Luxury travel is entering a new era as Hilton Honors and Explora Journeys have unveiled an exclusive partnership that extends travel rewards beyond traditional hotel stays and onto the open ocean. The collaboration gives Hilton Honors members the opportunity to earn and redeem Points on carefully curated luxury voyages while enjoying exclusive member benefits, special rates and enhanced recognition throughout their journey.
The partnership represents a significant expansion of Hilton Honors, allowing members to enjoy seamless rewards whether they are staying at a luxury hotel or sailing aboard Explora Journeys’ elegant fleet.
A new way to experience luxury travel
The partnership introduces a fresh approach to premium travel by combining Hilton’s globally recognised hospitality with Explora Journeys’ luxury ocean experiences.
Hilton Honors members booking Explora Journeys sailings through Hilton can now:
- Earn 10 base Hilton Honors Points for every U.S. dollar spent on eligible cruise fares.
- Redeem Hilton Honors Points towards Explora Journeys sailings.
- Receive an exclusive 5% discount on Explora Journeys fares.
- Earn Bonus Points and enjoy enhanced benefits based on their Hilton Honors membership tier.
- Have eligible sailings count towards Hilton Honors elite status.
The collaboration allows travellers to enjoy multiple destinations within a single journey while continuing to earn valuable rewards throughout their travels.
Exclusive benefits for Hilton Honors members
The partnership introduces several premium onboard experiences that become available depending on a member’s Hilton Honors status.
Gold members will receive access to a complimentary welcome cocktail party hosted with Explora Journeys ship leadership.
Diamond members will enjoy additional Journey Experience Credits.
Diamond Reserve members receive the most comprehensive benefits, including:
- Private port transfers.
- A behind-the-scenes bridge tour (subject to availability).
- Additional Journey Experience Credits.
- The full suite of premium member benefits.
Exploring the world in style
Hilton Honors members will be able to enjoy rewards across Explora Journeys’ carefully designed itineraries that span some of the world’s most desirable destinations.
These include:
- The Mediterranean, featuring historic ports, hidden coves, charming villages and sun-soaked islands.
- Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America’s East Coast, offering dramatic fjords, spectacular coastlines and culturally rich cities.
- The Caribbean and Central America, including crystal-clear waters and voyages through the iconic Panama Canal.
The partnership also includes sailings aboard EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys’ third luxury ship, which launches this July.
Hilton expands the meaning of “The Stay”
Mark Weinstein, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Luxury Brands at Hilton, said the partnership reflects Hilton’s belief that memorable travel extends beyond hotel accommodation.
He explained that Hilton Honors is giving members more opportunities to dream, explore and be rewarded by offering Points earning and redemption on luxury ocean journeys alongside exclusive onboard benefits.
Weinstein added that the collaboration also introduces Explora Journeys guests to Hilton’s worldwide collection of luxury brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, NoMad, LXR and Hilton’s wider portfolio of 28 hospitality brands.
A shared vision for exceptional hospitality
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said modern travellers increasingly seek personalised experiences, meaningful recognition and greater freedom to explore the world.
She noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment between both brands to delivering exceptional hospitality while giving Hilton Honors members an opportunity to discover Explora Journeys’ signature “Ocean State of Mind.”
Building on Hilton Honors Adventures
The collaboration builds on the introduction of Hilton Honors Adventures, first previewed in late 2025 as a curated collection of immersive travel experiences available to Hilton Honors members.
The initiative forms part of Hilton Honors’ continued evolution, creating more opportunities for members to earn rewards, achieve elite status and enjoy unique travel experiences beyond conventional hotel stays.
With luxury cruising becoming an increasingly popular choice among global travellers, the Hilton Honors and Explora Journeys partnership offers members an entirely new way to turn loyalty rewards into unforgettable journeys across some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
