Explora Journeys Announces First Sailings Through Asia

Luxury ocean travel brand Explora Journeys has unveiled its 2027–2028 Journeys Collection—a curated series of nearly 100 voyages across five continents including Asia. The new season marks a major milestone for the MSC Group-owned brand: its first-ever sailings through the continent, opening an exciting new chapter for culturally curious travellers.

At the centre of the announcement is the launch of EXPLORA V, the fifth ship in the fleet, which will begin her journey in the off-season calm of the Mediterranean before continuing to the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.

From September 2027 to May 2028, the collection will span 59 countries and close to 200 destinations, with an emphasis on slower travel, deeper immersion and extended overnight stays.

“The introduction of Asia is a landmark moment for our brand and our guests,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “It reflects our ambition to explore new horizons with greater purpose and respect for the richness of each destination.”

The region takes centre stage with EXPLORA III, which will sail 28 new Journeys to 47 destinations—including maiden calls to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Itineraries have been timed to coincide with Asia’s most evocative seasons, from autumn leaves in Kyoto to cherry blossom season in Shimizu and Nagoya. Highlights include overnight stays in Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bali, as well as onboard celebrations for Chinese New Year and Golden Week.

Guests can expect a blend of the region’s timeless heritage and modern energy—think shrine visits in Japan’s tropical Miyako Islands, volcanic hikes in South Korea’s Jeju, or street food in Singapore’s buzzing hawker halls.

With its signature focus on space, design and cultural connection, Explora Journeys continues to reimagine what luxury at sea can be. The 2027–2028 collection deepens that vision—inviting travellers to go beyond the expected, and experience the world with greater intention.