Explora III Makes Maiden Call to Southampton, Opening Northern Europe Season

Explora Journeys’ third ship, Explora III, made its maiden call to Southampton on August 17, marking a milestone in the luxury line’s Northern European programme. The visit welcomed 25 UK travel advisors aboard for their first look at the ship, part of the brand’s push to build relationships with UK trade partners ahead of a fuller sailing schedule.

A crest exchange ceremony marked the occasion, with the ship’s captain trading commemorative crests with the harbour master at Associated British Ports, the Sheriff of the City of Southampton, a Southampton City Council leader and Explora Journeys’ UK cruise director, a customary tradition marking a vessel’s first call at a new port.

Explora III departed Southampton on August 18 for an eight-night voyage to Copenhagen, calling at Norwegian ports including Mandal, Sandnes (Stavanger), Olden, Bergen and Flåm along the way, giving guests a tour through some of Norway’s most scenic fjord country before arriving in Denmark.

The call marks the second time an Explora Journeys ship has visited Southampton, following sister ship Explora I’s maiden call to the port in August 2023. With three ships now in its fleet, Explora Journeys continues to expand its footprint in Northern Europe as it builds out its luxury cruising brand for MSC Group.

Sources: Seatrade Cruise News, Cruise Industry News