Explora Journeys Sets Sail for Asia in 2027 With New Collection and Fleet Expansion
The new collection adds Explora’s first-ever Asia sailings and a fifth ship, Explora V.
Photo: Courtesy of Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys has announced its 2027–2028 Journeys Collection, a portfolio that stretches across five continents and signals a decisive step in the line’s evolution: a debut in Asia and the introduction of Explora V, the brand’s fifth vessel.
The program, running from September 2027 to May 2028, covers close to 100 sailings in 59 countries. But the strategic pivot lies in Asia, where Explora III will operate 28 voyages calling at 47 ports across Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore—all maiden calls for the brand. With overnight stays in Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali, the itineraries are timed to seasonal highlights, from cherry blossoms in Shimizu to autumn foliage in Kyoto. Departures also overlap with cultural events like Chinese Golden Week and Lunar New Year.
“The introduction of Asia is a landmark moment for our brand and for our guests,” said Anna Nash, the president of Explora Journeys. “It reflects not only our ambition to continually expand our horizons but also our deep respect for the cultural richness and natural beauty of this remarkable region.”
Explora V will enter service in December 2027, opening with Mediterranean itineraries in the “quiet season” across destinations including Valletta, Cagliari, and Istanbul. This approach underscores a growing industry emphasis on dispersing luxury travel beyond peak months. A maiden call in Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, further widens the map.
From the Mediterranean, Explora V will reposition east to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, joining Explora I. Together, the two ships will offer a concentrated program across Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Calls at UNESCO-listed landmarks, including Petra, Luxor, AlUla, and the Pyramids of Giza, make these itineraries deep-dives into regions where luxury cruising is still in its relative infancy.
Meanwhile, Explora II and Explora IV will cover the Caribbean, Central America, and the Amazon, with notable calls at Port Antonio, Jamaica, and lesser-known outposts such as Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Overnight stays in Manaus and San Juan will capture both rainforest exploration and festive season demand.
By tying new tonnage to fresh geographies, Explora is signaling confidence in its long-term growth path. Asia may be the headline, but the broader takeaway is a brand moving quickly to expand both footprint and philosophy—beyond the well-trodden routes and into territories where experiential depth is as much of a selling point as the ships themselves.
