The Explora III made its maiden call to Southampton on August 17. 

As part of the visit, 25 travel advisors from across the UK travel trade community were welcomed onboard to experience the ship firsthand, the cruise line said in a press release.

This is the second Explora ship to call at Southampton, following the Explora I at the end of August 2023. 

Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, and Antonio Paradiso, vice president & managing director UK & Ireland, welcomed travel advisors onboard. 

The visit provided them with a deeper understanding of the brand to help introduce Explora Journeys to their clients and attract new-to-ocean guests, among other things. 

“Explora Journeys set out to create a new expression of ultra-elegant ocean travel, appealing to travelers who may never have considered an ocean journey before. Explora III takes that vision further, giving our travel advisor partners an even stronger proposition for attracting new-to-ocean guests,” noted Paradiso. 

“As the third ship in our planned six-ship fleet, her maiden call to Southampton marks an important milestone for Explora Journeys in the UK, and we’re delighted to celebrate it with the Port of Southampton and our partners here today.” 

A traditional Crest Exchange Ceremony marked the occasion with Captain Melani exchanging commemorative crests with port and city officials.  

The attendees also had lunch at Fil Rouge, one of the ship’s seven dining destinations, before disembarking. 

Explora Journeys’ first LNG-powered vessel was christened at the start of August and is now sailing its inaugural Northern European program.  

Departing Southampton on August 18, it will sail on an eight-night journey to Copenhagen, calling at Mandal, Sandnes (Stavanger), Olden, Bergen and Flåm.