Explora Journeys reveals new 2027/28 itineraries after Middle East cancellations

Explora Journeys has revealed new South America, Mediterranean, and Atlantic itineraries replacing its cancelled 2027-28 Middle East programme.

Explora I will operate 10 voyages in South America between December 2027 and March 2028, while the new Explora V will spend its inaugural winter season sailing 21 itineraries in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands.

The revised deployments replace previously planned cruises in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, which Explora Journeys cancelled in August following a review of its winter 2027-28 programme and the evolving situation in the region.

“We see travel differently at Explora Journeys. It is not simply about how many places you can visit, but about how you experience them,” said Anna Nash, President, Explora Journeys.

“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,” she added.

Explora I had previously been scheduled to operate in the Arabian Gulf and neighbouring destinations between November 2027 and February 2028.

Under the revised programme, the ship will visit 37 destinations in South America, including 20 maiden ports. Its itineraries will cover Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Chile during the Southern Hemisphere summer.

The programme includes five overnight stays, with Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, and Rio de Janeiro among the destinations, as well as eight late departures.

Twelve of the ship’s 20 maiden destinations will be in Brazil. The wider programme will extend south to Patagonia, with calls and scenic cruising around destinations including Montevideo, the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas, and Cape Horn.

Explora V, which is scheduled to enter service in late 2027, had originally been due to operate a short inaugural winter season in the Red Sea between late January and mid-March 2028.

The ship will instead operate 21 voyages between December 2027 and April 2028, beginning in the Western and Central Mediterranean and North Africa before moving to the Atlantic Islands in January. It will return to the Mediterranean in March.

Its programme includes a maiden call at Crotone in Italy and late departures from Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor, and Ibiza.

Other destinations include Istanbul and Pauillac, France, while the Atlantic portion of the deployment will feature the Canary Islands and Madeira. Overnight calls are planned in Casablanca and Lisbon.

The revised deployments complement Explora Journeys’ previously announced winter programme, with Explora II and Explora IV scheduled to operate in the Caribbean and Explora III in Asia.

Bookings for the replacement itineraries follow the cancellation of the original Middle East and Red Sea voyages, for which affected passengers were offered refunds and future cruise credits.

Explora Journeys’ revised winter 2027-28 deployments

• Explora I – 10 South America voyages from December 2027 to March 2028
• 37 destinations, including 20 maiden ports
• Countries and territories include Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Chile
• Five overnight stays and eight late departures
• Explora V – 21 voyages from December 2027 to April 2028
• Western and Central Mediterranean and North Africa from December
• Atlantic Islands from January
• Return to the Mediterranean in March
• Overnight stays in Casablanca and Lisbon
• Explora II and Explora IV – Caribbean
• Explora III – Asia