Explora Journeys South America 2027-28 Introduces First Regional Sailings With Coastal Wilderness

Written By: Samadrita Mukherjee

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September 12, 2026 07:50 GMT+5:30

Image credit – Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys will offer its first full South America season 2027-2028, wherein it will operate Explora I, and bring luxury ocean voyages to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Patagonia. The new program will include coastal cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remote southern landscapes with journey offerings and land experiences across the continent. The programs will be available to book from September 2026 for departure from late 2027 to early 2028.

Due to regional developments, Explora I will no longer offer the Middle East and Red Sea program for which it was previously scheduled. Having been redeployed from their original program, Explora Journeys has introduced the South America programs for the ship.

Explora I will sail to South America following the conclusion of an extended Mediterranean program. After sailing across the Atlantic, Explora I will deliver engaging experiences and voyages that exemplify the balance of luxury ocean cruising and destination-centered explorations.

The 2027-2028 South America program will be Explora Journeys’ inaugural program for South America. Explora Journeys will introduce the South America region to its travelers for the first time. The region offers a great variety of biodiversity and natural landscapes as well as a rich cultural heritage.

Why This Matters for Travellers

South America has become increasingly attractive for luxury travellers seeking destinations that combine nature, culture and unique experiences. The new Explora Journeys programme provides access to some of the continent’s most recognisable destinations while also highlighting lesser-visited coastal locations.

For travellers, the season creates opportunities to explore Brazil’s tropical coastline, Argentina’s cultural cities, Uruguay’s coastal destinations and the remote wilderness of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in one luxury travel programme.

Why Travellers Are Looking Towards South America Cruises

• Access to diverse destinations: The itineraries connect multiple countries across one region.
• Luxury exploration: Guests can experience South America while travelling aboard a premium ocean vessel.
• Nature and heritage experiences: Routes include UNESCO-listed areas, rainforests, islands and dramatic southern landscapes.
• Extended destination stays: Selected itineraries include overnight visits at important ports.

The expansion reflects a wider trend in luxury travel, where travellers increasingly seek deeper destination connections rather than traditional short port visits.

What Has Changed With Explora Journeys’ 2027-28 South America Programme

Explora I was originally scheduled to operate a winter season in the Middle East, but the ship has been redeployed to South America. The new programme introduces a series of voyages covering Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, alongside additional journeys towards Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Key Details of the New South America Season

The season will begin after Explora I completes its Atlantic crossing from Europe, creating a new chapter for the cruise line’s global deployment strategy.

How Will Explora I Reach South America

Before beginning its South American voyages, Explora I will operate a 17-night transatlantic journey from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro in December 2027.

The itinerary will connect Europe, Africa and South America through a combination of cultural and coastal destinations.

Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro Transatlantic Journey

The voyage will introduce Explora I to South America while allowing guests to experience several destinations across the Atlantic route.

What Destinations Will Explora I Visit During South America Cruises

After arriving in Brazil, Explora I will operate open-jaw voyages between Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. These seven-night cruises will explore destinations across Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

Coastal Destinations Included in South America Voyages

The itineraries are designed to showcase a mix of major cities, coastal landscapes and culturally significant destinations.

Why Paraty and Ilha Grande Are Highlights of the Journey

Among the highlights of the South America season are visits to Paraty and Ilha Grande, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for their cultural importance and biodiversity.

The destinations represent the combination of history and nature that defines much of Brazil’s southeastern coastline.

Experiences Travellers Can Discover

• Historic coastal heritage in Paraty
• Biodiversity across Ilha Grande
• Tropical landscapes and protected natural areas
• Cultural connections between land and sea

These destinations offer travellers a chance to experience Brazil beyond its major urban centres.

How Explora I Will Explore Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

The South America programme will also include dedicated voyages towards Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in January 2028.

These eight-night cruises will sail between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, reaching some of the world’s most dramatic southern landscapes.

Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Itineraries

The voyages will include scenic cruising around Cape Horn, one of the most iconic maritime locations in the world.

Southern Expedition Highlights

• Scenic views around Cape Horn
• Patagonia landscapes
• Tierra del Fuego exploration
• Overnight visits at selected destinations
• Access to remote southern ports

These itineraries are expected to appeal to travellers interested in wilderness, history and dramatic coastal scenery.

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking

Explora Journeys’ South America season combines multiple countries, climates and travel experiences. Passengers should carefully review itineraries because each voyage offers different destinations and activities.

Before Booking an Explora South America Cruise

• Check itinerary length: Voyages range from seven-night coastal cruises to longer transatlantic journeys.
• Review destinations: Routes include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the Falkland Islands.
• Consider seasonal timing: The programme operates during the Southern Hemisphere summer.
• Review activity preferences: Experiences vary from cultural visits to nature-focused exploration.
• Plan departure and arrival cities: Several cruises operate between different ports.

Travellers looking for a combination of luxury accommodation and destination discovery will find a wide range of experiences across the programme.

Industry Impact: Luxury Cruise Lines Expand Into South America

The launch of Explora Journeys’ first complete South America season highlights growing interest in the region among luxury cruise operators.

South America offers a combination of urban culture, wildlife, heritage sites and remote landscapes that match changing traveller preferences.

Trends Driving South America Luxury Cruises

• Rising demand for immersive travel
• Greater interest in nature-based experiences
• Growth of longer international voyages
• Increased focus on culturally rich destinations

The introduction of new luxury cruise routes could further strengthen South America’s position in the global premium travel market.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Explora Journeys begin its first South America season?

Explora Journeys will begin its first complete South America season during winter 2027-28.

Which ship will operate the South America voyages?

Explora I will operate the programme.

Which countries are included in the itineraries?

The voyages include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and the Falkland Islands.

What are the Patagonia cruise highlights?

The Patagonia voyages include destinations such as Puerto Madryn, Punta Arenas, Puerto Williams and Port Stanley, along with scenic cruising at Cape Horn.

Will Explora I visit the Amazon before the South America season?

Yes. In early 2027, Explora I is scheduled to operate 12-night Amazon Rainforest cruises between Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Closing Update

The Explora Journeys South America Season 2027-28 will include a new chapter to luxury cruises and will take travelers to Brazil’s coast, Uruguay’s beach towns, Argentina’s cultural hubs, and remote Patagonia.

Explora I will broaden South American travel opportunities to include adventure itineraries to Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego along with visits to tropical landscapes and UNESCO sites. The program will fulfill the increasing desire to combine luxury cruises that include comfort and exploration and engagement with the various destinations.