Tangier Ville Port welcomed EXPLORA III on August 7, 2026, during the vessel’s first call in Tangier, marking a new milestone in Explora Journeys’ growing presence in Morocco and highlighting the strategic role of Tangier within the luxury cruise brand’s carefully designed Mediterranean itineraries.
Explora Journeys, the luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, has made Tangier a regular port of call since EXPLORA I first visited the city in June 2024. Following calls by EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II in 2024, 2025 and 2026, the arrival of EXPLORA III further strengthens the company’s commitment to the destination, with nine Explora Journeys fleet calls already scheduled in Tangier through the end of 2027.
The continued presence of Explora Journeys reflects the company’s confidence in Tangier’s tourism potential and in the strategic position of Tangier Ville Port within its Mediterranean development. Through its calls, the company aims to offer guests an opportunity to discover Tangier’s cultural heritage, landscapes, cuisine and lifestyle, while contributing to the dynamism of the local tourism ecosystem.
The arrival of EXPLORA III also highlights the technological development of the Explora Journeys fleet. The vessel is the brand’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), representing another step in its investment in advanced marine technologies. Designed to operate on LNG, EXPLORA III is also prepared for the future use of renewable fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as these alternatives become available.
The ship is additionally equipped with shore-power connectivity, allowing it to connect to a land-based electricity network in ports where the required infrastructure is available. This enables the vessel to switch off its engines while docked.
Onboard, EXPLORA III retains Explora Journeys’ distinctive European design while introducing an expanded range of dining, entertainment and wellness experiences. The ship features seven restaurants and thirteen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, alongside extensive outdoor decks offering more space per guest than ever before. Guests will also have access to the latest evolution of the brand’s Ocean Wellness offering.
Following its inaugural Mediterranean season, EXPLORA III will also sail to Northern Europe, the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. From 2027, the arrival of the new vessel will allow Explora Journeys to expand its network further, with new itineraries planned in Alaska and Asia.
Explora Journeys is MSC Group’s luxury ocean travel brand, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Built around Swiss precision, European elegance and the 300-year maritime heritage of the Aponte-Vago family, the brand was created to redefine ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travelers.
Its identity is centered on the concept of an “Ocean State of Mind”, with immersive itineraries combining iconic destinations with more intimate ports and destinations. The fleet emphasizes spacious accommodation, with suites, penthouses and residences designed around natural light, private outdoor areas and panoramic ocean views, complemented by refined dining, high-end wellness facilities, pools and premium retail spaces.
EXPLORA I entered service in July 2023, followed by EXPLORA II in September 2024. EXPLORA III was inaugurated on July 24, 2026, while EXPLORA IV is scheduled to enter service in early 2027. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI are expected to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028, respectively, incorporating advanced environmental technologies as part of Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainable development.