Ahoy, all small luxury ship sailors. Explora Journeys is introducing two new Journey Collections for the traditional Northern Winter 2027-2028 season, offering guests a distinct choice of horizons: a sun-soaked summer escape into the wild frontiers of South America aboard the original Explorer I vessel, or an embrace of quiet, atmospheric light and richer connections across the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands aboard Explorer V.
“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 of Explora Journeys, who noted that the two new itineraries aboard Explora I and Explora V replace previously planned Middle East and Red Sea sailings.
“With Explora I, we are bringing together the extraordinary contrasts of South America, from the vibrancy of Brazil to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia,” Nash continued. “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.”
South America: A Continent of Contrasts
From December 2027 to March 2028, Explora I takes full advantage of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, charting a course through the contrasting landscapes and natural wonders of Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and Chile.
Guests will experience the energy of tropical shores, golden coastlines and festive celebrations, including Christmas at sea and New Year’s Eve on the Brazilian seafront. Five overnight stays in ports such as Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro promise longer evenings, complemented by eight late departures in coastal cities such as Balneário Camboriú, Port Stanley, Rio, and Maceió. Unveiling 20 maiden destinations along the way – including 12 in Brazil – the ship will traverse from lively cultural hubs into the untamed majesty of the far south.
Sweeping towards Patagonia the itinerary connects Montevideo and the wildlife-rich waters of the Beagle Channel with Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas and the legendary shores of Cape Horn. The route passes glaciers, fjords and isolated archipelagos, delivering pristine wilderness alongside refined oceanfront living.
The Inaugural Journeys Collection
From December 2027 to April 2028, Explora V’s inaugural season begins by exploring the Western and Central Mediterranean and North Africa’s ancient coastline. In January, away from peak-season bustle, the ship sails into the Atlantic, before returning to the Mediterranean in March.
Guests will discover Calabria during a maiden call to Crotone, while late departures in Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor and Ibiza invite evening exploration. Istanbul offers time to discover historic neighborhoods and grand bazaars after sunset, while Pauillac, France provides access to Bordeaux’s renowned wine estates. Memorable celebrations include Christmas at sea and New Year’s Eve off the coast of Naples, with spectacular views of the city’s fireworks from the ship’s open decks.
Sailing towards the Atlantic Islands, ancient forests, striking coastlines and distinctive island cultures await. Los Cristianos in Tenerife boasts volcanic hiking trails and rugged coastal scenery, while the Canary Islands and Madeira reveal striking nature and lush hillsides. Overnight stays in Casablanca and Lisbon further enrich the collection, offering additional time to discover two of the Atlantic coast’s most captivating cities.
