Cruise enthusiasts can look forward to a fresh breeze in their sails: Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, is unveiling new itineraries for fall 2026. And there's a surprise in store—the EXPLORA III is coming to Hamburg!
The name gives it away: EXPLORA III is the third ship in Explora Journeys' exclusive fleet. Its oldest sister, the Explora I, celebrated its premiere in Hamburg in 2023, and the brand is set to return to the Hanseatic city in full force next year. This offers cruise enthusiasts the opportunity to set off from the Elbe metropolis on customized voyages of 10, 21 or even 30 nights.
The new luxury voyages departing from Hamburg will take guests through fascinating regions—from Scandinavia and the British Isles to North America—all in an elegant setting, with exceptional service and plenty of space for personal freedom. The cruise line is committed to staying true to its brand DNA on every itinerary. At the heart of each journey are tailor-made experiences offering exquisite comfort, both at sea and on land. Every route is carefully curated, featuring not only world-renowned ports but also hidden gems far from traditional cruise destinations—making each voyage truly unique.
Hamburg is part of the routing on the following trips:
The EXPLORA III is still a vision of the future—it won’t enter service until next year. But of course, it will offer all the amenities that discerning travelers expect. This luxury cruise ship features spacious ocean-view suites with private terraces. Guests can enjoy eleven distinct culinary concepts across six different restaurants. And for liquid indulgence, there are 12 bars and lounges to choose from. For relaxation, guests can retreat to one of four pools, private cabanas, or the expansive outdoor decks.
EXPLORA III is part of an ambitious vision: by 2028, Explora Journeys aims to operate six luxury ships across the world’s oceans. All of the ships blend European design, Swiss precision, and maritime tradition with a new interpretation of luxury. The cruise line embraces the Ocean State of Mind philosophy—offering more than just traditional cruises, but an entire lifestyle.
