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Late in 2025, Hilton and Explora Journeys announced a collaboration that allowed Hilton Honors members to enjoy limited benefits when sailing with the luxury cruise operator under the MSC brand.
After keeping it casual for 6 months, both companies are announcing today that they're ready to take their situationship to the next level.
Hilton Honors members now have a new way to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points for Explora Journeys, thanks to a partnership with the luxury cruise line, bringing Hilton's loyalty program beyond hotels and onto cruise ships.
In today's press release, Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands at Hilton, commented:
At Hilton, we believe The Stay defines the journey. 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. That’s why we’ve partnered with Explora Journeys — a brand that aligns with Hilton in its vision for elevated travel and its dedication to design-led experiences, intuitive service and personalized hospitality. And it’s an invitation in both directions. We can’t wait to welcome Explora’s guests into our Hilton hotels and resorts around the world—from Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, NoMad, and LXR to every one of our 28 category-leading brands. Wherever your journey takes you, there’s a Hilton Stay.
On the cruise ship side, Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, said:
Today’s guests seek enriching experiences, personal recognition and the freedom to explore the world in a way that is uniquely theirs. This next phase of our partnership with Hilton Honors reflects a shared commitment to exceptional hospitality and recognizing each guest as an individual. 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.
Earning and Redeeming Hilton Honors Points for Explora Journeys
Hilton Honors members who book an Explora Journeys sailing through Hilton official channels can now earn 10 Hilton Honors base points per dollar spent on their cruise fare.
This is excellent news for both Hilton Honors members and cruisers alike. First, because what Hilton is doing here is taking loyalty beyond their hotel footprint and decidedly forward into the fast-growing market that elevated cruise ship journeys is.
Perhaps the best news is that eligible sailings also count toward Hilton Honors elite status qualification.
Why this matters for Hilton Honors members
Hilton Honors members can use the new partnership to earn and redeem points on Explora Journeys itineraries across some of the world's most popular cruise destinations, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the East Coast of North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. Some of Explora's shorter itineraries start at around $2,500, while some of the longer and more curated itineraries can go upwards of $30,000.
If we assume an $8,000 cruise fare to be somewhat of an average, a Hilton Honors member booking through Hilton would earn approximately 80,000 base points at a base earning rate of 10 points per dollar — before any elite bonuses even kick in. Diamond members would earn even more thanks to their elite earning bonus, and the sailing would also count toward Hilton elite status qualification.
That makes this one of the more lucrative earning opportunities outside of Hilton hotel stays — and for those who sail regularly, this could help them unlock Diamond Reserve status, considering the spend.
Those with a healthy balance of Hilton Honors points can now also redeem points toward eligible voyages, adding another option for travelers looking to use their rewards for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. While it may not be the most valuable use for Hilton Honors points, it does open the door to unique redemptions that may offer value in other ways beyond the redemption.
The partnership also includes an exclusive 5% discount on Explora Journeys fares for Hilton Honors members, making bookings through Hilton even more attractive than booking directly through the cruise line.
Exclusive Hilton Honors Elite Perks Onboard Explora Journeys
Earning and redeeming Hilton Honors points for Explora Journeys is not all. Additionally, elite members receive additional onboard perks based on their Hilton Honors status. Gold members are invited to an exclusive welcome cocktail reception with Explora Journeys' ship leadership, while Diamond members receive extra Journey Experience Credits to spend during their voyage. Those with top-tier elite status, Diamond Reserve, unlock the most valuable benefits, including private port transfers and a behind-the-scenes bridge tour, subject to availability.
Bottom Line
The new partnership gives Hilton Honors members another compelling way to maximize the program beyond traditional hotel stays. Instead of earning points only on nights ashore alone, members can now be rewarded while sailing aboard Explora Journeys luxury ships, whether they're watching the sunrise over the Mediterranean, relaxing in the Caribbean, or exploring destinations across Northern Europe and beyond.
Now that earning and redeeming Hilton Honors points for Explora Journeys is live, are you planning on taking advantage of this partnership?
