New York has welcomed plenty of grand arrivals, but few glide in quite as quietly as this one. The EXPLORA III maiden call to New York City marks a proud moment for Explora Journeys. Their newest ship has now docked in the city that has long served as the world’s front door.
The occasion lands in the middle of the vessel’s inaugural season. It also signals something bigger. As the third ship in the fleet, EXPLORA III brings the brand halfway to its goal of six ships by 2028.
A New Chapter for Explora Journeys
EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the Explora fleet. She is also the brand’s first LNG-powered vessel, a nod to cleaner travel at sea.
On board, the upgrades are easy to feel. Expect enhanced dining, expanded wellness offerings, and public spaces designed for lingering. The suites all face the ocean, and the service leans intuitive rather than fussy. Explora calls the overall feeling an “Ocean State of Mind.” After a week in Midtown traffic, that sounds like a prescription.
Celebrating the EXPLORA III Maiden Call
Maritime tradition still matters, and New York honored it properly. The ship’s leadership team and local port representatives held a Crest Exchange Ceremony on board. This long-standing custom marks a vessel’s first visit to a new destination.
Travel advisors from across the region also stepped aboard. They toured the ship firsthand and got a closer look at what sets Explora apart in luxury ocean travel.
Chris Austin, President, North America, Explora Journeys, framed the moment clearly. He called EXPLORA III “the next evolution of Explora Journeys,” building on the success of her two sister ships. He added that the brand was “delighted to celebrate her first visit to New York City.”
Why New York Fits the Journey
For generations, New York has been where travelers begin. People arrive here looking for discovery, connection, and a new point of view. That same spirit drives Explora’s itineraries, which pair iconic cities with lesser-traveled ports. Making New York part of the ship’s first North American season simply makes sense.
Where EXPLORA III Sails Next
After New York, the ship continues along the U.S. and Canadian East Coast. From there, she heads south to Miami for her inaugural Caribbean season.
The fleet keeps growing, too. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II launched in 2023 and 2024. EXPLORA IV arrives in early 2027, with EXPLORA V and VI following through 2028. Each new ship adds advanced environmental technology to the brand’s sustainability commitment.
Plan Your Own Ocean State of Mind
If the EXPLORA III maiden call has you dreaming of open water, start with an East Coast sailing or a winter Caribbean escape. Visit explorajourneys.com to browse itineraries and suites. Then tell us where you’d sail first.