Explora Journeys has presented a new seasonal deployment titled A Mediterranean Winter, which will see the vessel EXPLORA II operating exclusively in the Mediterranean between November 2026 and March 2027. The programme introduces a series of itineraries designed to explore Southern Europe and North Africa during the quieter winter months, when the region’s cultural sites and coastal towns can be experienced in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The newly announced Journeys Collection includes visits to 46 destinations across 10 countries, among them Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Gibraltar. The itineraries combine well-known ports with smaller and less frequently visited locations, reflecting a broader effort by the company to deepen cultural engagement with the region.
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, indicated that the Mediterranean in winter offers a quieter and more reflective character than during the peak travel season. She explained that dedicating EXPLORA II to the region during this period would allow guests to experience coastal communities and cultural heritage at a more measured pace, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with local traditions.
The programme will introduce 5 maiden ports of call for the brand: Ceuta, Algiers, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Fuerteventura and Palamós. The visit to Algiers will represent the company’s first call in Algeria.
Several voyages will feature extended port calls and overnight stays intended to allow passengers more time ashore. Planned experiences include an exclusive Christmas concert within St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar, an after-hours opening of the Alhambra during calls at Málaga, a private cultural event in Funchal and a tailored overnight excursion from Casablanca to Marrakech.
Four ports—Casablanca, Lisbon, Madeira and Málaga—will host overnight stays during the season, while late evening departures from locations such as Cannes, Siracusa and Gibraltar will offer additional time for exploration.
On board EXPLORA II, the winter programme is intended to reflect a slower rhythm consistent with the season ashore. Passengers will be accommodated in ocean-front suites and have access to wellness programmes inspired by maritime environments, along with culinary experiences shaped by seasonal ingredients and regional wines.
Among the voyages planned for the season are a December sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon exploring the Atlantic coasts of Spain, Morocco and Portugal; a New Year itinerary from Barcelona to Civitavecchia featuring an overnight call in Cannes; and a January journey from Rome to Barcelona calling at ports across southern Italy, Spain and North Africa.
While EXPLORA II remains in the Mediterranean for the winter period, the sister ship EXPLORA I will operate voyages in warmer climates across the Caribbean and the Americas, offering an alternative seasonal deployment for the brand.