NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Counting on Innovation
Counting on Innovation
With its latest ship, Explora Journeys is setting a new bar for the next generation
of luxury sea travel.
As Explora Journeys prepares to launch its newest ship, EXPLORA III, in 2026, it’s setting new standards for comfort, innovation, and sustainability. Designed to redefine ocean travel, EXPLORA III will bring together spacious accommodations, innovative dining, eco-forward innovation, and refined sea travel. Travelers are booking their 2026 journeys around Northern Europe, Iceland, North America, and the Caribbean—and they’ll be getting a first taste of what the next generation of luxury ocean vessels can offer. Here, a preview by the numbers.
463 suites
EXPLORA III—which is designed with 463 ocean suites, penthouses, and residences—features itineraries that balance major cultural must-visits with off-the-beaten-path destinations. European routes include France, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, and Germany, while crowd-pleasing itineraries juxtapose unique ports like Seyðisfjörður, Iceland and Nanortalik, Greenland with visits to vibrant cities like New York and Quebec City.
20 percent less CO₂ emissions
EXPLORA III is Explora Journeys’ first LNG-powered ship, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious expeditions while reducing engine noise and vibrations for a not only greener but smoother onboard experience. On cutting-edge, new cruise vessels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) can serve as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels (like heavy fuel oil) cutting sulfur oxide emissions by nearly 100 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 percent, and carbon dioxide emissions by between 20 and 30 percent.
61.4 to 1 square feet of space per guest
With its expanded outdoor areas, thoughtfully designed lounges and terraces, and six unique dining venues, EXPLORA III offers one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, at 61.4 to 1. With 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, and 39 Ocean Residences—plus two exclusive Owner’s Residences—guests will choose from a variety of layouts to suit their preferences.
Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness
Because wellness means something different to everyone, the EXPLORA III designers made sure to consider the concept from every angle. Some guests will indulge in the Ocean Wellness spa, with its sumptuous menu of sea-inspired treatments. Others will partake in the 3,750-square-foot state-of-the-art Technogym, or the running track on deck 12. And according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, nearly 20 percent of Americans 18 and older picked up a pickleball paddle last year, so, of course, this new ship’s sports court isn’t limited to tennis and basketball.
Special club for 3- to 5-years-olds
Inclusivity is the future, and EXPLORA III caters to travelers of all ages. Its Nautilus Club features dedicated areas for children and teens, including the Nautilus Club Juniors for ages 3 to 5, with enriching, curated activities for young seafarers, and even supervised care.
Discover the Ocean State of Mind.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Counting on Innovation
Counting on Innovation
With its latest ship, Explora Journeys is setting a new bar for the next generation
of luxury sea travel.
As Explora Journeys prepares to launch its newest ship, EXPLORA III, in 2026, it’s setting new standards for comfort, innovation, and sustainability. Designed to redefine ocean travel, EXPLORA III will bring together spacious accommodations, innovative dining, eco-forward innovation, and refined sea travel. Travelers are booking their 2026 journeys around Northern Europe, Iceland, North America, and the Caribbean—and they’ll be getting a first taste of what the next generation of luxury ocean vessels can offer. Here, a preview by the numbers.
463 suites
EXPLORA III—which is designed with 463 ocean suites, penthouses, and residences—features itineraries that balance major cultural must-visits with off-the-beaten-path destinations. European routes include France, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, and Germany, while crowd-pleasing itineraries juxtapose unique ports like Seyðisfjörður, Iceland and Nanortalik, Greenland with visits to vibrant cities like New York and Quebec City.
20 percent less CO₂ emissions
EXPLORA III is Explora Journeys’ first LNG-powered ship, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious expeditions while reducing engine noise and vibrations for a not only greener but smoother onboard experience. On cutting-edge, new cruise vessels, liquefied natural gas (LNG) can serve as a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels (like heavy fuel oil) cutting sulfur oxide emissions by nearly 100 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 percent, and carbon dioxide emissions by between 20 and 30 percent.
61.4 to 1 square feet of space per guest
With its expanded outdoor areas, thoughtfully designed lounges and terraces, and six unique dining venues, EXPLORA III offers one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, at 61.4 to 1. With 313 Ocean Suites, 109 Ocean Penthouses, and 39 Ocean Residences—plus two exclusive Owner’s Residences—guests will choose from a variety of layouts to suit their preferences.
Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness
Because wellness means something different to everyone, the EXPLORA III designers made sure to consider the concept from every angle. Some guests will indulge in the Ocean Wellness spa, with its sumptuous menu of sea-inspired treatments. Others will partake in the 3,750-square-foot state-of-the-art Technogym, or the running track on deck 12. And according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, nearly 20 percent of Americans 18 and older picked up a pickleball paddle last year, so, of course, this new ship’s sports court isn’t limited to tennis and basketball.
Special club for 3- to 5-years-olds
Inclusivity is the future, and EXPLORA III caters to travelers of all ages. Its Nautilus Club features dedicated areas for children and teens, including the Nautilus Club Juniors for ages 3 to 5, with enriching, curated activities for young seafarers, and even supervised care.
Discover the Ocean State of Mind.
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Hi, I'm Frank, founder of Ascensus Premier Travel. I help busy, discerning travelers reclaim their free time by designing custom, hand-crafted vacations. Whether you are looking for a fully customized independent itinerary, the perfect premium river or ocean cruise, an active adventure tour, or a slow-paced all-inclusive resort, I design each journey to fit your unique style. I translate a lifelong passion for global history, international culture, and active exploration into highly professional, stress-free travel designs.
I handle the heavy lifting of travel planning—from research to operational execution—with the same level of care, precision, and meticulous attention to detail I’ve honed throughout my career. Whether you are planning a milestone getaway, a premium weekend escape, or a cherished family gathering, I ensure your travel investment is protected and your itinerary is expertly coordinated for true peace of mind.
I don’t just book trips; I help you navigate the world by ...