Marine Educator Cristina Ozores Named Explora III Godmother
The announcement came on World Ocean Day; Explora III is designed for about nine hundred twenty-five guests in oceanfront suites and about seven hundred crew.
Explora Journeys has named Cristina Ozores, a marine educator, dive trainer and National Geographic Educator, as godmother of Explora III, the first LNG-powered ship in its fleet. The appointment was announced June 8 to coincide with World Ocean Day, with Ozores scheduled to name the ship in Barcelona on Aug. 1, 2026.
The choice gives Explora III a godmother whose career is tied directly to marine education and ocean conservation as the brand prepares the vessel for its Aug. 3 maiden journey from Barcelona to Lisbon.
Ocean educator chosen for the naming role
"Naming Cristina Ozores as Godmother on World Ocean Day is incredibly meaningful for us," said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. "Her dedication to ocean education and preservation reflects values that are deeply important to our brand."
Nash said Ozores’ work and longstanding connection to the ocean made her a natural choice for the role.
Ozores said the appointment carried personal significance. "I have spent much of my life working below the surface studying marine biology, restoring seabeds and helping younger generations better understand fragile ocean habitats," she said.
"I hope that the Explora III becomes a space where people can discover the ocean in a deeper and more meaningful way," Ozores added.
Explora III enters service with Lisbon maiden voyage
Explora III is part of a planned six-ship Explora-class program being built by Fincantieri. The vessel is about 73,000 gross tons and 268 meters long, with capacity for about 925 guests in 461 to 463 oceanfront suites and a crew of about 700.
After the seven-night maiden journey to Lisbon, the first-season program continues to the fjords of Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland before an Atlantic crossing to New England and Canada’s East Coast in autumn.
