Explora Journeys unveils new itineraries for winter 2027-2028: spanning South America and the Signature Mediterranean

Explora Journeys has just unveiled its new Journey Collections for the winter 2027-2028 season. For those already dreaming of their next luxury sea vacation, the choice becomes difficult: chase the southern summer sun amidst the beaches and glaciers of South America aboard EXPLORA I, or discover an intimate Mediterranean and the Atlantic islands during EXPLORA V‘s inaugural season?

The two new collections, divided between Latin America, the Mare Nostrum, and the sunny archipelagos of the world’s second ocean – destinations designed to replace traversals previously scheduled in the Middle East and Red Sea, now considered out of cruise lines’ itineraries for the next two years – enrich the brand’s global programming for winter 2027-2028, alongside itineraries already confirmed in the Caribbean (EXPLORA II and EXPLORA IV) and Asia (EXPLORA III).

Here are – for those already considering a dream vacation aboard the ships of MSC Cruises’ luxury cruise brand – the details of the two new Journey Collections.

EXPLORA I: South American Summer of Rhythm and Wild Nature

From December 2027 to March 2028

Taking advantage of the warmest months in the southern hemisphere, EXPLORA I will offer a journey of spectacular contrasts. The itinerary will touch Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, and Chile, combining the vibrancy of coastal cities with the untouched charm of the great south.

Itinerary Highlights:

• 20 new destinations, including 12 unprecedented stops in Brazil.
• Extended stays and overnights: 5 overnight stays in port (including Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Puerto Madryn) and 8 late-night departures to enjoy local nightlife.
• Parties at sea: The opportunity to spend Christmas at sea and New Year’s Eve off the Brazilian coast.
• Patagonian Route: An epic navigation experience through the Beagle Channel, Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas, the fjords, and the iconic Cape Horn.

EXPLORA V: Winter Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands

From December 2027 to April 2028

For its debut, EXPLORA V will choose the tranquility of the low season. Away from the summer crowds, winter offers these regions mild temperatures, soft light, and a decidedly more authentic atmosphere.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Three travel chapters: A structured journey starting in the Western and Central Mediterranean, heading to the Atlantic in January, and returning to the Mare Nostrum in March.
• Exclusive stops: Landing in Crotone, Calabria (usually excluded from cruise itineraries), discovering Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor, and Ibiza, plus excursions to large wine estates reachable from Pauillac (Bordeaux).
• Iconic experiences: New Year’s Eve from a unique perspective, admiring fireworks over the Bay of Naples directly from the ship’s decks, and discovering Istanbul after sunset, when the metropolis’s markets come alive and its thousands of free (not stray!) cats emerge in search of food and cuddles.
• Atlantic nature: Volcanic treks in Tenerife, the green landscapes of Madeira and the Canary Islands, complemented by long overnight stays in Lisbon and Casablanca.

The Onboard Experience

Whether choosing the tropics or the Atlantic cliffs, the Explora Journeys experience focuses on relaxed, fluid luxury: all-oceanfront suites with private terraces, high-level dining, and sea-inspired wellness spaces.