Explora Journeys signed a letter of intent in September 2026 with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard to construct luxury river cruise vessels. This deal marks Explora Journeys’ inaugural entry into the river cruise segment.
Sales for the new river cruise ships are set to begin in 2027, targeting the 2027-28 season for launch. The company has not disclosed the number of ships ordered, delivery timelines, or initial itinerary details, which will be announced later.
Ocean State of Mind Philosophy Extended to River Cruising
Explora Journeys plans to apply its Ocean State of Mind philosophy to river cruising, emphasizing a blend of freedom, discovery, and European hospitality and design. The
brand has previously used this approach to transform ocean travel experiences and now aims to bring it to Europe’s prominent river routes.
Den Breejen Shipyard Expertise and Market Context
Den Breejen Shipyard, experienced in building vessels for cruise lines such as Avalon, Emerald, and Scenic, will construct these new river ships. Explora Journeys will enter a competitive market that includes established European river cruise operators like Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, and Avalon, along with newer entrants such as Celebrity River Cruises and Trafalgar.
