Two cruise ships have docked at the port today. One of them is a frequent visitor to the port – an upscale small cruise ship Clio – while the other is brand-new: the MSC line’s EXPLORA III, which is just one month and two days old.

Built at a shipyard in Genoa, Italy, and commissioned in mid-July of this year, EXPLORA III represents the pinnacle of the six-star ultra-luxury segment. It is considered the most luxurious and modern cruise ship to have visited the Port of Riga to date.

268 meters long and 32 meters wide, the vessel arrived at Riga with 809 passengers from the United States, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond. A dedicated crew of 689 ensures an exceptional experience for the guests on board.

Riga is a featured stop on EXPLORA III’s eight-night Northern Europe itinerary, beautifully named “A Journey through Cultural Riches & Stunning Scenery.” Remarkably, this voyage marks only the fourth cruise ever for the brand-new ship.

To celebrate the ship’s maiden call, the Freeport of Riga Authority welcomed passengers and crew on Sunday morning with a live musical performance by the University of Latvia Wind Band and the Cēsis Wind Orchestra. Upholding time-honored maritime traditions, a plaque-exchange ceremony was held on board between Captain Serena Melani and representatives of the Port of Riga.

In 2020, Italian ship captain Serena Melani made maritime history as the first woman in the world to launch a brand-new cruise ship from a shipyard. Having previously served as the inaugural Captain for both EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, Captain Melani has been involved with EXPLORA III since 2023, when she participated in its model’s hydrodynamic testing in the Netherlands. When describing the new vessel, she highlighted its thoughtful design and the harmonious balance between cutting-edge innovation and time-honored maritime traditions. In her view, modern seafaring demands an environmentally responsible approach and smart use of technology, all while preserving the value of human experience and the judgment of professional seafarers.

The 13-deck vessel features three outdoor pools, more than 60 private staterooms and cabanas, multiple hot tubs, and a grand spa and wellness arena. Beyond access to nine premier dining concepts, guests will find indoor and outdoor leisure areas designed to capture the ultimate luxury hotel while exploring the open sea.

Having entered service just last month, the EXPLORA III is the newest addition to the Explora Journeys’ fleet and the company’s first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). This eco-friendly alternative to traditional marine fuel yields a significant reduction in air emissions

The vessel stands out among the elite, niche cruise ships well-represented at the Port of Riga this season. August has proved exceptional, welcoming several next-generation luxury and expedition ships making their inaugural calls to Riga – including the Scenic Eclipse II, the Seven Seas Grandeur, and now, the EXPLORA III.

The ship will remain docked in the heart of Riga until 5:30 PM. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the vessel heading out to sea – it is expected to pass breakwaters at approximately 6:30 PM.