Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with the Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard to construct luxury river cruise vessels, marking the brand’s inaugural step into the river cruise sector. The announcement confirms Explora Journeys’ diversification beyond its ocean cruise offering.
Explora Journeys plans to extend its Ocean State of Mind philosophy—centered on blending freedom, discovery, and refined European hospitality—to Europe’s leading rivers. The company expects to open sales for the new river cruise ships in 2027.
Background on Shipbuilder and Market Context
Den Breejen Shipyard, known for building ships for Avalon, Emerald, and Scenic, is tasked with the new river cruise builds. Explora Journeys
aims to position its river vessels at the ultra-luxury segment, continuing the high-end approach of its ocean ships.
The river cruise market includes established companies such as Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Celebrity River Cruises, and Trafalgar. Explora’s entry adds a new competitor to this expanding market.
Details and Future Announcements
Explora Journeys has not disclosed specific information on ship design, the number of ships planned, delivery timelines, or initial itineraries. The company stated that these details will be shared in due course.
