• Inaugural Pacific Northwest Deployment: The newly constructed EXPLORA III will celebrate its highly anticipated Alaskan debut from May to September 2027, running a variety of slow-paced itineraries.
• Curated Small Group Excursions: Shore programs are strictly limited to small groups to guarantee intimate encounters, featuring helicopter glacier landings and deep-forest bear watching.
• Indigenous Cultural Integration Focus: The luxury line has partnered directly with native communities, including the Kitsumkalum Nation, to deliver authentic heritage storytelling and regional culinary masterclasses.
• All Suite Residential Onboard Accommodations: The premium vessel features 461 oceanfront suites boasting floor-to-ceiling wilderness views, multi-level heated pools, and a dedicated hydrotherapy spa

The ultra-luxury cruise market is buzzing with anticipation as Explora Journeys officially previews its masterfully curated shore excursion program for the inaugural summer 2027 Alaska season. Operating from May through September 2027, the debut of the state-of-the-art EXPLORA III in the Pacific Northwest represents a milestone for discerning globetrotters. Embodying the brand’s trademark ethos of slow travel and purposeful discovery, this exclusive collection blends iconic wilderness landmarks with less-traveled coastal communities, ensuring independent travelers can experience the rugged grandeur of the 49th state at an exceptionally relaxed, unhurried pace.

The highly immersive shore program is masterfully structured around four core exploratory themes designed to bring passengers closer to the heart of local ecosystems. Thrill-seekers can opt for high-altitude helicopter flights over the Juneau Icefield coupled with direct Mendenhall Glacier walking expeditions, or ride dedicated catamarans right alongside North America’s largest tidewater glacier, the Hubbard Glacier. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy flightplane journeys into the Tongass National Forest to spot black bears fishing for wild salmon, or join late-season whale-watching boats in Prince Rupert to observe orcas, humpbacks, and playful sea lions.

Beyond raw wilderness encounters, the luxury ocean line is heavily prioritizing authentic cultural preservation and heritage. Guests can travel into the pristine Great Bear Rainforest to connect with members of the Indigenous Kitsumkalum community through traditional drumming, dance, and custom nomadic gastronomy. Back on the ship, the ultra-elegant EXPLORA III acts as a private floating resort, treating just 942 guests to 461 oceanfront suites equipped with private sun terraces. Paired with a massive 700-square-meter wellness spa and newly debuting culinary hotspots like the Chef’s Table and The Cellar, this premier cruise series guarantees an effortless, deeply enriching summer escape.