Cruise Ships Redeployed from Middle East and Red Sea as Explora Journeys Announces New 2027–2028 Itineraries
Luxury cruise line Explora Journeys is redeploying two cruise ships to new regions following the ongoing war in the Middle East. The company has announced new cruise ship itineraries for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA V for the 2027–2028 season, replacing previously planned cruises in the Middle East and Red Sea.
The new cruise travel itineraries will introduce 20 maiden ports of call for Explora Journeys. EXPLORA I will operate 10 cruises along the shores of South America, while EXPLORA V will begin its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before continuing toward the Atlantic Islands.
EXPLORA I to Sail South America
From December 2027 to March 2028, EXPLORA I will sail during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, visiting Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and Chile.
The luxury cruise ship will offer five overnight stays in ports, including Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro. These overnight visits will provide guests with additional time to explore the destinations.
EXPLORA I will also make eight late departures from coastal cities ranging from Balneário Camboriú and Port Stanley to Rio de Janeiro and Maceió.
The South American itinerary will feature 20 maiden ports for Explora Journeys, including 12 in Brazil.
The new collection will allow passengers to experience a range of destinations across South America, from Brazil to Argentina, the Falkland Islands and Chile.
EXPLORA V Begins Inaugural Mediterranean Season
EXPLORA V will begin its inaugural season by exploring the Western and Central Mediterranean as well as the ancient coastline of North Africa.
In January, the cruise ship will sail into the Atlantic before returning to the Mediterranean in March.
Among the destinations featured in the new itinerary is Crotone in Calabria, where EXPLORA V will make a maiden call. The ship will also make late departures from Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor and Ibiza, giving guests more time to explore these destinations into the evening.
In Istanbul, travelers will have an opportunity to discover historic neighborhoods and grand bazaars after sunset.
The itinerary will also include Pauillac, France, providing access to Bordeaux’s renowned wine estates.
Christmas at Sea and New Year’s Eve Near Naples
The EXPLORA V itinerary will include seasonal celebrations, with Christmas spent at sea and New Year’s Eve off the coast of Naples.
Guests will be able to view the city’s fireworks from the ship’s open decks as they celebrate the New Year.
The cruise itinerary will also include visits to Atlantic islands, including Los Cristianos in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and Madeira.
Overnight stays in Casablanca and Lisbon will provide additional time for guests to explore two of the Atlantic coast’s prominent cities.
Explora Journeys Highlights New Cruise Experiences
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said the company’s approach to travel focuses on how guests experience destinations rather than simply the number of places they visit.
“We see travel differently at Explora Journeys. It is not simply about how many places you can visit, but about how you experience them.
“With EXPLORA I, we are bringing together the extraordinary contrasts of South America, from the vibrancy of Brazil to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. At the same time, EXPLORA V will reveal a quieter, more atmospheric side of the Mediterranean in winter before continuing into the Atlantic Islands. Both collections give guests the freedom to explore further, with every detail designed to create a seamless and enriching experience from one destination to the next.”
Explora Journeys Cruise Fleet
Explora Journeys is a luxury, all-inclusive cruise line from MSC Group.
The company currently has three ships in its fleet and plans to double that number to six ships by the end of 2028.
At the heart of the brand is its “Ocean State of Mind,” which connects guests with the sea, themselves and like-minded others.
Explora Journeys’ immersive itineraries combine iconic destinations with lesser-traveled ports, creating unhurried journeys focused on discovery.
The redeployment of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA V replaces their previously planned cruises in the Middle East and Red Sea for the 2027–2028 season, with the two cruise ships now scheduled to explore South America, the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Atlantic Islands.
