Luxury cruise line Explora Journeys has unveiled plans to launch a fleet of river ships in Europe, becoming the latest ocean cruise line to enter the increasingly competitive river cruise market.
Explora Journeys said more information will be announced in due course, with sales expected to open in 2027.
Owned by MSC Group, the cruise line has signed a letter of intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard.
The move marks a significant extension of the Explora brand, which currently operates luxury ocean voyages across destinations including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland.
The cruise line sails around the world, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland.
Explora's entry underscores growing interest in the river cruise sector, following Celebrity Cruises' recent announcement to launch river cruising.
Related: Why river cruising is travel's fastest-growing segment