Explora Journeys to spend Christmas and New Year 2026/27 in Red Sea and Dubai

Explora Journeys has released 2026/27 Christmas and New Year itineraries for Explora II, with a range of cruises in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf on offer during the season.

The itineraries will see the cruise line visiting several destinations in the region for the first time, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

The cruise line, the luxury subsidiary of MSC Cruises Group, says these itineraries will provide guests a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture, visit some of the world’s best beaches, explore local gems, and discover deep-rooted traditions that date back centuries.

Explora II will cruise the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula from December 2026 until March 2027, where parched deserts and craggy mountains give way to sublime coasts and vibrant cities.

Sailing to destinations such as Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Salalah (Oman), Khasab (Oman), Dubai (UAE), and Sur (Oman), guests will have the opportunity to explore ancient coastal cities, breathtaking desert landscapes, and bustling souks. 

“From the striking fjords of Oman to the futuristic skyline of Dubai, this itinerary promises an unforgettable blend of tradition and modernity, all experienced in the ultra-luxurious comfort of Explora Journeys,” the cruise line said in a statement.

Explora II will spend New Year’s Eve in Dubai, where guests will be able to enjoy the spectacular annual fireworks display over the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

The season includes Explora Journey’s usual wide selection of included experiences and amenities, from world-class dining and wellness offerings to immersive cultural encounters. 

Included in Explora Journeys voyages:

Nine inclusive culinary experiences, including in-suite dining

Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas, and soft drinks

Access to the thermal area of Ocean Wellness – The Spa

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship

Wellbeing and fitness programmes

All onboard gratuities included

Shuttle services from port to city centre where applicable

A welcome bottle of champagne in-suite on arrival

A personalised selection of a bottle of wine and spirit in-suite on arrival

Intuitive service from a team of dedicated hospitality experts

The release of the cruise line’s planned 2026/27 Red Sea and Arabian Gulf itineraries comes as part of the roll out of Explora Journey’s wider winter cruise season, which includes the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Amazon.

Explora III, the newest ship in the fleet, will sail guests on journeys through the Caribbean and Central America from October 2026 until April 2027, continuing through the Panama Canal to the Central and North America Pacific Coast in May 2027.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, sail through the Panama Canal, and experience Gatun Lake. Exclusive destinations such as Gustavia (Saint Barthélémy), St. John’s (Antigua), Belize, Costa Rica, and Philipsburg (Sint Maarten) will also feature prominently in the collection.

In February 2027 Explora I will cruise deep into the heart of the Amazon, where guests can navigate winding riverways surrounded by lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife. This once-in-a-lifetime journey will offer immersive encounters with local cultures, biodiversity, and the natural beauty of the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

Explora Journeys’ planned Red Sea deployment comes amid ongoing security concerns in the region, with recent attacks on commercial shipping raising questions over the viability of cruise operations in these waters in the immediate future. 

Cruise lines continue to monitor the evolving situation, assessing risks to itineraries that traverse the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and other key maritime chokepoints. Most operators have rerouted voyages to avoid potential disruptions, while some are maintaining a cautious approach, working closely with regional security partners to ensure safe passage for future itineraries. 

The decision to proceed with Red Sea sailings will ultimately depend on the geopolitical landscape and the effectiveness of maritime security efforts in the coming years, and passengers should expect amendments to itineraries at short notice.