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An Extended Journey from Iberian Rhythms to Cultural Crossings

Ship: Explora III   
Departure: Monday, August 3, 2026
Nights: 14 nights
Departs: Barcelona
Returns: Southampton
+ Club Bonus
One Way Trip
One
way trip
Duration
14
Nights
Days at Sea
2
Sea Days
Ports
12
Ports
Countries Visted
5
Countries
  • Itinerary

    An Extended Journey from Iberian Rhythms to Cultural Crossings

    Ports of call

    To find out more about the itinerary for this cruise, select the itinerary items below.

    Day Date Port of Call Arrival Departure
    1 Monday, August 3, 2026 Barcelona, Spain Embark 8:00 PM
    View of Barcelona, Spain

    Barcelona, located in Catalonia Spain, is Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, and one of the world’s major global cities. Today, Barcelona balances itself on the cutting edge of architecture, intellectual life, and style. Indeed Barcelona won the 1999 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for its architecture, the first time that the winner has been a city, and not an individual architect. Read more about Barcelona, Spain

    2 Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Ibiza Town, Spain 11:00 AM
    View of Ibiza Town, Spain

    Ibiza Town, or as the locals call it Vila d’Eivissa, is situated on the SE coast of the Spanish island of Ibiza, of which it is the capital. Most famous for its night life - indeed the island is regarded the undisputed Party Capital of the World - two of the island's most luxurious nightclubs, Pacha and El Divino, are located in Ibiza Town itself, while the nightclub Space is just south of the town. Ibiza Town is certainly the most fascinating part of the island, as it has a concentration of all the attractions and eccentricities which have made Ibiza world famous. Read more about Ibiza Town, Spain

    3 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Ibiza Town, Spain 2:00 AM
    View of Ibiza Town, Spain

    Ibiza Town, or as the locals call it Vila d’Eivissa, is situated on the SE coast of the Spanish island of Ibiza, of which it is the capital. Most famous for its night life - indeed the island is regarded the undisputed Party Capital of the World - two of the island's most luxurious nightclubs, Pacha and El Divino, are located in Ibiza Town itself, while the nightclub Space is just south of the town. Ibiza Town is certainly the most fascinating part of the island, as it has a concentration of all the attractions and eccentricities which have made Ibiza world famous. Read more about Ibiza Town, Spain

    4 Thursday, August 6, 2026 Puerto Banus (Marbella)
    5 Friday, August 7, 2026 Tangier, Morocco 8:00 AM 9:00 PM
    View of Tangier, Morocco

    More than any other city, the likeable, lively and cosmopolitan city of Tangier has become Morocco’s face to the world. With a long history dating back to the Phoenicians, and a rich culture - an interesting mix of African and European influences - to explore, Tangier is a fascinating port of call. Of historical interest is the Medina, the old walled city that is home to alleyways filled with tea houses and shops selling trinkets. Read more about Tangier, Morocco

    6 Saturday, August 8, 2026 Cadiz, Spain 8:00 AM 10:00 PM
    View of Cadiz, Spain

    Cadiz is a city and port in SW Spain. It is the capital of Cadiz Province, an autonomous community of Andalusia. Due to its small size one is never more than a few blocks from the sea, and this engenders a safe, relaxed, and easy-going atmosphere. Read more about Cadiz, Spain

    7 Sunday, August 9, 2026 Portimao, Portugal 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Portimao, Portugal

    Portimao is a city located in the District of Faro in the Region of Algarve in southern coastal area of Portugal. It is a popular holiday resort, undoubtedly due to the fact that it enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year. Portimao is also known for its sporting events. Read more about Portimao, Portugal

    8 Monday, August 10, 2026 Lisbon, Portugal 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Lisbon, Portugal

    Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

    9 Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Oporto, Portugal 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Oporto, Portugal

    Located in the scenic estuary of the Douro River with swathes of vineyards clinging to the hills, Oporto - aka Porto - is Portugal's second largest metropolis, and one of Europe's most charismatic cities. The city is home to monuments by leading world architects from the past and the present, and some fantastic baroque carvings. Then there’s the world-famous sweet wine, and Ribeira - Its historical centre - that was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. Read more about Oporto, Portugal

    10 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 La Coruna, Spain 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
    View of La Coruna, Spain

    Located in the NW corner of Spain, La Coruna is part of the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia. It’s a region of vast green landscapes with a rich Celtic and Roman heritage that keeps, to this day, a mystic and magic allure. Once protected by walls on three sides and by the sea on the other, the lively streets of the early medieval town with good examples of preserved Romanesque architecture, make for a fascinating visit. Read more about La Coruna, Spain

    11 Thursday, August 13, 2026 Bilbao, Spain 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
    View of Bilbao, Spain

    Bilbao, situated on the estuary of Bilboa in the north-central part of Spain, is a bustling city that epitomises the merger of the modern and the historical, as modern architects erect new buildings next to 19th-century structures. Thanks to its history and location, Bilbao is a magnificent ‘cocktail’ where architecture, tradition, character, and history, are blended to offer the visitor endless leisure and culture opportunities. With the railway connecting Bilbao and the coastal neighbourhood of Las Arenas, the city became a popular beach destination, but it was the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - a true masterpiece - in 1997 that gave the tourism industry its real impetus. Read more about Bilbao, Spain

    12 Friday, August 14, 2026 Chateauneuf du Pape, France 8:30 AM 8:00 PM

    Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a township in the SE of France, lying about 2 km east of the Rhône and 12 km north of the town of Avignon. About 70 km to the south is the Côte d'Azur (English: French Riviera). The town is surrounded by grape vines. Read more about Chateauneuf du Pape, France

    13 Saturday, August 15, 2026 St Jean de Luz, France 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of St Jean de Luz, France

    Saint Jean de Luz, one of France’s most charming and picturesque beach towns, is a fishing port on the Basque coast of France, on the northern side of the Nivelle River, near the Spanish border. It is now a famous resort, known for its Basque architecture, long sandy beach, its cuisine – be sure to taste the handmade espadrilles on Gambetta St. - as well as a great pedestrian shopping area and delightful town squares. Read more about St Jean de Luz, France

    14 Sunday, August 16, 2026 At Sea
    15 Monday, August 17, 2026 Southampton, Great Britain 7:00 AM Disembark
    View of Southampton, Great Britain

    Southampton, UK, is a city and major port situated on the south coast of England, and is widely recognised as the capital of the country’s cruise industry. Each year more and more cruise liners take advantage of its superb cruise terminals. It is, of course, a gateway to Europe’s largest city, the enormous cosmopolitan city of London, with all the cultural and gastronomic attractions you'd expect from a world capital. Read more about Southampton, Great Britain

  • Ship

    Explora III Overview

    Explora III

    Step onboard and experience a sanctuary of unparalleled comfort and space. With exclusively ocean-facing suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, you can create a deep connection with the ocean. Explora III is the first in the fleet powered by LNG; this truly underscores MSC's commitment to decarbonising their marine operations. 

    Each journey includes unlimited fine beverages, access to the Thermal Spa, high-speed Wi-Fi, a number of well-being and fitness programmes, gratuities, shuttle services from port to city centre where required, a bottle of wine and spirit of your choice upon arrival, in-suite welcome champagne and refreshments, and most importantly, authentic, cultured, and intuitive service.

  • Cabins

    Explora III Cabins

    Owner's Residences

    Owner's Residences

    Owner's Residences on the Explora III Owner's Residences on the Explora III

    Cabin Types

    OR2, OR1, OR, CR

    Size: 155 sq. m. (1,668 sq. ft.) Terrace area: 125 sq. m. (1,345 sq. ft.) Capacity: 2 adults and 1 infant under 2 years old (in a baby cot).The Iconic Owner's residence suite creates the largest living space on board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind.- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea- Separate living dining and sleeping areas- Spacious lounge areas- Dining table for 8 guests- Spacious work desk area- Private bar- Pair of binoculars for guests' use during their journey- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops- Panoramic ocean-front terrace covering the width of the full ship, with a private spacious outdoor whirlpool, day beds, a scenic lounge area, and a shower.

    Residences

    Residences

    Residences on the Explora III Residences on the Explora III

    Cabin Types

    SR, RR, COJ, CO1

    Size: 70 sq. m. (753 sq. ft.) to 149 sq. m. (1,604 sq. ft.) Capacity: 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 18 years old (baby cot or double sofa bed).For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of the Ocean Residences. Exquisitely appointed Ocean Residences are perfectly positioned at the aft or forward part of the ship, offering generous spaces.- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea- Separate living dining and sleeping areas- Spacious lounge areas- Dining table for 4 guests- Spacious work desk area- Private refrigerated mini-bar- Pair of binoculars for guests' use during their journey- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops- Panoramic ocean-front terrace with private outdoor whirlpool, a dining table and a day bed and sun loungers

    Penthouse

    Penthouse

    Penthouse on the Explora III Penthouse on the Explora III

    Cabin Types

    GP, PP, DP, PH

    Size: 43 sq. m. (463 sq. ft.) to 69 sq. m. (743 sq. ft.) Capacity: 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 18 years old (baby cot or double sofa bed).Grand Penthouses offer a luxurious, spacious retreat where curated materials and attention to detail have created an environment in which every element has been consciously designed to optimize the natural light and sea views.- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea- Spacious lounge area- Dining table for 4 guests- Some suites feature a spacious workspace area- Private refrigerated mini-bar- Pair of binoculars for guests' use during their journey- Technogym Case Kit with a smart range of fitness gear- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area- Comfortable daybed for relaxation

    Ocean Terrace

    Ocean Terrace

    Ocean Terrace on the Explora III Ocean Terrace on the Explora III

    Cabin Types

    GT, OT4, OT3, OT2, OT1

    Size: 35 sq. m. (377 sq. ft.) to 39 sq. m. (420 sq. ft.) Capacity: 2 adults and 1 child under 18 years old (baby cot or rollaway bed).Ocean Grand Terrace Suites feature a larger ocean-front terrace, with an outdoor dining area.- Oversized floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the sea- Lounge area with coffee/dining table- Private refrigerated mini-bar- Pair of binoculars for guests' use during their journey- Safe accommodating most tablets and laptops- Spacious ocean-front terrace with a dining area- Comfortable daybed for relaxation

  • Deck Plans

    Explora III Deck Plans

    Legend

  • Promotions

    Current Cruise Deals for Explora III

    Explora Journeys Limited Time Club Offer

    Explora Journeys Limited Time Club Offer

    Explora Journey's Clean Cruising Club Offer!
    Bonus Journey Experience Credit of up to US$300 p/suite for Caribbean and the US*
    Bonus Journey Experience Credit of up to EUR300 p/suite for all other destinations*

    PLUS, always included with Explora Journeys:
    • Suite accommodations onboard and Wi-Fi internet access
    • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities and port charges

    Offer ends 31 July 2025. Terms & Conditions apply.

    Explora Journeys Unique Summer Special

    Explora Journeys Unique Summer Special

    Book a select Explora Journeys sailing and receive:
    • Up to US$1,000 Journey Experience Credit per suite for US & Caribbean sailings*
    • Up to EUR1,000 Journey Experience Credit per suite for all other destinations*

    PLUS, always included with Explora Journeys:
    • Wi-Fi internet access
    • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
    • Gratuities and port charges

    Offer ends 15 July 2025. Terms & Conditions apply.

Cabin Availability

Hold a cabin or view live cabin availability aboard Explora III for this sailing

Ocean Terrace at the Explora III

Ocean Terrace

From $20500
Penthouse at the Explora III

Penthouse

From $25300
Residences at the Explora III

Residences

From $35100
Owner's Residences at the Explora III

Owner's Residences

From $82900

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  • An Extended Journey from Iberian Rhythms to Cultural Crossings

    Cruiseline: Explora Journeys Ship: Explora III Departure: Monday, August 3, 2026 Nights: 14 nights Departs: Barcelona Returns: Southampton

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