ShipsBy Patrick Karsh
A French skincare brand goes to sea
Explora Journeys has named Sisley Paris as a wellness partner aboard Explora III. It is the first time the French luxury cosmetics brand has had a presence at sea, according to Cruise Industry News, which reported the partnership on October 15, 2026.
Explora's own guide to wellness on Explora III lists a collaboration with Sisley Paris among the new features of the ship's spa. The partnership will extend to Explora I and Explora II in 2027.
What the Sisley treatments are
The treatments take place in a dedicated Sisley suite inside Ocean Wellness – The Spa. Therapists trained by the brand use its plant-based products and massage techniques. Two facials are on the menu:
- Sisley Signature Facial, 60 or 90 minutes. A massage-led facial designed to give the face an immediate lift.
- Sisley Black Rose Facial, 90 minutes. A rose-scented treatment meant to relax the face and brighten the skin.
The spa boutique will also sell Sisley products, including skincare, hair care, fragrance and makeup.
Explora has not published prices for the facials in the reports so far. Check the price and what your fare includes before you book one.
"Ocean Wellness is about creating the time and space for our guests to switch off, restore and reconnect," said Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. She said Sisley "shares our belief in highly personalized care and exceptional quality."
The rest of the wellness deck
Sisley is one part of a larger wellness area on Explora III. The fitness center, studio and spa sit together on Deck 5, so guests can move from a workout to a treatment without crossing the ship. Explora's guide lists:
- Technogym equipment, including Reform Pilates machines that Explora says are new at sea
- A private training studio for one-on-one sessions
- An expanded sports court for padel, pickleball and basketball
- A longer open-air running track and an outdoor fitness area
- The Sava Sound Pod, a sound and relaxation experience in the spa
About Explora III
Explora III is the third ship from Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of MSC Group. It began its first season on August 3, 2026, after its naming in Barcelona. It carries 922 guests, according to Cruise Industry News. Explora says it has 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences. It is also the brand's first ship powered by liquefied natural gas.
The ship's first season has taken it from Barcelona to Lisbon, then to the Baltic, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, Greenland, and across the Atlantic to Canada and New England. It makes its first call at PortMiami in October 2026, as part of the port's list of new arrivals for the 2026-27 season. Explora has said the ship will spend summer 2027 in Alaska.
Who will notice
Spa partnerships matter most to guests who plan around them. If you book a spa day on every cruise, the Sisley facials give Explora III something no other ship offers right now. If you rarely use the spa, this changes little about the ship.
It also hints at where Explora is heading. The Sisley partnership reaches Explora I and Explora II in 2027, and Explora plans to have six ships in service by 2028.
My take
If you are booked on Explora III and want a Sisley facial, reserve it early in the cruise. The treatments happen in one dedicated suite, so I would not count on a last-minute slot. Ask about sea-day timing too. Port days are usually quieter in the spa, and that is often the easier time to get a slot.
Related reading
Photo: Explora III arriving in Bergen, Norway, August 2026 · Dag Chr Halvorsen, CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), via Wikimedia Commons
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