The new luxury liner - EXPLORA III. Photo: EXPLORA PR Luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys has announced that its new luxury ship, EXPLORA III, will set sail on its maiden voyage on August 3, 2026.
During the summer season, the ship will sail from Barcelona to Lisbon, via Northern Europe and Iceland, and then cross the Atlantic Ocean via Greenland to Canada and the United States.
According to the company, the summer cruise itineraries have been built without repeating the same destinations, and include extended calls and overnight stays in various cities, including Stockholm, Reykjavik and Quebec City. In addition, the ship will also call at destinations new to the brand, including Bergen, Flam, Riga and Tallinn.
One of the season's most notable cruises will depart on August 12 and will be dedicated to tourists passionate about sky tourism eager to view a rare solar eclipse, the first to be seen in Europe in 27 years. According to the company, the ship will be located in an optimal area for viewing the astronomical phenomenon. During the cruise, science content creator and adventurer Huw James and the first British astronaut Helen Sherman will be on board, who will hold meetings and lectures on space, astronomy and solar eclipses.
Solar eclipse. Photo Shutterstock
Another cruise, which will take place between Bergen and Copenhagen on August 22-25, will feature environmental activist, swimmer, and UN Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh, who will talk to guests about his struggles for marine conservation and his swimming journeys around the world.
As part of the cruises, various activities will also be offered at the destinations themselves, including electric boat rides in the fjords of Norway, kayaking trips along the coast of Canada, and tours of isolated natural areas in Greenland and Iceland.
A room on the new luxury ship - EXPLORA III. Photo: EXPLORA PREXPLORA III will be the first ship in the Explora Journeys fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), incorporating systems to reduce emissions and energy consumption. In addition, new culinary venues will open on board, including a wine bar and a chef restaurant with customized menus.
A Rolex boutique will also operate on board the ship, alongside stores from other luxury brands, including Cartier, Piaget and Chopard.
The company noted that for reservations made by May 26, 2026, discounts of up to €2,000 per suite on selected routes will be offered.
“This sailing season is a uniquely rich moment in time where multiple dimensions of luxury travel come together,” commented Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “From witnessing the cinematic beauty of a solar eclipse alongside world-class luminaries who bring science and adventure to life, to the profound serenity found in a more soulful navigation of the North, every element has been aligned to create a deeper connection with the world around us. It is a natural expression of our Ocean State of Mind, offering the space, stillness and time to truly absorb it all.”
EXPLORA III. Photo: EXPLORA PR