Explora Journeys' summer 2027 cruise programme marks significant new milestones for the brand - its first-ever Alaska itineraries and the launch of a fourth ship. Olivia Palamountain reports

Explora Journeys' next season, running from March to November 2027, will see the ultra-elegant ocean travel brand expand across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada, New England and Alaska under the banner "An Ocean of New".

"With the intention of savouring every moment, our summer 2027 journeys have been thoughtfully crafted, as always, to enable flexibility, extended stays and deeper immersion at a gentler pace," says Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys. "We are thrilled to be introducing Alaska for the very first time and to be offering many of our 2027 journeys on two of our ultra-elegant new ships, Explora III and IV."

The programme introduces Explora IV, the newest LNG-powered addition to the fleet, featuring redesigned spaces and expanded public areas. The ship will offer one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in luxury cruising, with an increased number of expansive residences and generous outdoor decks designed for privacy and ocean connection.

The addition of Alaska represents a major expansion for Explora Journeys, with Explora III offering the brand's first wilderness voyages departing from Vancouver, Canada. Guests will experience glacier-carved fjords, wildlife spotting along the "Whale's Highway", and cultural encounters including learning about totem pole significance and sampling Dungeness crab.

Key Alaska itineraries include an 11-night "Journey Through Untamed Landscapes & Coastal Treasures" from 10-21 May 2027, featuring maiden visits to Sitka, Prince Rupert, and Endicott Arm. A longer 14-night "Extended Journey Across Alaska's Wild Frontier" from July 2-16, 2027 will explore from Hubbard Glacier to Kodiak and Alert Bay.

In European waters, Explora I and II will serve more than 60 possible Mediterranean journeys, including new Adriatic ports such as Croatia's medieval Trogir and Slovenia's Venetian-influenced Toper. Other maiden destinations include Istanbul's Ottoman palaces, Algeria's Algiers and Sardinia's Olbia.

The 2027 season will operate across four ships - Explora I, II, III, and the new Explora IV - with bookings available through explorajourneys.com or travel advisers.