About 25 months after its first sailing, Explora Journeys has flourished into a cruise line with two vessels (and four more on the way), 35-plus awards, NPS scores in the 80s and a strong propensity to return among guests.

LATTE caught up with Chris Austin, President, North America, Explora Journeys, to talk more about the brand’s reception, development and future.

Guest Reception and Continued Expansion

Speaking to the reception from luxury travel advisors and guests, Austin told us, “The response has been nothing short of extraordinary.” He added that, prior to launch, “some advisors believed in us and a number did not,” but he and the team at Explora Journeys have learned from guests that “we’ve struck the right balance of space, choice, design and service.” He specifically called out Explora Journeys’ “slower pace” that allows travellers more time to connect with each other onboard and with the destination when at port.

Just one year after launching EXPLORA I, a second ship hit the water. Four more ships – one in 2026, two in 2027 and one in 2028 – are in various phases of planning and construction. Five of those six ships are open for bookings. That’s very fast growth for a new company, so we asked how occupancy is looking across the fleet. Austin said, “Occupancy is healthy across the two ships currently operating and, in many cases, we’re seeing strong forward bookings.”

Driving those bookings, Austin added, are sailings to new destinations on its upcoming ships.

New Destinations for the Brand

In winter 2027, EXPLORA III will sail the brand’s first itineraries to Asia. Twenty-eight journeys will visit 47 destinations in nine countries. Overnight stays will be available in such cities as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali. “Guests will journey from the cherry blossoms of Japan to the cultural vibrancy of Singapore, with immersive experiences across the region,” added Austin.

Also new for 2027 will be journeys to Alaska from May through September. “These itineraries will be complemented by newly introduced pre- and post-journey experiences, designed to deepen the connection to each destination,” Austin explained. Among the available pre- and post-experiences will be a three-night immersion from Seward to Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna. Another, “Alaska’s Soul,” highlights dogsledding. Vancouver, Canada, offers guests the chance to explore the Canadian Rockies via the Rocky Mountaineer, part of a five-night pre-cruise journey.

One interesting deployment decision was to have two ships – EXPLORA I and EXLORA V – both sailing the Red Sea in 2027-28. EXPLORA II will make the brand’s debut in the region in 2026-27. At a time when other lines are still cancelling transits through the Red Sea, Explora Journeys is hoping to capitalise on the destination’s history and culture.

“Guest safety is always our top priority,” said Austin, “so we are monitoring global developments carefully and will adapt as needed.” But, as of now, guests aboard the ships will have the chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Luxor, Petra and AlUla, as well as modern cities like Dubai and Muscat.

“We remain confident in our decision to include the Red Sea in our deployment because it is such a historically and culturally rich region,” he added. “The intent is to offer guests rare opportunities to explore this incredible part of the world.”

Marquee Cities and Undiscovered Gems

Mixing big cities with culturally rich destinations is part of Explora Journeys’ ethos. Austin told us “We’re focused on balancing iconic destinations with lesser-known gems that surprise and delight our guests. Think overnight stays in marquee cities, private after-hours cultural tours and small-group adventures in places that feel new and undiscovered.”

With that in mind, the cruise line recently hired Justin Poulsen as Head of Itinerary Planning, Destination Experiences & Ground Handling. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Poulsen now oversees the development of distinctive itineraries, immersive destination experiences, and seamless ground handling operations for the brand’s expanding fleet. Austin explained that the line will “continue to focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations, unconventional arrival and departure times, [and] overnights where possible.” Oh, “and every journey must include at minimum of one sea day.”

Global Events Are a Big Draw

Explora Journeys is also making an effort to bring its guests closer to world-class sporting events. Earlier this year, EXPLORA II docked in Monte Carlo for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, taking guests within a couple hundred feet of the racetrack. In 2026, EXPLORA I will dock in the city center. (Tip: guests reserving a suite will have the opportunity to enhance their Monaco experience with race tickets and VIP hospitality access.)

In addition to this partnership with Monaco and Formula 1, Explora Journeys also recently brought on Jannik Sinner – currently the world’s No. 2-ranked men’s singles tennis player – as a global brand ambassador. The cruise line made the announcement just prior to the U.S. Open where Sinner made it to the finals.

“We love team sports,” said Austin, “as it takes a team to design, build, launch and operate a world-class luxury brand.” He added that partnerships such as these “are incredibly important.” Austin continued: “Our guests are global citizens who appreciate culture, sports and lifestyle at the highest level.”

Beyond finding the right combination of destinations to visit, the pace at which Explora Journeys makes its calls is equally important. “We have truly embraced guest feedback to slow down,” said Austin. “They want to feel exhilarated and not exhausted at the end of their journey.”

What’s New on EXPLORA III?

That guest (and advisor) feedback is more than worth its weight in gold. As Austin is fond of saying, “we built the brand on the art of listening.” As the brand launches new ships and creates new itineraries, however, he added, “we have embraced that by, now, taking to the art of action.”

For example, EXPLORA III will be very similar to EXPLORA I and II but will have several changes to the onboard experience. With the introduction of LNG power, more space became available to offer more suite variety (including a second Owner’s Residence on Deck 7). Austin also noted that the spa, fitness centre and class studio has been combined into a “single, expanded wellness deck” to make it easier for guests to utilise these facilities. An expanded Nautilus Club will offer new spaces designed for both kids and teens. Just as important: “Guest capacity [on EXPLORA III] does not increase, so guests benefit from even more space and choice.”

Who are these guests, however? Well, Austin told LATTE U.S. it’s a mix between experienced cruisers and some new-to-cruise. “It’s especially exciting to see us penetrate the new-to-cruise guest—be them couples, solos or multigenerational families,” he said. “That tells us we’re opening up the category to a whole new audience.” Austin was sure to add that “seasoned luxury cruisers” are booking with Explora Journeys “in large numbers.”

Overall, he said, “it’s exactly the target we thoughtfully designed the brand for.”

Onboard Tips From Austin

For those who have not yet sailed with Explora Journeys, we asked Austin for his favorite spots onboard. His response? “It’s hard to beat the Sky Bar on Deck 14 at sail-away.” Taking in the view with a drink in hand and a DJ setting the vibe is “the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ in action,” he said.

And if guests are undecided on which stateroom category is best for them, Austin said he has a “soft spot” for the Ocean Residences as well as the Ocean Premier Penthouse, which he loves. There are five types of Ocean Residences that offer butler service; some even have a private whirlpool and Technogym benches. The Ocean Premier Penthouses, ranging from 517 to 570 square feet, have large terraces with daybeds and are best for those who want additional privacy.