Explora Journeys (groupe MSC) renounces positioning its ships in the Middle East and the Red Sea during the winter of 2027-2028.
The luxury cruise line says it has conducted a reevaluation of its deployment schedule, taking into account developments in the region, according to Cruise Industry News.
Explora I was to sail in the Gulf from November 2027 to February 2028, with calls in several countries in the region. Explora V, which is due to enter service at the end of 2027, was planned to operate in the Red Sea between late January and mid-March 2028.
The luxury cruise line says it has conducted a reevaluation of its deployment schedule, taking into account developments in the region, according to Cruise Industry News.
Explora I was to sail in the Gulf from November 2027 to February 2028, with calls in several countries in the region. Explora V, which is due to enter service at the end of 2027, was planned to operate in the Red Sea between late January and mid-March 2028.
Repositioning of the Explora I and Explora V ships
Explora Journeys now plans to completely overhaul the itineraries for both ships. Explora I will be assigned to South America, while Explora V will operate in the Mediterranean.
The company says it has made this decision sufficiently in advance to provide greater clarity to customers and travel professionals planning their reservations for 2027-2028.
Passengers who have already booked an itinerary affected by these cancellations will see their booking automatically canceled and will receive a full refund of the cruise fare. Explora Journeys also plans a 250-euro credit per person, limited to two travelers, usable for a new booking made within one year.
The new itineraries for Explora I and Explora V are expected to be announced and opened for bookings on September 9, 2026, according to Cruise Industry News.
This decision follows a similar announcement from MSC Cruises, which has also revised the winter 2027-2028 schedule for the MSC World Europa. The vessel, initially planned for the Middle East, will ultimately remain in the Western Mediterranean during that period.
The company says it has made this decision sufficiently in advance to provide greater clarity to customers and travel professionals planning their reservations for 2027-2028.
Passengers who have already booked an itinerary affected by these cancellations will see their booking automatically canceled and will receive a full refund of the cruise fare. Explora Journeys also plans a 250-euro credit per person, limited to two travelers, usable for a new booking made within one year.
The new itineraries for Explora I and Explora V are expected to be announced and opened for bookings on September 9, 2026, according to Cruise Industry News.
This decision follows a similar announcement from MSC Cruises, which has also revised the winter 2027-2028 schedule for the MSC World Europa. The vessel, initially planned for the Middle East, will ultimately remain in the Western Mediterranean during that period.
