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An Extended Journey from Northern Spirit to Cultural Riches & Artistic Marvels

Ship: Explora III   
Departure: Monday, August 17, 2026
Nights: 23 nights
Departs: Southampton
Returns: Southampton
+ Club Bonus
Return Trip
Return
trip
Duration
23
Nights
Days at Sea
5
Sea Days
Ports
16
Ports
Countries Visted
7
Countries
  • Itinerary

    An Extended Journey from Northern Spirit to Cultural Riches & Artistic Marvels

    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 17, 2026 Southampton, Great Britain Embark 6:00 PM
    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

    2 Tuesday, August 18, 2026 At Sea
    3 Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Mandal, Norway 8:00 AM 6:00 PM

    Mandal is a town and municipality in Vest- Agder county, the most southerly point of Norway. With its mild and refreshing summer climate and its famous long-stretching beaches surrounding the town, it is a very popular holiday resort. The ‘Sea Sand’ is the most famous and popular beach, as it stretches for almost a kilometre just outside the town centre. Read more about Mandal, Norway

    4 Thursday, August 20, 2026 Stavanger, Norway 8:00 AM 3:00 PM
    View of Stavanger, Norway

    Stavanger, a city on the SW coast of Norway, grew to become among the most influential Norwegian cities in the late 1900s when oil was discovered in the North Sea. Today a vibrant city, but still with its small town appeal, the picturesque harbour with the quiet streets of the old town climbing up from the water’s edge, is the centre from which the city radiates across a network of islands interlaced with graceful bridges. The area is very popular for hiking, so if time permits visit the Pulpit Rock - a massive rock that overhangs the fjord at a height of 604 metres. Read more about Stavanger, Norway

    5 Friday, August 21, 2026 Olden, Norway 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Olden, Norway

    Olden is located in the county of Sogn og Fjordane in Western Norway, at the head of the Nordfjord, the sixth longest fjord in the country. The southernmost of the three short branches at the inner end of the fjord terminates at Olden, from which a lovely valley, Oldedalen, strikes due south for some 20 km between slopes rising sharply to more than 1700 m. At the end of the valley is Briksdal Glacier, the best-known arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier which is the largest in mainland Europe. Read more about Olden, Norway

    6 Saturday, August 22, 2026 Bergen, Norway 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
    View of Bergen, Norway

    Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, is located in the county of Hordaland on the SW coast of Norway. Surrounded by seven mountains, Bergen is the starting point for fjord tours and cruises as it is located midway between the main Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord. The city was one of nine European cities honoured with the title of European Capital of Culture in the Millennium year. Read more about Bergen, Norway

    7 Sunday, August 23, 2026 Flam, Norway 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Flam, Norway

    Beautiful Flåm, in Norway, is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 kilometres long and up to 1308 metres deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flåm is a paradise for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. Home to the Flåm Railway, one of the most fantastic stretches of railroad in the world, is only a short walk from the Port. Read more about Flam, Norway

    8 Monday, August 24, 2026 At Sea
    9 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Copenhagen, Denmark 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
    View of Copenhagen, Denmark

    Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark

    10 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 At Sea
    11 Thursday, August 27, 2026 Tallinn, Estonia 9:00 AM 4:00 PM
    View of Tallinn, Estonia

    Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is dominated by the amazing 13th century Toompea Castle towering over the rest of the city. Having always been the seat of power in Estonia, it is appropriately home to the country’s Parliament today. Tallinn was named the European Capital of Culture in 2011, and its Medieval city centre, the most amazing part of Tallinn, truly must be explored. Read more about Tallinn, Estonia

    12 Friday, August 28, 2026 Stockholm, Sweden 9:00 AM
    View of Stockholm, Sweden

    The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

    13 Saturday, August 29, 2026 Stockholm, Sweden 1:00 PM
    View of Stockholm, Sweden

    The city of Stockholm in Sweden spreads across 14 islands as it faces proudly out to the Baltic Sea. Its history stretches over seven centuries, and it is Sweden's centre of art and culture. It is also famous for being the home of the Nobel Prizes. Read more about Stockholm, Sweden

    14 Sunday, August 30, 2026 Riga, Latvia 9:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Riga, Latvia

    Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. It is the largest city of the Baltic states and home to more than one third of Latvia's population. The city lies on the Gulf of Riga, at the mouth of the Daugava. Read more about Riga, Latvia

    15 Monday, August 31, 2026 Visby, Sweden 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Visby, Sweden

    Visby, on the island of Gotland that lies 90km off the SE coast of Sweden, is a medieval town of roses, ruins, narrow winding lanes, and an amazingly well preserved town wall with 27 of the towers still intact. There are also 200 medieval houses as well as several ancient churches, many of which were built in the 12th century. Another attraction is the beautifully restored Cathedral of St Mary’s. Read more about Visby, Sweden

    16 Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Ronne, Denmark 9:00 AM 8:00 PM
    View of Ronne, Denmark

    The Danish town of Rønne, the largest on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, is home to 15 medieval churches - four of which are Round Churches - that display unique artwork and architecture. In the colourful Old Quarter with its cobbled streets one finds some notable examples of 19th and early 20th century architecture that include half-timbered houses and interesting museums. Ronne is also well known for its arts and crafts, especially the delightful clay pottery and glass souvenirs made on site. Read more about Ronne, Denmark

    17 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Copenhagen, Denmark 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
    View of Copenhagen, Denmark

    Copenhagen, situated on two islands, is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is perhaps best known for being the final resting place of the famous author Hans Christian Andersen, and also being one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities. It has a very high quality of life. Read more about Copenhagen, Denmark

    18 Thursday, September 3, 2026 Aarhus, Denmark 8:00 AM 6:00 PM
    View of Aarhus, Denmark

    Aarhus is the second largest city and principal port of Denmark, and is situated on the east side of the peninsula of Jutland in the geographical centre of Denmark. The cruise port is within walking distance of the city centre. One major tourist attraction in Aarhus is The Old Town, which is not actually an old part of the city itself, but a collection of historic Danish buildings gathered from all around the country. Read more about Aarhus, Denmark

    19 Friday, September 4, 2026 Lysekil, Sweden 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
    View of Lysekil, Sweden

    Lysekil is a fishing and ferry port in Västra Götaland County in western Sweden. This small fishing village of just 7000 faces the Skagerrak, a strait leading to the Baltic Sea and which is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Eight kilometres to the north is Sweden’s largest oil refinery and a port that takes 500,000 DWT tankers. Read more about Lysekil, Sweden

    20 Saturday, September 5, 2026 Oslo, Norway 8:00 AM 11:55 PM
    View of Oslo, Norway

    Oslo, the capital and most populous city in Norway, lies between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills of Oslomarka. The combination of city life and easy access to outdoor activities makes Oslo a unique destination. Oslo is built in a horseshoe shape on the shores of the Oslofjord and limited in most directions by hills and forests. Read more about Oslo, Norway

    21 Sunday, September 6, 2026 At Sea
    22 Monday, September 7, 2026 Hamburg, Germany 8:00 AM 8:00 PM
    View of Hamburg, Germany

    Hamburg is a major transport hub in Northern Germany and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe. Located on the river Elbe, some 110 km from its mouth in the North Sea, the port can take the world’s largest cruise ships. The birthplace of Johannes Brahms, who spent his early formative years in the city, it is renowned for its numerous musicals, operas and orchestral presentations. Read more about Hamburg, Germany

    23 Tuesday, September 8, 2026 At Sea
    24 Wednesday, September 9, 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 $35050
Penthouse at the Explora III

Penthouse

From $47250
Residences at the Explora III

Residences

From $63100
Owner's Residences at the Explora III

Owner's Residences

From $148950

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Kerrie Macritchie's profile

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  • An Extended Journey from Northern Spirit to Cultural Riches & Artistic Marvels

    Cruiseline: Explora Journeys Ship: Explora III Departure: Monday, August 17, 2026 Nights: 23 nights Departs: Southampton Returns: Southampton

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