Cruise Ships Redeployed Due to the Ongoing War in the Middle East

A cruise line is redeploying two cruise ships to new regions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Explora Journeys has announced new itineraries for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA V that will replace previously planned cruises in the Middle East and Red Sea for the 2027-2028 season.

The new itineraries include 20 maiden ports of call for the luxury cruise line. EXPLORA I will now offer 10 cruises along the shores of South America, and EXPLORA V will launch her inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Here is a look at these new itineraries from Explora Journeys.

EXPLORA I – South America: A Continent of Contrasts

From December 2027 to March 2028, EXPLORA I will sail the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, visiting Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the Falkland Islands and Chile.

The ship will offer five overnight stays in ports, including Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn and Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the overnight stops, there will be eight late departures in coastal cities ranging from Balneário Camboriú and Port Stanley to Rio and Maceió.

EXPLORA I will visit 20 maiden ports for the cruise line, including 12 in Brazil.

EXPLORA V – The Inaugural Journeys Collection

EXPLORA V’s inaugural season begins by exploring the Western and Central Mediterranean and North Africa’s ancient coastline. In January, the cruise ship sails into the sun-kissed Atlantic, before returning to the Mediterranean in March.

Guests can discover Calabria during a maiden call to Crotone, while late departures in Salerno, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Kotor and Ibiza invite exploration into the evening.

Istanbul will offer time to discover historic neighborhoods and grand bazaars after sunset, while Pauillac, France, provides access to Bordeaux’s renowned wine estates.

Memorable celebrations include Christmas at sea and New Year’s Eve off the coast of Naples, with spectacular views of the city’s fireworks from the ship’s open decks.

Visits to Atlantic islands include Los Cristianos in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. Overnight stays in Casablanca and Lisbon further enrich the collection, offering additional time to discover two of the Atlantic coast’s most captivating cities.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, gave the following statement:

“We see travel differently at Explora Journeys. It is not simply about how many places you can visit, but about how you experience them.

“With EXPLORA I, we are bringing together the extraordinary contrasts of South America, from the vibrancy of Brazil to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. At the same time, EXPLORA V will reveal a quieter, more atmospheric side of the Mediterranean in winter before continuing into the Atlantic Islands. Both collections give guests the freedom to explore further, with every detail designed to create a seamless and enriching experience from one destination to the next.”

About Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is a luxury, all-inclusive cruise line from MSC Group. They currently have three ships in their fleet, but will double to six by the end of 2028.

At its heart is a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ that connects guests with the sea, themselves, and like-minded others, while immersive itineraries blend iconic destinations with lesser-traveled ports for unhurried Journeys that inspire discovery.