EXPLORA III INCREASES SUMMER 2026 WITH EXTRAORDINARY NORTHERN EUROPE TRAVELS | News
This summer, perhaps the most attractive new opening in luxury travel won’t be found on land at all; the address is the ocean.
EXPLORA III departs on its maiden voyage on August 3, inviting guests to experience a more refined expression of summer travel. From the quiet majesty of the Norwegian fjords to the cinematic coastlines of New England, each trip is carefully designed to promote deeper connection through longer stays, overnight immersions, and a more leisurely pace of discovery.
Offering a refined perspective on the season through cooler climates, bright northern landscapes and culturally rich destinations, EXPLORA III sails from Barcelona to Lisbon, passing through Northern Europe and Iceland, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean via Greenland to North America. Throughout the season, EXPLORA III follows a graceful northern arc through striking landscapes and culturally rich destinations, without repeating routes.
These legendary European shores – often planned years in advance – become instantly accessible through a seamless opportunity to experience some of the world’s most sought-after destinations with rare ease, depth and sophistication.
INAUGURAL JOURNEYS COLLECTION: A SINGLE PATH OF SCENIC NAVIGATION
Guests sailing aboard EXPLORA III in summer 2026 will experience the deep serenity of nature at its most restorative as they navigate the sheltered harbors of the Baltic capitals and the legendary cities of Scandinavia before crossing the Atlantic Ocean towards Iceland, Greenland, the Canadian Maritimes and New England.
From the basalt formations of the Giant’s Causeway to the white sands of Prince Edward Island, the Journey reveals a rich diversity of landscapes shaped by water, wilderness and cultural heritage. Extended stays and overnight stays in destinations such as Stockholm, Reykjavik and Quebec City invite guests to explore each destination with greater depth and intention, while the transatlantic crossing itself becomes a defining moment of silence and perspective at sea.
The Northern European routes introduce key ports for the brand including Bergen, Flåm, Riga and Tallinn, while journeys through Icelandic fjords and Greenland reveal dramatic and remote landscapes shaped by shifting ice and ancient traditions where time is measured by the slow movement of glaciers.
“This sailing season is a uniquely rich moment where multiple dimensions of luxury travel come together,” said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. “From witnessing the cinematic beauty of a solar eclipse alongside world-class stars that bring science and adventure to life, to the deep serenity found in a more soulful navigation of the North, every element is aligned to create a deeper connection with the world around us. It’s a natural expression of our Ocean State of Mind, providing the space, silence and time to truly take it all in.”
IMMERSIVE DESTINATION EXPERIENCES
In keeping with the brand’s commitment to soulful storytelling, Destination Experiences offer meaningful connections to Scandinavian and North American heritage, inviting guests to interact with each destination in a way that is both immersive and deeply personal.
In the Norwegian fjords, guests can explore the charm of the small town of Mandal by quiet electric boat, visit family-run orchards overlooking the Fisterfjord or climb the Loen Skylift near the glittering Briksdal Glacier for panoramic views over one of Europe’s most breathtaking glacial landscapes. As EXPLORA III moves west, guests are invited to enjoy peaceful pursuits along Canada’s rugged coastline, from kayaking and hiking the Cabot Trail to exploring the windswept Magdalene Islands and the pristine wilderness of the Mingan Archipelago. Heading south, the season ends along the cinematic Atlantic coast, which transforms into vibrant autumn hues. Guests can explore the forested shores and river canyons of New England, along with iconic New York City moments, before the ship makes her grand arrival against Miami’s tropical skyline.
A SEASON DEFINED BY RARE MOMENTS
At the heart of EXPLORA III’s Inaugural Journeys Collection is an exceptional program of celebrity and enriching experiences, designed to create memorable and contextually relevant moments on board.
A defining highlight of the season is the August 12 solar eclipse tour, with EXPLORA III positioned in optimal conditions to witness this rare celestial phenomenon – the first such event visible from Europe in 27 years. Science presenter, adventurer and content creator Huw James will join guests on board EXPLORA III from August 10 to share expert insight ahead of the eclipse experience. The next day, Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut, will join guests on board for an inspiring talk about the wonders of the cosmos and her groundbreaking journey into space.
The program also welcomes Lewis Pugh, UN Patron of the Oceans, who will sail from Bergen to Copenhagen from 22 to 25 August. Sharing his experiences as an endurance swimmer and advocate for marine conservation, his presence creates a meaningful moment as he returns to the Norwegian waters where his first endurance swim took place, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring beauty and fragility of the oceans.
A MORE THOUGHTFUL WAY TO TRAVEL
As the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, EXPLORA III represents a significant step forward in the brand’s commitment to long-term sustainability solutions. Designed with advanced environmental technologies, shore power capabilities and energy efficiency innovations, the ship reflects Explora Journeys’ responsible approach to ocean travel, while maintaining the refined elegance and comfort that define the onboard experience.
NEW HIGHLIGHTS ON BOARD EXPLORA III
One of the new highlights on board EXPLORA III is the return of Rolex’s boutique-at-sea concept, building on the success of the boutique on board EXPLORA I. As an Official Rolex Retailer at Sea, the boutique offers guests the opportunity to discover a curated selection of iconic timepieces, reflecting the shared values of precision, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the sea that define both brands. The shopping offering on board is further supplemented with a curated selection of world-famous maisons, including Cartier, Piaget and, for the first time on board, Chopard.
EXPLORA III also introduces new culinary concepts, including The Cellar by Explora Journeys, featuring the most extensive wine collection at sea, and The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, where bespoke menus are created in collaboration with guests for a highly personalized dining experience.
Bringing together immersive journeys, cultural depth and thoughtful innovation, EXPLORA III redefines what a luxury summer opening can feel like.
Only this one happens to cross oceans.
A Spontaneous Summer Invitation: Guests are invited to discover EXPLORA III during its highly anticipated debut season, now with savings of up to USD$2,000 per suite on select Summer 2026 trips booked by May 26, 2026. To book a trip, guests can visit explorajourneys.com or contact their preferred travel advisor. General terms and conditions apply.
