Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard to develop luxury river cruise vessels, marking its debut in the river cruise market. The announcement was made before September 24, 2026, and signals the company’s expansion beyond ocean cruises.
Sales for the new river cruises are scheduled to open in 2027, targeting deployment for the 2027 to 2028 cruise seasons. Details regarding the number of ships, delivery timelines, ship designs, onboard amenities, and initial itineraries remain undisclosed and will be revealed in the future.
The company intends to transfer its “Ocean State of Mind” philosophy
to European river cruising, combining the freedom and discovery of sea travel with the sophistication of European hospitality and design. Explora Journeys aims to position its river cruise product at the luxury market’s highest tier.
Den Breejen Shipyard’s Experience
Den Breejen Shipyard, located in the Netherlands, has a track record of constructing vessels for prominent river cruise operators such as Avalon, Emerald, and Scenic. This partnership aligns with Explora Journeys’ strategy to leverage established shipbuilding expertise for its river cruise entry.
Competitive River Cruise Market
Explora Journeys will enter a competitive European river cruise sector featuring established companies like Viking, Uniworld, AmaWaterways, and Avalon, alongside recent entrants such
as Celebrity River Cruises and Trafalgar. The market is thriving and diverse, and Explora Journeys aims to distinguish itself at the high-end of the segment.
