Luxury cruising and hotel loyalty programs are coming together in a new way as Hilton Honors and Explora Journeys announce an exclusive partnership that allows members to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points while sailing aboard one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury cruise brands. The collaboration expands Hilton’s loyalty program beyond traditional hotel stays, giving travelers more ways to turn their rewards into unforgettable journeys at sea.
The partnership launches alongside the debut of EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys’ newest ultra-luxury ship, offering Hilton Honors members access to curated itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America while enjoying exclusive member benefits throughout their voyage.
A New Chapter for Hilton Honors
For frequent Hilton guests, the partnership represents a significant expansion of the Hilton Honors program.
Members who reserve Explora Journeys sailings through Hilton can now earn Hilton Honors Points on eligible cruise fares, redeem existing points toward ocean voyages, and receive exclusive member savings along with status-based onboard privileges. Eligible sailings also count toward Hilton Honors elite status, further integrating ocean travel into the Hilton ecosystem.
Additional recognition is available for elite members, with enhanced experiences ranging from welcome receptions to onboard credits and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, depending on membership tier.
Exploring the World with Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys has quickly established itself as one of the luxury cruise industry’s most distinctive brands.
Owned by the MSC Group, the Geneva-based company combines the elegance of a boutique luxury hotel with the freedom of ocean travel. Every ship emphasizes spacious oceanfront accommodations, personalized service, world-class dining, extensive wellness facilities, and thoughtfully curated itineraries designed around slower, more immersive travel.
Rather than focusing solely on popular cruise ports, Explora Journeys blends iconic destinations with lesser-visited coastal communities, allowing guests to spend more time discovering each region at a relaxed pace.
Itineraries Across Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Coastlines
Hilton Honors members can use the new partnership to explore a wide range of luxury itineraries, including:
- The Mediterranean, featuring historic ports, charming villages, secluded coves, and sun-soaked islands.
- Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America’s East Coast, showcasing dramatic fjords, rugged coastlines, and culturally rich cities.
- The Caribbean and Central America, where crystal-clear waters, tropical islands, and Panama Canal voyages create unforgettable experiences.
The program also includes sailings aboard EXPLORA III, which joins the fleet this summer and marks another milestone in the brand’s ongoing expansion.
The Growing Explora Fleet
Explora Journeys currently operates EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, with EXPLORA III becoming the brand’s first LNG-powered ship.
The fleet will continue expanding over the next several years with EXPLORA IV, V, and VI, each incorporating increasingly advanced environmental technologies that support the company’s long-term sustainability goals while maintaining its signature luxury experience.
Luxury at Sea Meets Luxury Hospitality
The partnership reflects a broader shift in how travelers earn and use loyalty rewards.
Rather than limiting benefits to hotel stays, Hilton Honors members can now seamlessly combine luxury hotels with luxury ocean travel under a single rewards program. Whether spending time at a Waldorf Astoria before embarking on a Mediterranean voyage or extending a Caribbean cruise with a Hilton resort stay, travelers can enjoy a more connected travel experience from start to finish.
Why This Partnership Matters
As luxury travelers increasingly seek immersive, experience-driven vacations, partnerships like this provide greater flexibility while rewarding customer loyalty across multiple styles of travel.
For Hilton Honors members, it’s an opportunity to transform hotel points into voyages that span continents. For Explora Journeys, it introduces its refined European approach to ocean travel to one of the world’s largest hospitality loyalty communities.
The result is a compelling new option for travelers who appreciate exceptional service both on land and at sea—and another sign that the future of luxury travel is becoming increasingly connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hilton Honors members earn points on Explora Journeys cruises?
Yes. Members who book eligible Explora Journeys sailings through Hilton can earn Hilton Honors Points on their cruise fare, with qualifying voyages also counting toward elite status.
Can Hilton Honors Points be redeemed for cruises?
Yes. Hilton Honors members can redeem points toward eligible Explora Journeys sailings booked through Hilton.
Which destinations are included?
The partnership covers Explora Journeys itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Caribbean, Central America, and North America’s East Coast.
What makes Explora Journeys different?
Explora Journeys combines boutique hotel-inspired luxury with spacious all-oceanfront accommodations, fine dining, wellness experiences, and destination-focused itineraries that emphasize slower, more immersive exploration.
