EXPLORA III is newer, larger, and more evolved than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II—but that does not automatically make it the better ship for every luxury traveler.
The third ship from Explora Journeys builds on the experience established aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II rather than replacing it with an entirely different concept. The biggest changes are additional public space, a greater emphasis on premium suite categories, new culinary experiences, a redesigned Lobby, a reimagined Ocean Wellness experience, and the introduction of LNG propulsion to the Explora Journeys fleet.
So the more useful question is not simply, “Is EXPLORA III better?”
It is: Do the differences on EXPLORA III matter enough for the way you want to travel?
For some travelers, absolutely. For others, the itinerary, dates, suite category, and overall fit of the journey may matter much more than choosing the newest ship.
The Short Answer: Is EXPLORA III Better?
EXPLORA III is the most significant evolution of the original Explora Journeys ship design so far. It is 19.2 meters longer than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II and provides approximately 19.5 square meters of public space per guest, according to Explora Journeys.
The additional size has been used to expand public areas, outdoor space, premium accommodations, wellness facilities, and dining choices rather than simply making the ship feel substantially more populated.
That makes EXPLORA III particularly appealing if you value space, newer onboard concepts, more premium accommodation choices, and the latest version of the Explora Journeys experience.
But EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II still deliver the fundamental experience that defines the brand. If one of those ships has the itinerary, timing, or suite you prefer, choosing it instead of EXPLORA III does not mean settling for an inferior experience.
EXPLORA III vs. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II at a Glance
| Feature | EXPLORA I & EXPLORA II | EXPLORA III |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 248 m / 813 ft | Approximately 268 m / 879 ft |
| Gross tonnage | 63,900 GT | 72,810 GT |
| Public space per guest | Approximately 18.7 sq m / 201 sq ft | Approximately 19.5 sq m / 210 sq ft |
| Outdoor public space per guest | Approximately 7.1 sq m / 76.4 sq ft | Approximately 7.6 sq m / 81.8 sq ft |
| Guest capacity | Approximately 900 | Approximately 900 |
| Guest-to-host ratio | 1.25:1 | 1.25:1 |
| Owner's Residences | 1 | 2 |
| New EXPLORA III concepts | — | The Cellar, The Chef's Table, Shore Club on 11 |
| Propulsion distinction | Earlier generation | First LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet |
The numbers help explain the real story: EXPLORA III is a larger ship without a corresponding jump in guest capacity.
That matters more than simply being “new.”
The Biggest Difference: More Ship Without Many More Guests
EXPLORA III measures approximately 268 meters long, compared with approximately 248 meters for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. Its gross tonnage also increases from 63,900 GT to 72,810 GT.
Yet Explora Journeys describes the ship as welcoming a similar number of guests to its sister ships.
The result is more room for the onboard experience.
Explora Journeys reports approximately 19.5 square meters of public space per guest on EXPLORA III, compared with approximately 18.7 square meters on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. Outdoor public space per guest also increases from approximately 7.1 to 7.6 square meters.
Those may look like small differences on paper, but they reveal the design philosophy behind EXPLORA III. The larger platform is not simply about making a bigger cruise ship. It gives Explora Journeys additional room to expand social spaces, outdoor areas, accommodations, wellness facilities, and culinary concepts.
For travelers who are drawn to Explora Journeys because they want a less crowded, more residential style of ocean travel, this is arguably the most meaningful difference between the ships.
What's New on EXPLORA III?
EXPLORA III keeps many of the concepts travelers already associate with Explora Journeys while adding several experiences that are unique to the newer ship.
Shore Club on 11
One of the notable additions is Shore Club on 11, positioned beside the expanded Conservatory Pool.
The concept adds another relaxed dining option with a Mediterranean focus, extending the casual indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is central to the Explora Journeys experience.
For travelers who prefer flexible days at sea rather than a schedule built around formal meals and activities, an additional poolside dining environment can be more meaningful than simply having another restaurant on a deck plan.
The Cellar
The Cellar by Explora Journeys is a dedicated wine-focused destination introduced aboard EXPLORA III.
Rather than treating wine solely as part of the restaurant experience, The Cellar creates a distinct space built around wine discovery and a broad international collection.
This is a genuine addition to the EXPLORA III experience rather than simply a redesigned version of an existing EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II venue.
The Chef's Table
EXPLORA III also introduces The Chef's Table by Explora Journeys, a more personalized culinary concept designed around menus, pairings, regional ingredients, and guest preferences.
It adds another layer to the ship's dining program, particularly for travelers who consider food and wine an important part of the reason they travel.
That does not mean the food itself is automatically “better” on EXPLORA III. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II already offer the core Explora Journeys culinary concepts. The difference is that EXPLORA III gives guests additional types of dining experiences.
A Redesigned Lobby
The Lobby is another area where EXPLORA III represents an evolution.
Explora Journeys redesigned it as a double-height social space with a sweeping staircase, circular bar, fireplace, dedicated music area, and additional places to gather.
This is an important distinction because the Lobby is not simply decorative. It functions as one of the central social spaces aboard the ship.
Travelers who enjoy spending time around the ship between meals and excursions may appreciate the greater emphasis on making this area feel like a true living room rather than a transitional space.
Reimagined Ocean Wellness
Ocean Wellness has also been reconsidered for EXPLORA III, bringing spa and fitness facilities together into a more unified wellness environment.
The newer design does not make the wellness experience objectively superior for everyone. Layout and atmosphere are personal preferences, especially for travelers who value a particular connection to outdoor space or ocean views.
What can be said is that EXPLORA III offers the newest interpretation of Explora Journeys' wellness concept, with the spa, fitness facilities, and related experiences integrated more deliberately into the ship's overall design.
Are the Suites Better on EXPLORA III?
Not necessarily—but travelers looking for higher accommodation categories have more reason to examine EXPLORA III closely.
All three ships are built around Explora Journeys’ residential “Homes at Sea” concept, with ocean-facing accommodations and private terraces.
Where EXPLORA III changes the equation is in its greater emphasis on Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences.
It also introduces a second Owner's Residence. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II each have one, while EXPLORA III has two.
For travelers considering the upper accommodation categories, this expanded inventory creates more choice within the premium end of the ship.
But the ship itself should not be the only factor in choosing a suite.
A well-positioned accommodation in the category that fits your needs on EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II may be a better choice than selecting EXPLORA III simply because it is newer. Suite layout, location, terrace space, travel party, itinerary, and how much time you expect to spend in your suite can all affect that decision.
Is Dining Better on EXPLORA III?
EXPLORA III has more culinary choice, but “more” and “better” are not the same thing.
Established Explora Journeys concepts continue aboard the newer ship, including venues such as Sakura, Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club, Marble & Co. Grill, Anthology, and Emporium Marketplace.
EXPLORA III then expands the culinary program with The Cellar, The Chef's Table, and Shore Club on 11.
If food and wine are major priorities, the additional concepts give EXPLORA III an advantage in variety.
What they do not establish is that a meal at an existing restaurant is inherently better simply because you are aboard EXPLORA III. Travelers who already like the core Explora Journeys dining approach will find many familiar concepts across the ships.
Is EXPLORA III Better for Wellness?
EXPLORA III offers the newest Ocean Wellness design, but this is one of the comparisons where personal preference matters.
The ship brings spa and fitness facilities together in a reimagined wellness sanctuary and incorporates updated fitness and activity spaces.
That may appeal to travelers who want wellness to be a more integrated part of their days at sea.
But wellness is not purely about square footage or how recently a space was designed. Atmosphere, layout, access to views, preferred treatments, fitness habits, and how a guest actually uses the facilities can matter more.
The safer conclusion is that EXPLORA III offers a different and more recently developed wellness environment—not that EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II suddenly have outdated wellness experiences.
What EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II Still Do Just as Well
The arrival of EXPLORA III does not change the fundamental strengths ofEXPLORA IandEXPLORA II.
The earlier ships established the brand's core approach: generous personal space, ocean-facing accommodations, private terraces, multiple pools and lounges, diverse dining environments, and a more residential alternative to the atmosphere many travelers associate with traditional cruising.
Many of the signature restaurants, lounges, design principles, and service concepts remain part of EXPLORA III because the new ship is an evolution of that formula rather than a rejection of it.
That distinction is important when comparing sailings.
If the best itinerary for you happens to be aboard EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II, there is no strong reason to dismiss it simply because EXPLORA III is newer.
Who Should Choose EXPLORA III?
EXPLORA III deserves particular consideration if:
- You prefer sailing on the newest generation of ship.
- More public and outdoor space is important to you.
- You are interested in the new culinary concepts.
- You are considering an Ocean Penthouse, Ocean Residence, or Owner’s Residence.
- The redesigned Lobby and latest Ocean Wellness concept appeal to you.
- You want to experience the newest evolution of the Explora Journeys onboard product.
In those situations, the differences aboard EXPLORA III are meaningful rather than cosmetic.
Who Should Still Consider EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II?
EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II may make just as much sense if:
- One offers the itinerary you prefer.
- The sailing dates work better for your schedule.
- Your preferred suite category or location is available.
- The new EXPLORA III venues are not priorities for you.
- You care more about the overall journey than sailing on the newest ship.
This is why comparing luxury ships solely by launch date can lead to the wrong decision.
The best ship is not always the newest ship. It is the ship that best supports the trip you actually want to take.
Does the Ship Matter More Than the Itinerary?
EXPLORA III has meaningful design and onboard-experience differences, but an ocean journey is still shaped by where you go, when you travel, how long you stay, the suite you choose, and what you want from your time both onboard and ashore.
If two comparable itineraries were available on similar dates and EXPLORA III offered the suite you wanted, its additional space and expanded onboard experiences could make it the more compelling option.
But if EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II offers a more appealing itinerary, better timing, or a more suitable accommodation, choosing the older ship can be entirely reasonable.
The most useful comparison is therefore not:
EXPLORA III vs. EXPLORA II vs. EXPLORA I—which ship wins?
It is:
Which combination of ship, suite, itinerary, and travel dates works best for you?
So, Is EXPLORA III Worth Choosing Over EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II?
EXPLORA III represents a meaningful evolution of the Explora Journeys experience.
It is larger without being designed around substantially more guests. It offers more public and outdoor space per guest, expands the premium suite mix, introduces new culinary concepts, rethinks important social and wellness areas, and brings LNG propulsion to the fleet for the first time.
Those are real differences.
But they do not make EXPLORA I or EXPLORA II obsolete—and they do not mean every traveler should automatically choose EXPLORA III.
For luxury travelers, the better decision comes from looking beyond the ship name and considering the complete journey: itinerary, dates, suite, onboard priorities, and personal travel style.
Planning an Explora Journeys Vacation?
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel can help you compare Explora Journeys sailings based on the factors that actually matter for your trip—from ship and itinerary to suite category and travel dates.
Rather than choosing a ship simply because it is newest, the goal is to identify the Explora journey that best fits how you want to travel.
Explore your Explora Journeys options with Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EXPLORA III bigger than EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II?
Yes. EXPLORA III is approximately 268 meters long and 72,810 GT, compared with approximately 248 meters and 63,900 GT for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.
Is EXPLORA III more spacious?
According to Explora Journeys' published specifications, yes. EXPLORA III provides approximately 19.5 square meters of public space per guest, compared with approximately 18.7 square meters on EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. It also provides more outdoor public space per guest.
What is new on EXPLORA III?
Notable additions and changes include The Cellar, The Chef's Table, Shore Club on 11, a redesigned double-height Lobby, a reimagined Ocean Wellness environment, more emphasis on Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, and a second Owner's Residence.
Is EXPLORA III the first LNG-powered Explora Journeys ship?
Yes. EXPLORA III is the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet.
When did EXPLORA III begin sailing?
EXPLORA III was delivered on July 23, 2026. Following its Mediterranean Prelude, its official naming ceremony took place in Barcelona on August 1, 2026, and its maiden journey departed on August 3, 2026.
Does EXPLORA III have better restaurants?
It has additional culinary experiences, but that does not establish that its food is objectively better. Signature Explora Journeys restaurants return aboard EXPLORA III, while The Cellar, The Chef's Table, and Shore Club on 11 expand the choices available.
Should first-time Explora Journeys guests choose EXPLORA III?
Not automatically. EXPLORA III is an attractive choice for travelers who value its additional space and newer features, but first-time guests should also compare itineraries, dates, suite categories, and the overall journey offered by EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.