Hilton has partnered with Explora Journeys to let loyalty members earn and redeem points at sea via the launch of Hilton Honors Adventures, marking a first for the hotel group’s rewards scheme. Jenny Southan reports

The hotel giant has announced a new partnership with Explora Journeys that will allow its Hilton Honors loyalty members to earn and redeem points on luxury ocean travel for the first time.

The collaboration launches alongside Hilton Honors Adventures, a new extension of Hilton’s loyalty programme that focuses on immersive travel experiences beyond traditional hotel stays.

From summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to use points to book voyages with Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand owned by the MSC Group.

The agreement makes Explora Journeys Hilton’s exclusive partner for luxury ocean travel and signals a move by the hotel group to extend its loyalty ecosystem from land-based accommodation to the open sea.

Explora Journeys currently has two ships in operation, with plans to expand its fleet to six vessels by 2028. Its itineraries cover regions including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Central America, with further destinations such as the Red Sea, Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Coast and Asia set to be added. Japan sailings are planned from 2027.

Ahead of the full launch of points earning and redemption, Hilton Honors members are being offered a limited-time preview.

From now until June 7, 2026, members can book any Explora Journeys itinerary with a package of exclusive benefits designed to introduce them to the brand. 16 voyages have been highlighted as part of this preview, although members can choose from the full global programme.

Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, says the partnership is rooted in shared values around slower, more intentional travel. “This partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery,” she says. “Together, we're offering Hilton Honors members a stay at sea that blends the freedom of the ocean with the warmth of genuine hospitality.”

Chris Silcock, president of global brands and commercial services at Hilton, says the collaboration creates the right platform to launch Hilton Honors Adventures. “Explora Journeys defines the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel and unparalleled experiences,” he says. “This exciting new partnership creates the perfect moment to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, introducing new ways for our members to experience iconic destinations and hidden gems around the world.”

Hilton Honors Adventures has been positioned as an evolution of the loyalty programme rather than a replacement. Hilton says it is designed to complement the existing benefits members receive across more than 9,000 hotels worldwide, including over 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties.

The new strand focuses on travel experiences that are immersive and destination-led, while still sitting within the same points-based structure.

The timing reflects wider growth in demand for ocean travel that feels slower and more immersive than traditional cruise holidays. Hilton says travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that offer longer stays in port and a stronger sense of cultural connection. Explora Journeys’ itineraries are built around fewer destinations, with more time spent in each place and a focus on curated shore experiences rather than fast-paced sightseeing.

As part of the preview offer, Hilton Honors members booking Explora Journeys will receive 100,000 bonus points per suite. They will also be given Journey Experience Credits worth up to US$400 or €400 on selected voyages and US$200 or €200 on other itineraries.

These credits can be used for onboard dining, wine tastings, spa treatments, destination experiences, shopping and suite upgrades, excluding certain luxury retail brands and services. An in-suite welcome gift is also included.

The partnership will eventually allow Hilton Honors members to both earn and redeem points on Explora Journeys sailings, bringing ocean travel fully into the loyalty programme. Hilton says this will give its more than 235 million members another way to use points on high-value experiences, while maintaining flexibility across hotels, resorts and now ships.

Explora Journeys has positioned itself as a luxury brand that blends European design with spacious suites and a focus on wellbeing. Each ship offers 461 oceanfront suites, along with multiple restaurants, bars, pools and wellness facilities. The brand’s first ship launched in 2023, with a second joining the fleet in 2024 and further LNG-powered ships due from 2026.

For Hilton, the move reflects a broader strategy to keep loyalty relevant as travellers increasingly prioritise experiences over traditional accommodation. By extending points earning and redemption to luxury ocean travel, Hilton Honors Adventures aims to capture spending that might otherwise sit outside the hotel sector, while responding to demand for more meaningful ways to explore the world.