Hilton and Explora Journeys announce an exclusive collaboration that will allow Hilton Honors members to earn and redeem Points on luxury ocean sailings beginning in summer 2026.
The partnership introduces Hilton Honors Adventures, a new extension of Hilton’s loyalty program designed to offer immersive travel experiences across land and sea. A limited-time preview offer runs now through June 7, 2026, with exclusive benefits on 16 curated itineraries.
The collaboration gives Hilton Honors members access to Explora Journeys’ global routes, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. Members booking during the preview period receive value incentives such as 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per suite, Journey Experience Credits, and an in-suite welcome gift. The launch aims to meet rising demand for slower, more immersive ocean travel.
New Loyalty Opportunities at Sea
Hilton positions Hilton Honors Adventures as an expansion of its award-winning loyalty program, offering members new ways to experience destinations while maintaining established service standards. The initiative includes partnerships beyond ocean travel, such as collaborations with outdoor hospitality provider AutoCamp. Members retain access to earning and redemption opportunities across Hilton’s 9,000 properties and more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle hotels.
Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton, said, “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.”
As travelers increasingly seek unhurried itineraries that offer deeper cultural encounters, Hilton and Explora Journeys aim to shape an elevated model for ocean exploration. The program highlights ocean travel as a restorative experience, emphasizing generous time in port, curated encounters, and slower pacing. Explora Journeys frames this approach as the “Ocean State of Mind,” a philosophy emphasizing reflection and meaningful connection.
Preview Offer and Curated Itineraries
During the preview period, members selecting from the 16 highlighted Hilton x Explora Journeys itineraries receive up to $/€400 in Journey Experience Credits, applicable to onboard spending such as dining, spa treatments, curated shopping, suite upgrades, Destination Experiences, wine tastings, and other activities. All other Explora voyages qualify for a $/€200 credit. Credits are issued in the onboard currency and must be used before 18:00 on the final night of the sailing.
The exclusive collection spans regions including the Mediterranean’s coastal towns and islands; Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America’s East Coast; the Caribbean and Central America; the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula; Alaska and the Pacific Coast; and Asia, with immersive Japan itineraries expected from 2027. These itineraries prioritize long days in port, diverse cultural opportunities, and ocean-centered wellbeing.
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.”
Hilton Honors members booking during the preview period can also earn 100,000 Bonus Points per suite. The offer includes an exclusive in-suite welcome gift, adding a personalized element to the onboard experience. All benefits are subject to program terms, including restrictions on where Journey Experience Credits may be redeemed. Luxury monobrand boutiques, casino credits, gratuities, and certain fund contributions are excluded from eligible purchases.
The collaboration reflects broader momentum in the cruise market as travelers pivot toward slower, restorative journeys that emphasize discovery rather than speed. With more than 235 million Hilton Honors members worldwide, the partnership extends loyalty travel into the luxury ocean segment for the first time. Members will be able to book eligible voyages directly through Hilton channels beginning in 2026.
Additional information on the partnership, curated itineraries, and enrollment in Hilton Honors is available at hilton.com/explora and hiltonhonors.
