Alaska has long captured the imagination of travelers with its towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, rugged coastlines, and rich Indigenous cultures. In summer 2027, luxury ocean travel brand Explora Journeys will make its long-anticipated debut in the region, offering guests a new perspective on one of North America’s most extraordinary destinations.
Sailing aboard the new EXPLORA III from May through September 2027, the inaugural Alaska season has been designed around deeper destination immersion, combining iconic natural wonders with lesser-visited communities and thoughtfully curated experiences led by local experts. Rather than rushing from port to port, the itineraries encourage travelers to slow down and connect with Alaska’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultural traditions at a more meaningful pace.
Discovering Alaska from the Sea
Few destinations are better suited to exploration by ship than Alaska. Its vast coastline, remote fjords, and glacier-carved waterways reveal perspectives that simply cannot be experienced from land.
Explora Journeys has structured its Alaska experiences around four key themes that highlight the region’s many dimensions, from immense glaciers and marine wildlife to historic railways and Indigenous communities.
The result is a collection of excursions designed to showcase not only Alaska’s dramatic scenery but also the stories and people that have shaped life in this remarkable corner of the world.
Where Ice Becomes Emotion
Glaciers are among Alaska’s most iconic attractions, and several experiences place travelers at the heart of these frozen landscapes.
In Juneau, guests can embark on a helicopter journey over the vast Juneau Icefield before exploring the spectacular Mendenhall Glacier. Along the coast, Hubbard Glacier offers a powerful display of nature’s force, where visitors can witness immense walls of ice and the dramatic spectacle of glacier calving from the water.
Near Wrangell, jet boat adventures provide access to remote glacial environments, including LeConte Glacier Bay and Shakes Glacier, where harbour seals, bald eagles, and pristine wilderness create unforgettable encounters with Alaska’s untamed beauty.
Wildlife Encounters in Their Natural Habitat
Alaska remains one of the world’s great wildlife destinations, and the inaugural season includes numerous opportunities to observe animals in the environments they call home.
In Ketchikan, travelers can venture into the vast Tongass National Forest to search for black bears fishing for salmon, either by floatplane or along rainforest trails. Juneau offers a combination of whale watching and guided rainforest exploration, while Prince Rupert provides opportunities to spot humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and coastal birdlife during seasonal marine excursions.
These experiences focus on observing wildlife responsibly while gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems that support them.
Landscapes Shaped by Water and Wilderness
Alaska’s geography is defined by the interplay of water, mountains, forests, and glaciers, and several experiences highlight these elemental landscapes.
Guests visiting Wrangell can travel along the legendary Stikine River, passing waterfalls, dense forests, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife while learning about the region from local guides. In Seward, boat excursions explore some of Alaska’s most dramatic coastal scenery, where tidewater glaciers descend from rugged mountains into protected bays and fjords.
These journeys offer opportunities to appreciate the scale and diversity of Alaska’s wilderness, where nature remains the dominant force.
Connecting with Alaska’s Cultural Heritage
While Alaska’s natural beauty often takes center stage, the region’s cultural traditions are equally compelling.
Explora Journeys has incorporated experiences that provide insight into Indigenous heritage, local communities, and the stories that have shaped the North Pacific coast. In Prince Rupert, guests can visit the Great Bear Rainforest and connect with members of the Kitsumkalum community through storytelling, traditional drumming, dance, and a distinctive culinary experience inspired by local traditions.
Meanwhile, in Skagway, a historic rail journey follows the route to White Pass Summit, retracing the path used during the Klondike Gold Rush and offering a fascinating glimpse into one of the defining chapters of northern history.
EXPLORA III: A Luxury Base for Exploration
When not exploring ashore, guests will return to EXPLORA III, the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet.
Designed as a floating luxury retreat, the ship features 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, each with private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring Alaska’s scenery directly into the living space. Heated pools, indoor whirlpools, wellness facilities, and expansive outdoor decks allow guests to enjoy the region’s landscapes in comfort regardless of weather conditions.
Dining will play a central role in the onboard experience, with returning favourites joined by several new culinary concepts debuting aboard EXPLORA III. Guests will also find a comprehensive wellness offering, including a large spa featuring hydrotherapy facilities, a salt cave, and contrast therapy experiences designed to complement days spent exploring the outdoors.
A New Chapter for Luxury Cruising in Alaska
As luxury travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences, smaller group excursions, and deeper cultural connections, Alaska continues to emerge as one of the world’s most rewarding cruise destinations.
Explora Journeys’ inaugural Alaska season reflects this shift, combining the region’s iconic highlights with immersive experiences that encourage meaningful engagement with both nature and local communities.
For travelers dreaming of glaciers, whales, rainforests, Indigenous traditions, and spectacular coastal scenery, summer 2027 promises a new way to experience the Last Frontier—one shaped by exploration, discovery, and the luxury of time.
