In September 2026, Explora Journeys formalized its entry into the river cruise sector by signing a letter of intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard to construct luxury river cruise vessels. This marks Explora Journeys’ first official move beyond ocean cruising.
Sales for these new river cruises are projected to begin in 2027. Explora Journeys has not disclosed the number of ships to be built, delivery timelines, or initial itineraries but plans to adapt its Ocean State of Mind philosophy, which combines freedom, discovery, and refined European hospitality, to cruising on Europe’s most iconic rivers.
Explora’s Position Within the River Cruise Industry
Den Breejen Shipyard, experienced in
building vessels for Avalon, Emerald, and Scenic, will craft Explora Journeys’ river ships. Explora joins a thriving river cruise market featuring established operators Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, and Avalon, plus newer entrants Celebrity River Cruises and Trafalgar.
