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Hilton and Explora Journeys have announced a new partnership that brings ocean journeys into the Hilton Honors loyalty program with a new way for members to experience high-end cruising. The two brands are collaborating on Hilton Honors Adventures, which is an expansion of Hilton’s loyalty program and designed to connect members with experiential travel opportunities.
I had never heard of Explora Journeys, but it’s the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. It offers a “modern vision of ultra elegant ocean travel defined by spacious suites, curated dining, and transformative journeys.” The brand currently operates two ships (with plans to grow its fleet to six by 2028).
Beginning in summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem points on Explora Journeys sailings across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Caribbean, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Coast (Japan sailings are coming in 2027).
To mark the launch of this partnership, Hilton and Explora Journeys have introduced an offer that’s available now through June 7th. During this period, Hilton Honors members can book Explora Journeys sailings with exclusive benefits. Full points earning and redemptions will rollout in 2026. Hilton Honors members can choose from Explora Journeys’ specially curated collection of 16 highlighted journeys. These sailings are designed to introduce members to the Explora Journeys experience while showcasing the elevated approach to ocean travel that defines the brand.
Hilton Honors members who book during the preview window can take advantage of several exclusive benefits. These include 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per suite, Journey Experience Credits of up to $400 or euros on select Hilton x Explora Journeys itineraries and $200 or euros on all other voyages, an exclusive in-suite welcome gift, and access to enhanced onboard experiences such as fine dining, wine tastings, destination excursions, spa treatments, curated shopping, and suite upgrades. Bookings need to be made between today, December 8th and June 7th for sailings between December 8, 2025 and December 31, 2028.
Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, said:
Explora Journeys defines the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel and unparalleled experiences. This exciting new partnership creates the perfect moment to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, introducing new ways for our members to experience iconic destinations and hidden gems around the world.”
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, added:
This partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery. At Explora Journeys, we believe in giving our guests the time and space to slow down, choose intentionally, and feel truly in tune with their surroundings; this is what we call ‘The Ocean State of Mind’. Together, we’re offering Hilton Honors members a stay at sea that blends the freedom of the ocean with the warmth of genuine hospitality. Our goal is simple: to create moments that are effortless, personal, and crafted with care, always guided by our commitment to the wellbeing of our guests.”
Hilton Honors Adventures will be more than cruising. The expansion of Hilton’s loyalty program will incorporate other outdoor-focused travel experiences like Hilton’s partnership with high-end camping (glamping) partner, Autocamp.
Anthony’s Take: I’m not a huge fan of cruises, but these ships look elegant. I’m always a sucker for a way to earn miles and points, so it’s great to see this Hilton partnership.
(Image Credits: Hilton and Explora Journeys.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
