Introducing our New Journeys Collection, and our newest ship. Sailing from September 2027 through May 2028, our new Journeys Collection invites our guests to embrace inspiring destinations and enriching discoveries through Journeys designed for curiosity, connection, and a renewed sense of wonder and deeper immersion.
Including an inaugural season in Asia, the return of our signature Journeys to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Central & South America, plus the exciting launch of the latest ship to join our fleet – EXPLORA V.
ASIA INAUGURAL JOURNEYS
For the first time, EXPLORA III journeys into the soul of Asia, where sacred temples, tranquil gardens, and futuristic skylines coexist in perfect harmony. From Japan’s fiery autumn foliage and delicate cherry blossoms to the cultural vibrancy of South Korea, the cosmopolitan charm of Singapore, and the dynamic spirit of Shanghai, magnificent cultures converge in a seamless blend of heritage and innovation.
Season Highlights:
Foliage Season in Japan – September to December 2027 EXPLORA III will arrive in Japan in September 2027, just in time for the foliage season which transforms the country into a living canvas of crimson, amber, and gold.  From late mid-October to early December, ancient temples and serene gardens are framed by fiery maples and golden ginkgo trees, creating an atmosphere of quiet wonder, where the absence of peak-season crowds invites deeper moments of connection and calm.
Chinese Golden Week – October 2027 EXPLORA III will be docked in Shanghai to kick-off the Golden Week, China’s extended national holiday celebrating its founding. Streets fill with energy, families gather to share treasured moments, and the skies sparkle with fireworks, illuminating the iconic skyline.
Sailing During Chinese New Year – January 2028 As the ship sails around Japan during China’s National Holiday period, a series of events and themed entertainment onboard EXPlORA III will celebrate the Chinese New Year, creating a culturally immersive and festive atmosphere.
Cherry Blossom Season in Japan – February to April 2028 From February to late April, guests on EXPLORA III will experience Japan at its most enchanting, as Sakura season (after which our onboard pan-Asian restaurant is named) cloaks the landscape in delicate shades of blush and rose. Stroll through tranquil gardens and ancient streets framed by fleeting blossoms, while savouring seasonal flavours that celebrate spring’s freshest ingredients, a hallmark of Japanese cuisine.
The latest addition to our ultra?elegant fleet, EXPLORA V, begins her Inaugural Journeys Collection with a rare perspective on the Mediterranean in its quiet season – cooler, calmer, and steeped in history and culture,  including Naples’ legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks seen from the sea.
She then sails east to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, where golden deserts meet sapphire waters and ancient civilisations leave their mark on every shore.
Inaugural Season Highlights:
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON THE MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORA V’s inaugural season showcases the region in winter: softer light, gentler temperatures, and a slower, more intimate pace.
CROWD-FREE CULTURAL EXPLORATION Iconic landmarks and ancient sites can be explored in comfort, free from the summer heat and crowds.
JOURNEYS FOCUSED ON CULTURE AND HISTORY Guests will explore timeless destinations and engage with local life at a slower pace, enjoying comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at some of the world’s most iconic historic landmarks.
LEGENDARY NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS In Naples, Italy, guests will experience a once-in-a-lifetime celebration (and the first one ever in the Mediterranean for Explora Journeys) as the city lights up the sky with an extraordinary fireworks display, best seen from the sea aboard EXPLORA V.
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