Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent for the construction of its first luxury river ships for MSC Group
The company Explora Journeys has signed a Letter of Intent with Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships. This marks the brand's planned entry into river cruising for MSC Group.
Explora Journeys was established in 2023 as MSC Group's luxury ocean travel brand. Alongside its river project, the company is actively expanding its ocean fleet (notably, the fleet welcomed its third ship, Explora III, earlier this summer).
The company noted that since its inception, Explora Journeys has sought to transform travel experiences through its signature «Ocean State of Mind» philosophy, «combining the freedom and discovery of travel with the elegance and refinement of European hospitality and design». Bringing this concept to rivers means the focus will be on spacious luxury suites, high-end European service, and a slow, measured style of travel. The brand now intends to apply this exact approach to Europe's most iconic rivers.
Project Details at the Intent Stage
Since the agreement is currently fixed only at the Letter of Intent stage, the company has not yet disclosed:
• The exact number of ships planned for construction.
• The passenger capacity of the liners and details of their design.
• The specific rivers (e.g., the Danube, Rhine, or Main) where the ships will operate.
Further details regarding ship design, onboard services, delivery schedules, and initial itineraries will be announced in due course, with bookings planned to open in 2027.
This move follows the entry into the river cruise market by Celebrity Cruises, scheduled for 2027, as well as Lindblad Expeditions, which launched its European river operations this year.
>>>Cruises on Explora Journeys ships 
You can book cruises on our website: