Explora Journeys has released its winter 2026-27 sailings on Explora II following the cancellation of the ship’s Middle East season

Explora II was initially scheduled to sail a selection of Arabian Gulf itineraries in winter 2026-27, but the line has switched its programme to the Mediterranean due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The line said its Med programme, which features sailings ranging between four and nine nights in length, has been “curated for guests discovering Explora Journeys for the first time or for those seeking a refined Mediterranean escape”.

Ports of call include Lanzarote, Santorini, Sicily, Tunisia, Casablanca, Malaga and Madeira. Bookings are now open.

Anna Nash, the line’s president, will join a six-night ‘President’s Journey’ sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon in December. She said: “The Mediterranean reveals an entirely different character as summer’s intensity wanes, offering a beauty that invites a journey slowly unfolding and deeply experienced.

“I am looking forward to being on board Explora II this December to share this contemplative season with our guests and to savour this more personal way to explore.”

Elsewhere, Celestyal has also cancelled its 2026-27 winter Arabian Gulf season due to the conflict, while MSC Cruises has switched the deployment of MSC World Europa for winter 2026-27 from the Middle East to the Caribbean.