Explora III Opens St. Kitts’ 2026-27 Cruise Season
Explora III, the newest and largest ship in MSC Group’s luxury ocean-cruise brand, is its first powered by liquefied natural gas and accommodates about 923 guests.
Explora Journeys’ 72,810-gross-ton Explora III made its first call at Port Zante in St. Kitts on Nov. 3, becoming the island’s first inaugural cruise visit of the 2026-2027 season. The arrival came during the ship’s first Caribbean deployment.
The newest and largest vessel in MSC Group’s luxury ocean-cruise brand is also its first powered by liquefied natural gas. It accommodates approximately 923 guests, according to the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
“Explora’s guests are the visitors we are working to attract; discerning travellers who stay longer, spend more and immerse themselves on the island,” said Melnecia Marshall, deputy chief executive officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
She identified taxi operators, tour guides, vendors and restaurants as businesses that could benefit from those visitors. “Our job is to make sure they leave planning their return, whether by air or by sea,” she said.
An inaugural plaque exchange aboard the vessel brought Captain Pietro Sinisi together with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Christopher Air and Seaports Authority, Urban Development Corporation and ship’s agent Delisle Walwyn.
Shore visits beyond Port Zante
The tourism authority named Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, rainforest hikes and dining at community restaurants among the options available to passengers. Downtown Basseterre, with additional restaurants and historic sites, is a short walk from the terminal.
The call follows St. Kitts’ return above the million-passenger threshold for the first time since the pandemic. Cruise arrivals reached 1,002,282, a total reported in August.
Preparing for homeport operations
Explora Journeys has also committed to homeport operations in San Juan.
At Port Zante, construction has begun on a new cruise terminal intended to handle passengers starting and finishing voyages in Basseterre. Plans include upgraded passenger processing, security, baggage screening and immigration facilities.
Homeporting is expected to create opportunities for hotel stays and additional time on the island before and after voyages. P&O Cruises plans to begin homeport operations in St. Kitts in November 2027.
