Hilton and Explora Journeys launch Hilton Honors Adventures, extending loyalty benefits to sea

MCLEAN, VA. and GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Hilton and Explora Journeys, the privately owned ultra-luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, have announced an exclusive partnership that extends Hilton’s loyalty ecosystem to sea and introduces a new adventure-focused offering: Hilton Honors Adventures.

From summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will be able to dream, book, earn and redeem Points on Explora Journeys’ itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and other key regions worldwide.

To mark the partnership launch, Hilton Honors has created a limited-time preview offer running through June 7, 2026. While members can choose from all Explora Journeys global itineraries, a curated collection of 16 Journeys has been highlighted for this preview, with exclusive value savings applied.

A partnership built on “thoughtful travel”

Explora Journeys positions the collaboration as a natural fit between two brands focused on guest experience and meaningful travel.

Anna Nash, President, Explora Journeys, said: “This partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery. At Explora Journeys, we believe in giving our guests the time and space to slow down, choose intentionally, and feel truly in tune with their surroundings; this is what we call ‘The Ocean State of Mind’. Together, we’re offering Hilton Honors members a stay at sea that blends the freedom of the ocean with the warmth of genuine hospitality. Our goal is simple: to create moments that are effortless, personal, and crafted with care, always guided by our commitment to the wellbeing of our guests.”

Chris Silcock, President, Global Brands and Commercial Services, Hilton, added: “Explora Journeys defines the pinnacle of luxury ocean travel and unparalleled experiences. This exciting new partnership creates the perfect moment to launch Hilton Honors Adventures, introducing new ways for our members to experience iconic destinations and hidden gems around the world.”

Hilton Honors Adventures: loyalty on land and at sea

Hilton Honors Adventures is positioned as an extension of Hilton’s award-winning loyalty program, focused on immersive, “bucket-list” and adventure-driven travel. Members will be able to:

• Earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points on Explora Journeys sailings
• Access exclusive onboard benefits (details to follow closer to launch)
• Combine land-based Hilton stays with luxury voyages under one loyalty ecosystem

The initiative also encompasses Hilton’s partnership with outdoor hospitality provider AutoCamp, expanding the scope of loyalty-driven experiences from city hotels and resorts to outdoor and ocean travel. Hilton highlights that members can continue to enjoy benefits across 9,000 properties globally, including more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels, while gaining new options at sea.

Also read → Explora Journeys celebrates major milestones on the construction of its luxury fleet

Meeting rising demand for slow, immersive ocean travel

The partnership is aligned with broader trends in ocean travel, where guests increasingly seek unhurried, immersive experiences rather than high-speed itineraries.

Hilton and Explora Journeys frame their collaboration as a way to “combine the ease and serenity of traveling by sea with a deeper sense of connection to the world.” Each Journey is designed to allow generous time in port and to prioritise culture, connection and meaningful encounters over volume of stops.

Anchored in Explora’s “Ocean State of Mind” philosophy, the collaboration encourages guests to slow down, reflect and embrace the rhythm of life at sea, “waking each day to a fresh horizon and the freedom to explore at their own pace.”

Itinerary highlights for Hilton Honors members

By summer 2026, more than 235 million Hilton Honors members will be able to earn and redeem Points on carefully curated Explora Journeys routes, including:

• The Mediterranean – Sunlit islands, historic ports, coastal villages and hidden coves
• Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland & North America’s East Coast – Fjords, northern landscapes and culturally rich coastal cities
• The Caribbean & Central America – Island escapes, turquoise seas and the Panama Canal
• The Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula – Ancient cultures and contemporary waterfronts along desert shores
• Alaska, Canada & The Pacific Coast – Glacier-carved fjords, wilderness and vibrant coastal towns
• Asia – Dynamic cities, tranquil islands and rich traditions, with immersive Japan sailings from 2027.

The article Hilton and Explora Journeys launch Hilton Honors Adventures, extending loyalty benefits to sea first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

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