With itineraries in the Middle East cancelled for the season, Explora Journeys is expanding its winter operations in Europe in 2027-28.

Originally poised to offer cruises in the Red Sea, the new Explora V will now offer itineraries in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Islands.

“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.

“The Explora V will reveal a quieter, more atmospheric side of the Mediterranean in winter before continuing into the Atlantic Islands,” she added.

According to a press release, the ship’s season includes three distinct chapters, running between December 2027 and April 2028.

The first will explore the Western Mediterranean and North Africa, while the second includes itineraries to the Atlantic Islands and the third marks the ship’s return to the Mediterranean.

Highlights of the deployment include the company’s maiden visit to Crotone in Italy, as well as late-night departures from Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor and Ibiza.

The Explora V will also offer cruises to the Canary Islands and Madeira, visiting destinations such as Los Cristianos in Tenerife and Puerto del Rosario in Fuerteventura.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Explora also added new itineraries to South America for the 2027-28 winter.

Initially scheduled to operate in the Arabian Gulf, the Explora I will now offer a series of seven- and eight-night cruises to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile.

Sailing from Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, the new cruises are highlighted by visits to the Brazilian coast, as well as Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

The 922-passenger vessel is also scheduled to become the first cruise ship to anchor in Balneário Camboriú for the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

According to Explora, the season will include ten itineraries, visiting 37 destinations, of which 20 will welcome the brand for the first time.