Explora charts new horizons in South America, Mediterranean for 2027-28

Explora Journeys is expanding its winter 2027-28 program with two new Journey Collections aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA V, offering itineraries across South America, the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands.

The new collections give travellers a choice between the Southern Hemisphere’s summer aboard EXPLORA I and a quieter winter exploration of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands aboard EXPLORA 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, in a press release.

“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.”

The itineraries complement Explora Journeys’ previously announced winter 2027-28 program, which will see EXPLORA II and EXPLORA IV sailing in the Caribbean and EXPLORA III in Asia.

EXPLORA I heads to South America

From December 2027 through March 2028, EXPLORA I will sail through Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and Chile, taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer season.

The program includes 20 maiden destinations, 12 of which are in Brazil, along with five overnight stays in ports including Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro.

Eight late departures are also planned in destinations such as Balneário Camboriú, Port Stanley, Rio de Janeiro and Maceió, giving guests additional time ashore.

Holiday sailings will include Christmas at sea and New Year’s Eve along Brazil’s coastline.

Farther south, EXPLORA I will venture into Patagonia, connecting Montevideo and the Beagle Channel with Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas and Cape Horn. Along the way, guests will encounter glaciers, fjords, isolated archipelagos and some of South America’s most remote landscapes.

EXPLORA V begins inaugural season

EXPLORA V, meanwhile, will embark on its inaugural season from December 2027 through April 2028, with itineraries divided into three chapters.

The ship will begin by exploring the Western and Central Mediterranean and North Africa before heading to the Atlantic Islands in January. It will return to the Mediterranean in March.

The program is designed to showcase the Mediterranean outside its traditional peak season, with fewer crowds and more time to explore destinations.

Highlights include a maiden call in Crotone, Calabria, along with late departures from Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor and Ibiza. Istanbul will offer opportunities to explore into the evening, while a call in Pauillac provides access to Bordeaux’s wine region.

Guests sailing over the holidays will spend Christmas at sea, followed by New Year’s Eve off the coast of Naples, where fireworks will be visible from the ship’s open decks.

EXPLORA V will also visit the Canary Islands and Madeira, with calls highlighting volcanic landscapes, hiking trails, rugged coastlines and island cultures. Overnight stays are planned in Casablanca and Lisbon.

Across both collections, guests will have access to Explora Journeys’ oceanfront suites with private terraces, outdoor spaces, dining venues and ocean wellness experiences.

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