Travelbiz E-Zine
22
July
2025

Explora Journeys – Three ships. Seventeen visionary trade partners. One bold vision.

#Traveltradetogether

Three ships. Seventeen visionary trade partners. One bold vision.

“Created for the Next Generation of Discerning Luxury Travellers.”

Explora Journeys brought its Ocean State of Mind to the serene shores of Wineport Lodge, where elegance met innovation.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, alongside Priti Mehta – Head of Sales UK & Ireland, and our Irish brand ambassadors Suzanne Rowe and Jenny Wade, hosted an exclusive evening for key trade and media guests.

This immersive gathering reflected everything Explora Journeys stands for — elevated luxury, tranquil sophistication, and purposeful partnerships.

From March to November 2027, guests will experience journeys in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, New England and Alaska – a first for Explora Journeys.

Explora Journeys has unveiled its highly anticipated summer 2027 journeys, spotlighting a trifecta of exciting firsts for MSC Group’s ultra elegant ocean travel brand. Under the banner ‘An Ocean of New’, the season will introduce distinctive journeys visiting maiden ports in the Mediterranean, welcome the launch of a new ship, EXPLORA IV, and momentously add the breathtaking and long-awaited horizons of Alaska with EXPLORA III to the brand’s ever-evolving collection of destinations.

Unfolding from March to November 2027, this new season of itineraries spans some of the globe’s most captivating regions, inviting guests to plan ahead and experience the extraordinary aboard EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II, EXPLORA III, and now EXPLORA IV.

“With the intention of savouring every moment, our summer 2027 journeys have been thoughtfully crafted, as always, to enable flexibility, extended stays and deeper immersion at a gentler pace,” says Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “We are thrilled to be introducing Alaska for the very first time and to be offering many of our 2027 journeys on two of our ultra-elegant new ships, EXPLORA III and IV.”

Introducing Explora IV

Explora Journeys will introduce the next evolution in luxury ocean travel with the launch of LNG-powered EXPLORA IV, the newest addition to its growing fleet. Designed for elevated elegance, the ship will debut with redesigned spaces, enhanced comfort and an even greater sense of space redefining the onboard experience.

Expanded public areas include generous outdoor decks, including increased number of expansive residences – designed to offer peaceful escape where privacy, comfort and connection to the ocean are assured – offer one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising.

New European Perspectives

While EXPLORA III and IV explore new shores in summer 2027, EXPLORA I and II will create fresh memories in the brand’s home waters, celebrating the Mediterranean’s enduring allure and revealing its best-kept secrets. Embracing the contrasts of east and west, more than 60 possible journeys will trace storied coastlines, pausing in charismatic maiden ports.

Guests can explore the magnificent Ottoman palaces of Istanbul and vibrant Casbah of Algiers, wander the charming seaside villages and dramatic cliffs of Amalfi and discover the archaeological treasures and pristine beaches of Olbia in Sardinia. Enchanting new Adriatic ports include Croatia’s Trogir with its medieval town centre and picturesque waterfront, and Toper, Slovenia’s pastel-hued coastal gem steeped in Venetian history.

Alaska – An Epic Destination

Bringing its blue-ice glaciers, verdant forests and life-filled waters into Explora Journeys’ collection of destinations is a major milestone in the brand’s onward expansion. The first opportunity to experience Alaska’s untouched wilderness, cultural vibrancy and hyper-local culinary scene with Explora Journeys will be aboard EXPLORA III in summer 2027.

Departing from Vancouver, Canada, these journeys will provide a rare chance for guests to explore Alaska from a unique perspective. From giant rivers and fascinating wildlife to frontier towns where hiking, dogsledding, skiing and boating invite a grounding connection to the great outdoors, these journeys promise soul-stirring encounters in nature.

Guests will sail the Whale’s Highway, spotting humpbacks and orcas, dolphins and seals. Visiting coastlines sculpted by rivers of jagged ice, navigating islands scattered like jigsaw pieces across cobalt bays, is a truly unique experience. Ephemeral landmarks – from Mendenhall Glacier to Misty Fjord – will leave lasting impressions, as will unique experiences: learning the significance of totem poles; savouring Dungeness crab; kayaking Sitka Sound; finding peace in the blue-domed St. Michael’s Cathedral.

Highlight journeys of the Alaskan 2027 summer season on board EXPLORA III include:

  • A Journey Through Untamed Landscapes & Coastal Treasures – Vancouver to Vancouver (10 to 21 May 2027) – An 11-night journey through glacier-carved fjords and forested islands, with maiden visits to Sitka, Prince Rupert, and the remote beauty of Endicott Arm.
  • An Extended Journey Across Alaska’s Wild Frontier – Vancouver to Vancouver (2 to 16 July 2027) – A 14-night exploration of Alaska’s raw wilderness and cultural soul, from the icy majesty of Hubbard Glacier to the historic charm of Kodiak and the Indigenous heritage of Alert Bay.

To reserve their summer 2027 journey, guests can visit explorajourneys.com or contact their preferred travel advisor.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Three brand new Aer Lingus routes take to the skies
    30th April 2026

    Three brand new Aer Lingus routes take to the skies

    Aer Lingus will expand its summer schedule this weekend by introducing three new short-haul routes. A new service from Cork to Nice will commence on Saturday, while two new routes from Dublin to...

    Read more
    60% of Irish Holidaymakers yet to book their 2026 holiday
    29th April 2026

    60% of Irish Holidaymakers yet to book their 2026 holiday

    The latest Travel Sentiment Survey from Click&Go Holidays reveals Irish holidaymakers remain eager to travel but are taking a more cautious approach to booking, with rising costs and geopolitica...

    Read more
    San Diego brings year-round sunshine to Dublin
    29th April 2026

    San Diego brings year-round sunshine to Dublin

    Our very own Ita Hendrick (Travelbiz Trade Partner Executive) was delighted to join Benjamin Eastman, Senior Director of Tourism Development, San Diego Tourism Authority, alongside Alex Perez, S...

    Read more
    Orient Express and Chantiers de L’atlantique Celebrate the Naming of Orient Express Corinthian, the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht, in Saint-Nazaire
    29th April 2026

    Orient Express and Chantiers de L’atlantique Celebrate the Naming of Orient Express Corinthian, the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht, in Saint-Nazaire

    Orient Express and Chantiers de l'Atlantique today celebrate the baptism of Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, at the Joubert graving dock in Saint-Nazaire. 

    Read more
    Riviera Travel Expands Solo Cabin Availability Across Selected 2026 River Cruises
    29th April 2026

    Riviera Travel Expands Solo Cabin Availability Across Selected 2026 River Cruises

    As the leading river cruise operator for solo guests, Riviera Travel has announced an enhanced range of specially priced solo cabins across a selection of its most popular river cruise departure...

    Read more
    Over 56,000 passengers set to travel through Shannon Airport over May Bank Holiday period, up 9% on 2025
    29th April 2026

    Over 56,000 passengers set to travel through Shannon Airport over May Bank Holiday period, up 9% on 2025

    Shannon Airport is getting ready for a busy May bank holiday period, with more than 56,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport. This represents an increase of 9% on the same period...

    Read more