Hilton Honors members can now redeem points for luxury cruises
Hotel loyalty points can now help you book an elegant suite with an ever-changing ocean view thanks to a new partnership between Hilton and Explora Journeys, the luxury sister brand of MSC Cruises.
The two luxury vacation brands have teamed up to give Hilton Honors loyalty program members the opportunity to earn and redeem points on Explora Journeys sailings booked through Hilton. The exclusive partnership for luxury ocean travel rewards also offers members exclusive rates, onboard perks, and elevated recognition at sea.
It's a notable expansion of Hilton Honors beyond hotel stays into a fast-growing travel category that's appealing to new audiences.
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How Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points with Explora Journeys
Members who book Explora Journeys sailings through Hilton will earn 10 base points for every dollar spent on fares and can redeem points toward voyages across all Explora Journeys itineraries. On top of that, Hilton is offering an exclusive 5% discount off all Explora Journeys fares, plus bonus points, and elevated benefits tied to a member's Hilton Honors status tier:
- Gold members get a complimentary welcome cocktail party with Explora Journeys ship leadership.
- Diamond members unlock additional Journey Experience Credits.
- Diamond Reserve members receive the full suite of these benefits, plus a behind-the-scenes bridge tour (subject to availability) and private port transfers.
Every eligible Explora Journeys stay at sea also counts toward Hilton Honors elite status, meaning a luxury cruise can help members climb the loyalty ladder they'd normally move up through hotel stays alone.
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"At Hilton, we believe The Stay defines the journey," said Mark Weinstein, Hilton's chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands. "Our partnership with Explora Journeys is, first and foremost, about giving Hilton Honors members new ways to dream and new ways to Stay - unlocking the ability to redeem and earn Hilton Honors Points and receive unique perks and access."
Explora Journeys President Anna Nash added that the partnership reflects a shared focus on enriching travel experiences and personalization.
"This next phase of our partnership with Hilton Honors reflects a shared commitment to exceptional hospitality and recognizing each guest as an individual," Nash said. "It offers Hilton Honors members an inspiring introduction to Explora Journeys and an opportunity to discover the Ocean State of Mind that shapes every Journey."
Benefits arrive as Explora Journeys launches its third ship
Hilton Honors members can now earn and redeem points on Explora Journeys voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and more - across a fleet of ultra-elegant ships that will expand to six vessels by summer 2028.
The new benefits arrive just as Explora Journeys prepares to launch its third ship, EXPLORA III, on July 24 in the Mediterranean. The new ship, which expands the line's focus on personalized cruise dining and wine discovery, will journey from the Mediterranean through Northern Europe and the fjords of Norway, Iceland, and Greenland, before sailing fall voyages on North America's East Coast.
Then, after a winter season in the Caribbean, EXPLORA III will sail the line's first-ever season of Alaskan Journeys in summer 2027, joining a growing list of luxury lines expanding in the region.
Related: New luxury cruise ship headed to Alaska in summer 2027
For Hilton loyalists eyeing their first luxury cruise, the new partnership with Explora Journeys removes some of the usual friction of trying a new type of travel for the first time, right as more luxury lines compete for travelers' dollars in sought-after regions like Alaska.
Alaska has become one of the most competitive markets for premium and luxury cruises in the world, and I saw firsthand how much elevated, midsize-ship service and experiences can shape an Alaskan voyage during a recent Holland America Line Inside Passage sailing.
Luxury cruises are trending across the board in summer 2026
Ultra-luxury cruises are surging this summer compared to last year, according to Fora's 2026 Summer Travel Trends report. Fora saw a more than 300% booking increase year over year for three luxury lines: the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Azamara, and Crystal Cruises.
That growth lines up with a busy year for luxury cruising in Alaska. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is sailing its first Alaska season this summer, while Azamara and Crystal Cruises returned to the region after a hiatus.
In addition to new luxury options in Alaska, the recent launches of newcomers like the Four Seasons Yacht Collection and Orient Express Corinthian are driving added interest in ships that feel like floating five-star hotels and rival land-based luxury resorts.
Travel advisors say Explora Journeys demand - and loyalty - is already there
For Fora travel advisors, the Hilton partnership lands at a moment when Explora Journeys is already a go-to recommendation for clients considering their first luxury cruise.
"Across Fora, Explora Journeys now comes up almost immediately whenever our advisors talk about luxury cruising," Fora Advisor Cameron Tempest told Come Cruise With Me. "What stands out is how loyal clients become once they sail. Those who go once tend to come back as true brand devotees."
Tempest, who has sailed on EXPLORA I and II, said EXPLORA III stands apart to further elevate the already popular brand.
Related: Luxury cruise ship with food and wine focus to launch this summer
"It's the fleet's first dual-fuel ship, with more space per guest, a second Owner's Residence, and firsts like the debut Chopard boutique at sea," Tempest said.
New itineraries are adding to the momentum, too, and not just in Alaska.
"Our advisors and their clients are also excited about the new itineraries opening up in Asia and Northern Europe, which offer fresh ways to experience the brand," Tempest said. "I'm hosting a Virtuoso Voyage on EXPLORA III this December, and I can't wait to see the changes for myself," Tempest added.
Explora Journeys is likely to capture the attention of more luxury travelers in the year ahead thanks to its partnership with Hilton, new itineraries, and rapidly expanding fleet.
Related: Popular luxury cruise line unveils its first world journey
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This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 4:26 AM.