Teri West
When MSC Group announced in 2018 that it would be creating a luxury cruise line, it dove in headfirst with an order of four new ships.
Later, it ordered two more for a total of six in Explora Journeys' first class, and this year marked the halfway point of that ship rollout with the Explora III debuting in July. I toured the ship when it visited Manhattan last month.
The Explora III in New York. Credit: Teri West
For fans of the young brand, the most significant upside of the Explora III entering service is that there are now more sailings to choose from. For the first time, Explora will cruise in Alaska.
All of the ships are similar, but the Explora III isn't identical to its predecessors since it is about 19 meters longer. Also, Explora made adjustments to the design.
The lobby on the Explora III, for example, has more seating due to guest feedback and the Conservatory Pool has more lounge space because of the length of the ship.
Explora also adjusted its selection of dining venues. The core restaurants (Fil Rouge, Marble & Co. Grill, Sakura, Med Yacht Club and Emporium Marketplace) are still there as is specialty venue Anthology. Explora has added another specialty restaurant, Chef's Table, and an eatery off of the pool deck, a counter-service option called Shore Club on 11. The Cellar is a cozy bar where the walls are decked in wine bottles.
A potential selling point for the Explora III over the first two ships is that it has two Owner's Residences, the top suites on the ship. The previous Explora ships each have one Owner's Residence.
During my tour in October, I was struck by the number of lounging options. The atrium was just one of the public areas with plenty of plush seating and elegant, inviting décor.
The central pool was also stunning, with ample poolside seating under a glass ceiling.
The new Chef's Table on Explora III. Credit: Teri West
A tasting menu from several different venues lived up to rave reviews about Explora's cuisine. I was impressed by the creativity of the dessert, a sweet play on the Italian caprese salad with a burrata cream, cherry tomatoes, strawberries and a pesto made with pistachios.
The Explora III is sailing the Caribbean this winter and will head to Alaska in the summer. Its successor, the Explora IV, is scheduled to launch in May.