Luxury expedition cruise brand Explora Journeys has unveiled a significant expansion of its Red Sea and Arabian Gulf itineraries scheduled for the 2027/28 season, further strengthening its commitment to long-term presence in the Middle East. These additions include new ports of call, immersive onshore experiences, and elevated onboard services designed to meet growing demand from affluent global travellers seeking culturally rich and environmentally conscious itineraries.
This portfolio enhancement sees Explora integrating stops at Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning Red Sea destinations—such as Al Wajh and Duba—while continuing to leverage key hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. The expansion corresponds to a wider industry push towards sustainable luxury cruising, with the vessels utilising state-of-the-art technology to minimise emissions and maximise guest comfort.
Explora’s CEO highlighted the strategic importance of GCC and Red Sea itinerary growth, noting that their vessels’ size and amenities uniquely position them to offer both a sense of exclusivity and access to remote, culturally significant ports. Partnerships with local tourism authorities ensure curated excursions that align with guests’ interests in heritage, wildlife, and conservation.
The move supports the ongoing repositioning of the Middle East as a year-round cruising destination, with Explora poised to capture a growing share of the luxury cruise sector that values longer seasons and diverse regional offerings.
