by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 3:10 PM ET, Mon May 12, 2025
WHY IT RATES: Travelers who like to plan ahead should consider Explora Journeys’ newly announced summer 2027 voyages.—Sarah Kuta, TravelPulse writer
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 center 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; savoring 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 (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.
To reserve their summer 2027 journey, guests can visit explorajourneys.com or contact their preferred travel advisor.
Source: Explora Journeys press release.
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