Explora’s summer 2027
The ultra-luxury cruise line that’s been quietly transforming high seas travel has just unveiled its most ambitious summer season yet. Explora Journeys’ Summer 2027 collection brings together three major firsts: maiden voyages to Alaska, the debut of their fourth ocean home, and a constellation of new Mediterranean ports that read like a seaside anthology of hidden gems.
The brainchild of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys has been crafting what they call an “Ocean State of Mind” since launching EXPLORA I in 2023. Their philosophy centers on slowing down – something that feels almost radical in today’s rush-everywhere world. Extended port stays, flexible itineraries, and that rare luxury of having time to breathe between destinations.
Introducing EXPLORA IV: The next evolution
The northern summer of 2027 brings with it the arrival of EXPLORA IV, their newest LNG-powered vessel designed with even more generous proportions. Think expanded outdoor decks that seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon, and residences that offer some of the highest space-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising. Each of the 461 oceanfront suites comes with its own private terrace – because really, what’s the point of being on the ocean if you can’t step outside whenever inspiration strikes?
The Last Frontier beckons
For the first time, Explora Journeys is venturing into Alaska’s pristine wilderness with EXPLORA III. Departing from Vancouver, these expeditions promise encounters with humpback whales along the ‘Whale’s Highway,’ glacier-carved fjords that defy photography’s attempts to capture their scale, and frontier towns where dogsledding and hiking feel less like tourist activities and more like necessary communion with the land.
The crown jewel itineraries include an 11-night journey through Sitka and Prince Rupert (10-21 May), where guests can witness the ephemeral drama of Mendenhall Glacier and find unexpected peace in St. Michael’s Cathedral. The extended 14-night voyage (2-16 July) adds the icy spectacle of Hubbard Glacier and the Indigenous heritage of Alert Bay – experiences that promise to shift perspectives in ways that only Alaska can.
Mediterranean revelations
While half the fleet explores the Arctic Circle, EXPLORA I and II continue their love affair with the Mediterranean, introducing over 60 possible journeys that venture beyond the usual suspects. New ports include Croatia’s Trogir, where medieval streets spill onto picturesque harbors, and Slovenia’s pastel-hued Toper, a coastal gem where Venetian history whispers from every corner.
The eastern Mediterranean program embraces contrasts with particular flair: one moment you’re exploring Ottoman palaces in Istanbul, the next you’re wandering through Algeria’s vibrant Casbah. Sardinia’s Olbia offers archaeology enthusiasts pristine beaches as a bonus, while the Amalfi Coast villages provide those quintessential clifftop moments that make Italia so irresistible.
The art of ocean travel, perfected
What sets Explora Journeys apart isn’t just where they go, but how they get there. Each ship features eleven distinct culinary experiences, from intimate Chef’s Kitchens to alfresco dining under star-scattered skies. The wellness facilities aren’t afterthoughts but central to the experience, while 64 private cabanas on expansive decks ensure everyone finds their perfect spot to watch the world drift by.
President Anna Nash describes their approach as “thoughtfully crafted” – a phrase that crystallizes their entire philosophy. In an age of cruise ships that resemble floating cities, Explora Journeys offers something rarer: genuine refinement with space to breathe.
Summer 2027 itineraries are now available for booking through explorajourneys.com or your preferred travel advisor. With a brand that’s built its reputation on creating fewer, more meaningful encounters with the sea, these journeys promise to fill quickly.
About the Author: Staff Writer
