Explora Journeys cruise line has unveiled plans to enter the river cruise market.
The MSC-owned brand said it has signed a letter of intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of its first luxury river ships.
Further details about the designs of the vessels and their potential routes have yet to be confirmed.
The cruise line said in a statement: “Since launching, Explora Journeys has sought to change the way people experience ocean travel through its Ocean State of Mind philosophy — combining the freedom and discovery of travelling by sea with the elegance and refinement of European hospitality and design. The brand now intends to bring that same approach to Europe’s most iconic rivers.
“Further details regarding ship design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and initial itineraries will be announced in due course with sales planned to open in 2027.”
Explora Journeys, which launched its third cruise ship Explora III this summer, will follow other new entrants into river cruising.
Lindblad Expeditions debuted European sailings on the Rhine this year aboard a new 120-passenger ship called Connect.
Land tour operator Trafalgar also launched sailings on the Rhine and the Danube this spring with two luxury ships from its sister company Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, each with capacity for 128 passengers.
Celebrity Cruises is also due to enter the river cruise market on the Rhine next year and is planning to build 20 ships by 2031.
The cruise line’s first ship Celebrity Compass floated out at the Zwijnenburg shipyard in Rotterdam earlier this month.
Passengers can expect a similar experience to the cruise line’s Edge class ships.
There will be 86 cabins on board and six choices of dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as open-air bars and lounges.
The new Celebrity Cruise river ship will launch in the Rhine in August 2027 and cabins are already sold out.
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