Explora Journeys unveils inaugural...

Sailings will visit Saudi, Oman and the UAE from Winter 2026

Explora Journeys has unveiled its inaugural Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula itinerary, with the first departure scheduled for December 2026.

Marking the brand’s debut in the region, the 2026-2027 sailings aboard Explora II will traverse the Red Sea coastline and explore the spectacular landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula, from the striking fjords of Oman to the futuristic skyline of Dubai.

The Middle East voyages will take place from December 2026 to March 2027 and include visits to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Dubai in the UAE and Salalah, Khasab and Sur in Oman, offering passengers the opportunity to discover ancient coastal cities, desert landscapes and bustling souks.

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, promote a slower pace of travel, allowing deeper engagement with each destination. As such, passengers will be able to immerse themselves in the Middle East’s rich culture and discover deep-rooted traditions that date back centuries.

In Saudi coastal city Jeddah, the UNESCO-listed old town features Hijazi architecture that is up to 400 years old, while the Omani port city of Sur is rich in archaeological sites dating back to the first millennium BCE, from forts to castles.

In Oman’s Salalah, visitors will discover pristine white-sand beaches, coconut groves and souks heaving with frankincense, and in Khasab, an off-the-beaten-path port town nestled within a landscape of jagged fjords, blue waters teem with dolphins.

The inaugural season in the Middle East will include a sailing over New Year’s Eve, with Explora II providing a front-row seat to firework celebrations against Dubai’s striking skyline.

The second ship in Explora Journeys’ fleet, Explora II offers 461 stylish oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, all with sweeping ocean views and private terraces. The design is distinctly European, with the aesthetics and finish of a private yacht.

Guests can choose from culinary experiences across six restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, five swimming pools, and multiple outdoor decks with private cabanas. There is also a spa and wellness programme.

Explora Journeys has also unveiled additional experiences for Winter 2026-2027. Explora I will sail to the Caribbean, and traverse Central and South America from November 2026 until March 2027, before visiting the Amazon in February 2027.

Making its debut in summer 2026, new ship Explora III will cruise the Caribbean and Central America from October 2026 until April 2027, then through the Panama Canal to the Central and North America Pacific Coast in May 2027.

As part of its collection of Grand Journeys for 2025 and 2026, Explora voyages will be calling in lesser-travelled destinations such as the Azores and Madeira.

For more information, visit explorajourneys.com/int/en

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE MALDIVES NOW