Key points of EXPLORA III
- This is the third ship in the MSC Group's luxury cruise ship brand, Explorer Journeys. It was completed in July 2026 and named in Barcelona on August 1st.
- All 463 suites are ocean-facing suites, and this is the brand's first ship that can run on LNG (liquefied natural gas) as fuel.
- It will make its first port call in Japan in September 2027, and cruises departing from and returning to Tokyo are scheduled for autumn 2027 and spring 2028.
Last verified: October 4, 2026 (Source at the end of this page)
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What kind of ship is the EXPLORA III?
Explora Journeys is a luxury cruise ship brand operated by the global shipping company MSC Group. It is a separate brand from "MSC Cruises," which is known for its large ships, and is characterized by its all-suite accommodations and tranquil cruise experience.
The EXPLORA III was built in Italy at the Fincantieri (Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa). It is 19.2 meters longer than the two ships that entered service before it, making it the most spacious ship in the brand. It features 313 ocean suites, 109 penthouses, 39 ocean residences, and 2 owner's residences. The ship boasts 12 bars and lounges, as well as a new restaurant.
Basic data
| Operating company | Explora Journeys (MSC Group) |
|---|---|
| Authorized distributor in Japan | iCruise |
| Delivered | July 2026 (Named in Barcelona on August 1st) |
| Cabins | 463 (all suites) |
| Fuel | Also compatible with LNG (liquefied natural gas). |
| Builder | Fincantieri (Genoa, Italy) |
Japan cruises (from autumn 2027)
Explora Journeys will be deployed to Asia for the first time in the fall of 2027, and the EXPLORA III will make its first port call in Japan in September 2027. Cruises departing from and returning to Tokyo are scheduled for September-November 2027 and March-May 2028.
- September 27, 2027 Departure and arrival in Tokyo (9 nights): Shimizu, Kobe, Kochi, Busan (South Korea), Nagasaki, Kagoshima
- Departing from and returning to Tokyo on October 6, 2027 (10 nights): Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Kanazawa, Busan (South Korea), Nagoya
- Tokyo round-trip cruises departing October 16 and 26, 2027
- November 5, 2027: Departure from Tokyo, Arrival in Hong Kong
- Spring series including cruises departing from and returning to Tokyo (May 6th from Tokyo to Vancouver) from March 21st to May 2028.
Itineraries and ports of call are subject to change. Please check the official website or your authorized Japanese agent for details.
FAQ
Q1 Is it an MSC Cruises ship?
Although they belong to the same MSC Group, they are different brands. Explora Journeys is a luxury cruise ship brand with all-suite accommodations, and its atmosphere and pricing are different from the larger "MSC Cruises" ships (such as MSC Bellissima).
Q2 Can I board from Japan?
Cruises departing from and returning to Tokyo are scheduled to begin in September 2027. Reservations can be made through the Explora Journeys official website or authorized agents in Japan.
Source/Reference Information
- Explora Journeys “Explora Journeys Reveals EXPLORA III” (Official)
- Explora Journeys "Delivery of EXPLORA III" (Official)
- Explora Journeys "A Journey through Traditions & Coastal City Wonders" (Departing from and returning to Tokyo on September 27, 2027, official website), "A Journey through Japan's Spirit & Natural Beauty" (October 6, 2027, departing from and returning to Tokyo, official)
- iCruises (Official Agent for Japan) "Long-awaited first port call in Japan from Autumn 2027 to Spring 2028!"
Photos are being prepared. Last checked: October 4, 2026. Information is subject to change. Please let us know of any inaccuracies or issues through reviews or inquiries.
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