Winter in the Med with Explora

AS THE high-summer crowds depart and a serene stillness settles over the coastlines of Southern Europe and North Africa, Explora Journeys invites guests to experience a new adventure onboard Explora II. Titled A Mediterranean Winter, this new cruise in the Journeys Collection captures a soulful and intimate perspective of these shores, showcasing their beauty from November 2026 through March 2027. “The Mediterranean in winter is a collection of subtle contrasts and understated elegance, and we are delighted to dedicate Explora II to the region this season, revealing its more contemplative side,” says Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys. “Beyond the pace of peak travel, coastal towns become havens of calm, where culture is experienced on a more human scale.” Destinations A Mediterranean Winter features a curated selection of 46 destinations across ten countries, including Spain, Morocco, Portugal, France, Italy, Malta, Greece and Gibraltar. By blending iconic locations with hidden gems, these enriched journeys offer a sophisticated gateway to the region’s most immersive experiences. The season is further defined by extended time in port, with four overnight stays in Casablanca, Lisbon, Madeira and Málaga, alongside late departures from Málaga, Cannes, Syracuse and Gibraltar, allowing for deeper and more flexible exploration. This season also introduces a selection of maiden ports, revealing a rich interplay of cultures and heritage, from the meeting of continents in Ceuta to the layered influences of Algiers, complemented by the unspoiled character of La Gomera, the raw volcanic beauty of Fuerteventura, and the distinct seafood cuisine of Palamós. The seasonal journeys include the following sailings: December 9- December 21 (Barcelona to Lisbon), December 28-January 4 2027 (Barcelona to Civitavecchia, Rome) and January 14-January 24 2027 (Civitavecchia, Rome to Barcelona). Highlights Several journeys feature overnight stays to allow for leisurely exploration of the area, including festive markets in Funchal, Marrakech via Casablanca and the historic heart of Syracuse. Guests are also able to enjoy unique winter traditions, from a Christmas carol performance in a Gibraltar cave to New Year fireworks in Cannes. Onboard Designed as a floating luxury hotel, Explora II offers a naturally unhurried pace, where space and thoughtful design invite true disconnection. Life on board mirrors the calmer seasonal rhythm found ashore. Guests can retreat to their residential oceanfront suites or relax in a sunlit lounge after a day of exploration. Culinary experiences onboard are shaped by seasonal ingredients and regional wines. In the stillness of the Mediterranean winter, each journey becomes an opportunity to restore and rebalance, with Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness experiences fostering a quiet sense of calm, clarity and perspective, the essence of the Ocean State of Mind. Warmer options For those seeking the warmth of sun- drenched shores during the Northern hemisphere winter months, Explora I will sail across the Caribbean to Central and South America, offering a collection of journeys defined by tropical landscapes, vibrant cultures and a relaxed island rhythm.