We’ve been expecting this move from Hilton for quite some time. All major hotel groups have already teamed up with ocean travel companies, and the popularity of luxury cruises has been rising steadily around the world. Now it’s finally here: Hilton and Explora Journeys have announced a landmark partnership and the debut of Hilton Honors Adventures. Find the article on Hilton’s website here.
This partnership brings Hilton Honors members something completely new: the chance to enjoy luxury ocean travel. And with Explora Journeys, the young luxury brand of the MSC Group, expanding its fleet to six ships by 2028, Hilton is stepping into the cruise space with a partner that feels both modern and thoughtfully created for today’s travelers.
A New Travel Chapter for Hilton Honors
With this partnership, Hilton is expanding beyond hotels and resorts on land. By summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Points on Explora Journeys cruises. That means your next Mediterranean getaway or Caribbean escape could be booked with Hilton Points, but this time, you’ll be sailing.
To celebrate the announcement, Hilton launched a special preview offer available now through June 7, 2026. It gives Hilton Honors members early access to book Explora Journeys voyages before Points become available and includes several exclusive perks:
- 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per suite
- Up to $/€400 in Journey Experience Credits on the 16 Hilton x Explora itineraries
- $ / €200 credits on all other voyages
- A special in-suite welcome gift
These credits can be used for onboard treats like specialty dining, wine tastings, spa treatments, shore excursions, shopping or even upgrading your suite.
Hilton also highlighted 16 special itineraries for this preview.These trips were chosen to show members what makes Explora Journeys so special: space, calm, great food, and itineraries built around discovery, not rushing from port to port. Find the Hilton Honors offer on Explora website here.
Why Ocean Travel Is So Popular Right Now
More travelers are seeking holidays that feel relaxed, meaningful, and slow enough to truly enjoy — and ocean travel delivers exactly that. You unpack once, wake up each day to a brand-new view, and explore the world without stressful transfers or rushed schedules. Explora calls this the “Ocean State of Mind,” a philosophy centered on taking your time, connecting deeply with each destination, and embracing the calming rhythm of the sea.
And the destinations? They’re spectacular:
- Mediterranean: islands, charming villages, hidden coves
- Northern Europe, Iceland & Greenland: fjords, dramatic coastlines, rich culture
- Caribbean & Central America: turquoise waters and the Panama Canal
- Red Sea & Arabian Peninsula: history, desert landscapes, modern luxury
- Alaska, Canada & Pacific Coast: glaciers and wild nature
- Asia (from 2027): Japan-focused sailings and dynamic Asian cities
Conclusion
This partnership is a big step for Hilton and an exciting one for travelers. Explora Journeys brings a fresh, modern style of luxury cruising, and Hilton Honors members will soon be able to enjoy it with all the perks and benefits they already love.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining world-class hospitality with relaxed ocean exploration, this is your chance. And with the preview offer already live, members can be among the first to experience this new chapter.
