoyable for a leisurely breakfast as an evening meal.

New to Explora III, Shore Club on 11 occupies a prime position beside The Conservatory and serves relaxed lunches and afternoon snacks throughout the day. The menu features gourmet sandwiches, burgers, sharing plates and lighter bites, making it the perfect stop after a morning ashore or while relaxing by the pool.

Fil Rouge is Explora III’s elegant interpretation of modern European fine dining, with French culinary traditions providing much of the inspiration. The sophisticated dining room sets the tone, while the menu changes regularly, balancing contemporary creations with timeless classics such as lobster bisque, Burgundy escargot and beautifully prepared seafood.

A favourite of The Cruise Line team, Sakura delivers some of the finest Pan-Asian cuisine you’ll find at sea. Expect beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi alongside Japanese dumplings, Thai curries, noodles and signature dishes such as miso black cod. It’s understandably one of the ship’s most popular restaurants, so evening reservations are recommended, although lunchtime is often available on a walk-in basis.

Marble & Co. reimagines the traditional steakhouse with a distinctly European influence. Prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood and carefully chosen accompaniments sit alongside an excellent wine list and elegant desserts, while thoughtful details such as selecting your own steak knife add a touch of theatre without ever feeling gimmicky.

Anthology is Explora III’s most exclusive restaurant and the only dining venue requiring a supplementary charge. Reservation only, it showcases modern Italian cuisine crafted from exceptional seasonal ingredients, offering an intimate dining experience that’s ideal for celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying one of the finest meals on board.

Crema Café captures the atmosphere of a European café, serving expertly prepared coffee from twin La San Marco espresso machines alongside pastries and light bites throughout the day. For something even more exclusive, the Chef’s Table offers a bespoke multi-course dining experience for a small number of guests. Of course, with every suite offering generous indoor and outdoor living space, in-suite dining remains one of the simplest pleasures of life aboard Explora III.

Explora III has been designed around Explora Journeys’ philosophy of the Ocean State of Mind, which emphasises feeling connected to the sea. Outdoor decks flow naturally from the interior spaces, while four pools, multiple whirlpools, generous sun decks and an abundance of loungers mean there’s always somewhere quiet to unwind. Inside, beautifully designed lounges and bars create a sociable atmosphere that never feels crowded.

The Conservatory remains one of Explora III’s standout spaces, with its retractable glass roof making it equally inviting in sunshine or cooler weather. Venture a little further, however, and you’ll discover quieter spots such as the infinity pool beside the Astern Lounge or the relaxed Atoll Pool on Deck 10. Ocean-facing whirlpools, spacious cabanas and comfortable day beds complete an outdoor experience that’s among the best in luxury cruising.

The redesigned Lobby Bar has become Explora III’s natural meeting place before dinner, offering more seating and a greater sense of openness than on her sister ships. Up on Deck 14, the Sky Bar delivers a relaxed beach-club atmosphere that’s particularly enjoyable during sailaways and after sunset. For something more intimate, The Malt Whisky Bar is one of the ship’s hidden gems. The relocation of the pool table from the Astern Lounge has made it an inviting social space even if whisky isn’t your drink of choice, while the neighbouring Astern Lounge offers live music, excellent cocktails and a noticeably quieter atmosphere as the evening unfolds.

With panoramic ocean views stretching across 270 degrees, the Explora Lounge is the closest equivalent to a traditional observation lounge aboard Explora III. Comfortable seating, live music and the afternoon tea service ensure the space remains busy throughout the day, yet it never feels overcrowded. Whether you’re watching the coastline drift past with a coffee on the outside terrace, or settling in for an evening cocktail, it’s one of the easiest places on board to lose track of time.

Elsewhere aboard Explora III you’ll find a carefully curated art gallery featuring works by artists including Banksy and L. S. Lowry, alongside the MSC Foundation Centre, where interactive exhibits showcase the organisation’s marine conservation and scientific research projects. Guests looking for evening entertainment can also enjoy the ship’s casino, with roulette, blackjack and slot machines available throughout the voyage.

Wellness sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience, so it’s no surprise that the Ocean Wellness Centre is one of Explora III’s defining spaces. Beautifully designed and wonderfully tranquil, it features a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, treatment rooms and a full-service beauty salon. Whether you’re enjoying a massage after a day ashore or simply unwinding in the thermal areas, it’s the perfect place to slow the pace of your voyage.

Explora III introduces one of the ship’s most welcome refinements by bringing the Fitness Centre and Ocean Wellness Centre together in a single integrated space. It’s a thoughtful change that allows guests to move seamlessly between exercise and relaxation. The Fitness Centre itself is equipped with the latest Technogym equipment, custom-designed for Explora Journeys in a calming sandstone finish that complements the ship’s overall aesthetic. A programme of yoga, Pilates and meditation classes runs throughout each voyage, while the outdoor fitness area on Deck 14 offers the chance to exercise with uninterrupted ocean views.

Life aboard Explora III is intentionally unhurried. Outside of the excellent shore excursion programme, days are shaped more by relaxation and enrichment than organised activity. You’ll find many guests reading on the open decks, unwinding beside one of the pools or simply watching the world drift by from a favourite lounge. For those looking to engage a little more deeply, the programme includes guest lectures, destination talks and culinary experiences led by the ship’s chefs, offering thoughtful ways to connect with the places you’re visiting.

Evenings aboard Explora III are equally relaxed, with the freedom to shape them however you wish. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in one of the elegant lounges, linger over dinner, or head to the Discovery Lounge for live music, performances and cabaret-style entertainment. If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, the Sky Bar on Deck 14 comes into its own after dark. DJs, cocktails and open-air seating create a sophisticated beach-club feel that often keeps the evening going long after the sun has disappeared below the horizon.

Explora III isn’t a ship designed specifically for families, but those travelling with children during the school holidays will find a thoughtful and well-executed programme centred around the reimagined Nautilus Club. The space has been expanded for Explora III and features interactive entertainment stations, the latest PlayStation consoles, games and dedicated areas for quieter activities.

Throughout the voyage, the youth hosts organise a programme of age-appropriate activities, while occasional events such as evening pool sessions and ship-wide treasure hunts allow younger guests to enjoy the ship in a relaxed, engaging way. The overall atmosphere remains unmistakably Explora Journeys. Family facilities are available when needed, but they never dominate the experience, ensuring couples and families alike can enjoy the ship in equal measure.