A new luxury ocean travel partnership been announced between Hilton and Explora Journeys has been announced through which members of Hilton Honors will soon be able to earn and redeem points on luxury ocean journeys to some of the most captivating destinations in the world by summer of 2026.
New Luxury Ocean Travel Partnership Between Hilton and Explora Journeys Announced
Explora Journeys is the new privately owned and ultra elegant ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. Two ships are currently sailing with Explora Journeys; and a fleet of six ships are expected to be sailing by 2028.
To celebrate the announcement of the partnership between Hilton and Explora Journeys, Hilton Honors members can participate in a preview offer through Sunday, June 7, 2026 that was created to reflect the spirit of the partnership with exclusive benefits, which include:
- 100,000 bonus Hilton Honors points rewarded per suite.
- Up to $400.00 or €400.00 Journey Experience Credits on 16 thoughtfully curated itineraries by Hilton and Explora Journeys to be provided in the onboard currency applicable to the guest’s booked Journey; and a credit of $200.00 or €200.00 on all other Explora Journeys voyages. These credits can be redeemed for onboard experiences — including fine dining, wine tastings, Destination Experiences, spa treatments, curated shopping, and suite upgrades. The Journey Experience Credit is not applicable to purchases in the luxury monobrand boutiques (Rolex – EXPLORA I only, Cartier, Piaget, Panerai, Buccellati – EXPLORA II only), casino credits or advances, cash withdrawals, gratuities, donations to the MSC Foundation, and contributions to the Host lifestyle fund. Journey Experience Credits are not refundable, not transferable, and hold no cash value. Any unused credit expires after 18:00 on the final night of the Journey. Additional terms may apply.
- An exclusive in-suite welcome gift.
Although the aforementioned preview offer highlights 16 specific journeys to introduce Hilton Honors members to the extraordinary experience of ocean travel, Hilton Honors members can choose from all of the global itineraries of Explora Journeys. This partnership invites Hilton Honors members to enjoy the modern vision of Explora Journeys of ultra elegant ocean travel as defined by spacious suites, curated dining, and transformative Journeys.
Ocean travel is experiencing remarkable growth as travelers seek experiences that feel unhurried, immersive, and deeply fulfilling. This reflects a desire for Journeys that combine the ease and serenity of traveling by sea with a deeper sense of connection to the world. Through this partnership, Hilton and Explora Journeys are bringing this vision to life for Hilton Honors members by offering an elevated way to explore the world at sea, shaped by exceptional hospitality and itineraries that are thoughtfully crafted. Each Journey allows generous time in every destination and invites discovery through culture, connection, and meaningful encounters rather than speed. Anchored in what is called the Ocean State of Mind, this collaboration encourages guests to slow down, reflect, and embrace the restorative rhythm of life on the ocean, waking each day to a fresh horizon and the freedom to explore at their own pace.
Hilton and Explora Journeys are combining the freedom of ocean travel with the benefits of the Hilton Honors membership program to deliver a new way for greater than 235 million Hilton Honors members to stay — this time, at sea. By summer of 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive on-board benefits while experiencing carefully curated Journeys that will bring guests to some of the most sought-after destinations in the world — including:
- The Mediterranean — Sunlit islands, charming villages, historic ports and hidden coves.
- Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and the East Coast of North America — Majestic fjords, dramatic northern landscapes, and culturally rich coastal cities.
- The Caribbean and Central America — Island rhythm, turquoise seas, and the iconic Panama Canal.
- The Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula — Ancient cultures and contemporary elegance along storied desert shores.
- Alaska, Canada, and The Pacific Coast — Glacier-carved fjords, pristine wilderness and vibrant coastal towns.
- Asia — Dynamic cities, tranquil islands and rich traditions, with immersive Japan sailings from 2027.
Final Boarding Call
I was in Antarctica when this announcement was released on Monday, December 8, 2025, which I found to be coincidental, as that trip to Antarctica was technically my first real cruise experience…
…and although this partner-ship between Hilton and Explora Journeys seems to have significant potential for members of the Hilton Honors membership program to use and redeem points for cruises, Antarctica is one of the destinations that is missing from the aforementioned list at this time.
Photograph ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
