The luxury brand announced that the Explora III will debut in the Alaska market, sailing mostly from Vancouver, in 2027.
Fourteen departures are scheduled from May to September.
Cruises range from seven nights to two weeks.
“As part of Explora Journeys’ newly announced Summer 2027 collection, the season will open a new chapter with the brand’s inaugural sailings to Alaska aboard Explora III. This exciting debut marks the beginning of a season defined by firsts, including newly curated journeys to maiden ports in the Mediterranean and the launch of a new ship, Explora IV. Fittingly, the season will set sail under the theme An Ocean of New,” the company said in a press release.
Disney Cruise Line unveiled summer 2026, exploring Alaska, Europe, The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will sail seven-night voyages to Alaska from Vancouver, visiting ports like Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, along with Dawes Glacier. The Disney Magic will also make stops at Icy Strait Point. It will mark the first time two Disney ships have been deployed to Alaska.
The Disney Dream will debut in Cagliari, Italy, marking the first time Disney Cruise Line visits this destination. The ship will then travel to various European ports across Italy, Greece, Croatia and Malta, among others. It will start the summer with a transatlantic crossing from Ft. Lauderdale to Barcelona and then offer seven- to twelve-night Mediterranean cruises. The Disney Dream will also sail from Southampton, UK, to Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords.
The Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida to The Bahamas and the Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s private retreats, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. The Disney Treasure will offer seven-night Caribbean cruises with stops at destinations such as Tortola, Falmouth and Cozumel.
The Disney Destiny, launching in November 2025, will depart from Fort Lauderdale on four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s private islands.
Finally, the Disney Adventure will launch in December 2025, offering three- and four-night itineraries from Singapore starting in April 2026. Guests will experience Marvel-themed attractions, exclusive entertainment and a variety of dining options.
Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.
According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.
The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.
MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.
The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.
In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.
Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.
Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.
According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.
As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
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