Hilton is pushing its loyalty program well beyond the boundaries of its 9,000 hotels.
The company announced an exclusive collaboration with Explora Journeys that will allow Hilton Honors members to book, earn and redeem points on luxury ocean sailings starting summer 2026. The partnership also serves as the debut of Hilton Honors Adventures, a new experiential travel platform focused on immersive, adventure-driven trips.
The move reflects a broader industry shift. Hotel companies are increasingly looking to build revenue and loyalty outside the traditional hotel footprint, while cruise lines see substantial upside in courting land-based travelers who want deeper destination access without sacrificing service standards. The Hilton–Explora tie-up blends both ambitions by giving more than 235 million Hilton Honors members entry into one of the cruise industry’s fastest-growing luxury brands.
“This partnership unites two brands committed to thoughtful travel, meaningful connection, and deep discovery,” Anna Nash, president, Explora Journeys, said in a statement. “At Explora Journeys, we believe in giving our guests the time and space to slow down, choose intentionally, and feel truly in tune with their surroundings; this is what we call ‘The Ocean State of Mind’. Together, we’re offering Hilton Honors members a stay at sea that blends the freedom of the ocean with the warmth of genuine hospitality. Our goal is simple: to create moments that are effortless, personal, and crafted with care, always guided by our commitment to the wellbeing of our guests.”
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Luxury Travel Advisor.
