As “coolcations” and off-season escapes grow in popularity, travelers are gravitating towards destinations typically associated with peak seasons, choosing to experience them in a quieter, more unhurried way – transforming traditional summer hotspots like the Mediterranean into appealing must-visit locations during their winter months.
Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s ultra-elegant ocean travel brand, is leaning in with a new Journeys Collection for Winter 2026–2027, “A Serene Mediterranean” offers a unique vantage point to not just explore, but feel, the Mediterranean in its off-season. From November 2026 through March 2027, EXPLORA II reveals a quieter, more serene Mediterranean, where summer crowds fade, and a slower rhythm settles across Southern Europe and North Africa’s coastline.
Below are additional details and a selection of standout journeys.
Where You’ll Go
A Serene Mediterranean spans 46 destinations across 10 countries, from Spain and Portugal to Morocco and Greece, blending iconic ports with lesser-visited gems. With extended time in port, including overnight stays in Casablanca, Lisbon, Madeira, and Málaga, as well as late departures across hot destinations such as Cannes and Gibraltar, each journey is designed for deeper, more flexible exploration. The season also introduces a collection of maiden ports, from the culture of Ceuta and the heritage of Algiers to the serene landscapes of La Gomera and Fuerteventura, alongside the refined character of Palamó, offering a fresh perspective on the Mediterranean.
On Board EXPLORA II
EXPLORA II is designed as a sophisticated floating hotel, where space, light, and thoughtful design create a naturally unhurried pace and true disconnection at sea. In the stillness of winter, guests can rebalance and restore through Ocean Wellness experiences, regionally inspired cuisine, and a calm, residential atmosphere that reflects the rhythm of the sea. Life on board mirrors this slower cadence, with elegantly designed oceanfront suites and sunlit lounges offering space to unwind after a day of exploration. Wellness rituals and seasonally driven culinary experiences, rooted in the best of regional ingredients, further bring to life the essence of the Ocean State of Mind.
Signature Moments
Curated experiences bring each destination to life (as well as time onboard), from a private Christmas carol performance in Gibraltar’s St. Michael’s Cave and after-hours access to the Alhambra in Málaga to an overnight journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. The season is further defined by refined festive moments for guests of all ages to enjoy, including holiday celebrations at sea and New Year’s fireworks in destinations such as Cannes. Access to quieter, lesser-visited destinations, from the Canary Islands to “quiet Ibiza”, offer a more authentic, unhurried outlook on the Mediterranean.
Journeys to Consider
- A Journey of Atlantic Light and Volcanic Shores – December 9 – December 21, 2026: Barcelona to Lisbon
- Departing Barcelona, cross sunlit seas and storied cultural crossroads toward the dramatic North African coast. Linger in the cinematic allure of Casablanca, where an extended stay invites deeper exploration inland, before continuing to the volcanic beauty of the Atlantic Isles and the lush serenity of Madeira.
- A Journey of Riviera Lights and New Year Celebrations – December 28 – January 4, 2027: Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome)
- Follow Spain’s radiant coastline at a relaxed, immersive pace, where each stop reveals a distinct rhythm of the season. Welcome the New Year amid the Riviera glamour of Cannes, with an overnight stay to experience its sparkle and celebration after dark. Continue through Italy’s storied cultural landscapes before concluding in Rome, where a timeless festive spirit lingers into the new year.
- A Journey from Amalfi’s Cliffs to Andalusian Sun – January 14 – January 24, 2027: Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona
- Set off from Rome and follow a sunlit course along dramatic coastal cliffs and storied shores. Embrace the warmth and rhythm of Andalusian culture, where time slows and traditions come to life, before arriving in Tangier, where a vibrant blend of influences reveals the meeting point of continents. Conclude in Barcelona, returning to its unmistakable energy and creative pulse.
