{
  "id": 2291793,
  "title": "I was first aboard Explora Journey’s new cruise ship. Does it beat the competition?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/i-was-first-aboard-explora-journeys-new-cruise-ship-does-it-beat-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T03:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/i-was-first-aboard-uber-luxury-cruise-ship-explora-iii-heres-what-its-like/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "I was privileged to be among the first to step aboard Explora III, the newest luxury cruise ship from Explora Journeys. This innovative vessel, measuring a staggering 268 metres and 14 storeys, is powered by sustainable liquified natural gas (LNG) and features more suites, public spaces, and amenities than its predecessors. Positioned in the Mediterranean, the ship is set to embark on a three-night voyage from Civitavecchia, just 37 miles north west of Rome, to Barcelona, passing through Portofino en route.\n\nExplora III boasts seven standalone restaurants, including Marble & Co, Sakura, and the highly-prized Anthology, which offers a selection of exclusive, high-priced vintages. The ship's suites are lavish, with some, such as the Owner's Residence, stretching the width of the vessel and featuring a hot tub on the balcony. Over 700 staff members cater to the 922 passengers, maintaining a staff-to-passenger ratio of 1.32:1, indicative of the high-end service one can expect on this ship.\n\nThe ship offers a range of premium amenities, from a spa and fitness centre equipped with Technogym machines to an alfresco cigar lounge and even a Jannick Sinner-inspired padel court. The onboard boutiques, run by the esteemed Clarendon, and the casino further elevate the luxury experience. Despite the high price tag, Explora III is poised to set a new standard for luxury sea travel, with similar advancements expected in the upcoming Aman at Sea cruise ship.",
  "summary": "A first-look at the newest luxury hotel-at-sea cruise ship concept by Explora Journeys You join me on a horizontal skyscraper in the Mediterranean. This is the newest cruise ship in the world. The paint has barely dried. Not a scuff or blemish can be found anywhere along her 268 metres and 14 storeys. She is [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Explora III is 268 metres long with 14 storeys.",
    "Ship offers 700+ staff for 922 passengers.",
    "Premium amenities include spa, fitness centre, and cigar lounge."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Explora III's lavish amenities and high-end service set a new standard for luxury sea travel, likely raising the bar for competitors and solidifying Explora Journeys' position in the market.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}