Explora III Debuts Alaska 2027: Glaciers, Wildlife & Coastal Stories

Explora III Debuts Alaska 2027: Glaciers, Wildlife & Coastal Stories

As anticipation builds for the launch of EXPLORA III on 24 July, Explora Journeys is looking ahead to next summer, when the ship will sail the brand’s highly anticipated debut season in Alaska.

Summer is one of the most compelling times to experience the region, when its wilderness is at its most vivid, alive and expressive. The unique perspective of discovering Alaska by sea reveals a side of the destination that few experience, making May to September 2027 the perfect window to plan an extraordinary journey.

With the inaugural season now less than a year away, this is the ideal moment to begin shaping the Alaska journey you have long imagined, complemented by a thoughtfully curated collection of destination experiences created for guests who have dreamed of experiencing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the region.

A New Perspective on Alaska from the Sea

From May to September 2027, EXPLORA III marks Explora Journeys’ debut in Alaska, offering guests the opportunity to discover the region from the unique vantage point of the sea.

The inaugural Alaskan Journeys Collection has been designed for those who wish to experience the wild grandeur of Alaska at an unhurried pace, shaped exclusively by nature’s instinctive rhythms.

“Marking an exciting new chapter in our destination portfolio, the inaugural Alaskan Journeys Collection offers a distinctive range of experiences that allow guests to explore this extraordinary region with a genuine sense of connection and discovery,” said Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys.

“The Alaskan Journeys Collection brings guests closer to the glaciers, wildlife and cultures that define the region – from helicopter flights and whale watching to authentic heritage experiences with local communities. Designed with exceptional outdoor space and uninterrupted views, our ships provide an exceptional vantage point from which to experience Alaska’s extraordinary landscapes. We give guests the luxury of time – time to slow down, connect more deeply with Alaska and discover the Ocean State of Mind.”

Meaningful Destination Immersion: Iconic Highlights and Less-Travelled Communities

Journeys combine iconic highlights with less-travelled coastal communities, complemented by a curated collection of small-group experiences led by local experts, offering deeper connections to the people, traditions and landscapes of the region.

From glaciers, whales and bears to ancient rainforests, historic rail journeys and coastal communities shaped by both land and sea, guests can experience the many dimensions of Alaska through thoughtfully designed encounters both ashore and on the water.

The destination experiences offered ashore fall into four themes encompassing Alaska’s dramatic marine landscapes and its ruggedly beautiful interior.

Theme 1: Where Ice Becomes Emotion

Between glaciers and vast horizons, discover the frozen masterworks of the Alaskan coast.

Juneau:
A helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield leads to an exhilarating exploration of Mendenhall Glacier.

Hubbard Glacier:
A catamaran brings guests close to North America’s largest tidewater glacier, where calving ice reveals Alaska at its most powerful.

Wrangell:
A jet boat skimming the water towards LeConte Glacier Bay or Shakes Glacier takes in harbour seals, eagles and icy glacial landscapes.

Theme 2: Wildlife as Nature Intended

Unscripted encounters with the region’s native species in their natural habitats.

Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island):
Spot black bears fishing for salmon after a floatplane journey and short hike deep into the Tongass National Forest or from elevated platforms reached via rainforest trails at the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary’s Herring Cove.

Prince Rupert (Kaien Island):
A late-season whale-watching adventure with the chance to see humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions and coastal birds.

Juneau:
Combining marine wildlife watching with a guided rainforest hike through Tongass National Forest towards Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.

Theme 3: Blue Wrapped in Green

Elemental landscapes where fjords and rivers meet lush wilderness.

Wrangell:
A boat journey along the Stikine River reveals forests, waterfalls, cliffs and wildlife, enriched by local guiding and refreshments.

Seward:
Explore one of Alaska’s most striking coastal landscapes by boat, gliding beneath towering mountains and towards tidewater glaciers.

Theme 4: Connections to Stories of Land & Sea

Providing deep insight into the rich traditions, histories and communities of the region.

Prince Rupert (Kaien Island):
In the Great Bear Rainforest, guests are welcomed by the Kitsumkalum community with stories, drumming and dance before savouring a unique nomadic gastronomy experience.

Skagway:
A vintage rail journey retraces the historic route to White Pass Summit, passing waterfalls, tunnels and landmarks connected to the Klondike Gold Rush.

EXPLORA III: A Sanctuary at Sea

After unforgettable moments discovering Alaska, EXPLORA III offers the perfect homecoming across 14 spacious decks. Combining an intimate residential atmosphere with world-class hospitality, this ultra-elegant floating hotel features 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces bringing views of the sweeping Alaskan wilderness indoors.

Across the ship, guests can enjoy heated pools and indoor whirlpools designed to provide comfort in any weather, while exceptional culinary mastery and holistic rejuvenation further elevate the onboard experience.

In addition to returning favourites like Sakura and Marble & Co., EXPLORA III debuts new culinary concepts including:

• The poolside Shore Club on 11
• The immersive Chef’s Table
• The Cellar

Complementing these dining destinations are 12 curated bars and lounges.

Between dining and adventures ashore, the 700-square-metre Ocean Wellness spa provides complete renewal with its hydrotherapy pool, salt cave and contrast therapy saunas. Together with exceptional fitness and sports facilities and an unparalleled retail offering, EXPLORA III’s thoughtful amenities ensure every moment at sea inspires the brand’s signature Ocean State of Mind.

Why This Is the Ideal Time to Plan Your Alaska Journey

With the inaugural season now on the horizon, this is the perfect moment for guests to begin shaping the Alaska journey they have long imagined.

Summer brings Alaska’s wilderness at its most vivid and expressive, while the perspective of discovering the region by sea reveals a side few experience. The Alaskan Journeys Collection is designed for those who want to experience the wild grandeur of Alaska at an unhurried pace, shaped by nature’s rhythms rather than rushed itineraries.

From helicopter flights over icefields to whale watching in late season, from black bears fishing for salmon to heritage experiences with local communities, this is Alaska as it’s meant to be experienced: deeply, meaningfully and with genuine connection.