Hilton Honors members looking to take their next vacation beyond the hotel are getting a new way to earn and redeem rewards at sea.
Hilton and Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean travel brand of MSC Group, have launched a new partnership that allows Hilton Honors members to earn and redeem Points while enjoying exclusive benefits on Explora Journeys sailings booked through Hilton.
The partnership comes as travelers increasingly look for more immersive vacation experiences, including luxury cruises that combine multiple destinations in a single journey. New Hilton research found that nearly 61% of Hilton Honors members plan to take a cruise within the next 24 months, signaling strong interest in ocean travel among the hotel company’s loyalty members.
Through the new program, Hilton Honors members can earn 10 base Points for every U.S. dollar spent on eligible cruise fares. Members also receive an exclusive 5% discount on Explora Journeys fares, giving loyalty program participants another incentive to book their next ocean getaway through Hilton.
The partnership also provides bonus Points earning opportunities and enhanced benefits based on a member’s Hilton Honors elite status tier.
Travelers can choose from a variety of itineraries, including Mediterranean voyages, Caribbean island-hopping adventures and journeys through Northern Europe. The collaboration is designed to connect the Hilton Honors experience across traditional hotel stays and luxury ocean travel, giving members more opportunities to earn and use rewards throughout their vacations.
The timing also coincides with the arrival of Explora Journeys’ newest vessel, EXPLORA III, which completed its maiden voyage in July. The ship expands the brand’s growing fleet as Explora Journeys continues positioning itself in the luxury cruise market.
Unlike traditional cruise vacations centered primarily on onboard entertainment and large-scale activities, Explora Journeys promotes a more refined ocean travel experience, with an emphasis on spacious accommodations, culinary experiences and destination-focused itineraries.
For Hilton Honors members, the partnership adds another category to the loyalty program’s travel ecosystem. Instead of limiting rewards to hotel stays, members can now incorporate luxury ocean journeys into their broader travel plans while continuing to earn Points and receive recognition connected to their Hilton Honors status.
The agreement reflects a broader evolution in how travelers are approaching loyalty programs, with consumers increasingly seeking rewards that extend across different parts of the travel experience.
For travelers already planning a cruise, the opportunity to combine luxury ocean travel with Hilton Honors benefits could make Explora Journeys an appealing option. And with cruising remaining high on the wish lists of Hilton Honors members, the partnership gives travelers another way to turn their vacations into rewards for future trips.