Explora Journeys has signed a letter of intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard for the construction of a fleet of river cruise ships, marking the luxury cruise brand's first entry into the river cruise market. The agreement was announced on 25 Sep 2026. Explora Journeys currently operates a fleet of three ocean vessels. Three additional ships, Explora IV, Explora V and Explora VI, are scheduled for delivery by 2028. The new river vessels will expand the brand's offering beyond ocean cruising for the first time. According to the company, it intends to bring its established philosophy of combining the freedom and discovery of sea travel with the elegance and refinement of European hospitality and design to its river cruising operations, which will focus on Europe. Explora Journeys said further details regarding the new ships' design, onboard experiences, delivery schedules and initial itineraries would be announced at a later date. The move positions Explora Journeys, a brand within the MSC Group, to compete in the growing river cruise segment alongside established operators, as the luxury line continues to expand its fleet and reach across both ocean and inland waterway markets.