Explora Journeys’ Summer 2027 to Feature Trifecta of Firsts
by Bruce Parkinson
Exterior view of the Explora III. Photo: Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys has unveiled its Summer 2027 journeys spotlighting several new milestones for MSC Group’s upscale ocean travel brand.
Under the banner ‘An Ocean of New,’ the season will introduce journeys visiting maiden ports in the Mediterranean, welcome the launch of a new ship, EXPLORA IV, and add the long-awaited horizons of Alaska with EXPLORA III to the brand’s 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.”

And Then There Were Four
Explora Journeys will launch the LNG-powered EXPLORA IV, the newest addition to its fleet. The ship will debut with redesigned spaces, enhanced comfort and a greater sense of space redefining the onboard experience. Expanded public areas add up to 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 s. 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 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, these journeys will provide a rare chance for guests to explore Alaska from a unique perspective.
Highlight journeys of the Alaskan 2027 summer season on board EXPLORA III include:
- A Journey Through Untamed Landscapes & Coastal Treasures – Vancouver to Vancouver (May 10 to 21, 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 (July 2 to 16, 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.

