[Expired] Hilton Honors Members Can Soon Earn Points on Ultra-Luxury Cruises

Updated: June 8, 2026, 7:55am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Earn Hilton Honors Points by Cruising With Explora Journeys
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Update:

The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

Hilton Honors is officially heading to sea — and if you enjoy crusing and earning points, this one’s big.

Starting summer 2026, Hilton members will be able to earn and redeem points on ultra-luxury ocean voyages through a new partnership with Explora Journeys, MSC’s high-end cruise brand.

Here’s what you should know about this new partnership.

Earn Hilton Honors Points by Cruising With Explora Journeys

Hilton is taking its loyalty program beyond hotels and onto the water.

Thanks to a new partnership with Explora Journeys, the luxury line from the well-known MSC Group, members will soon be able to earn Hilton Honors points while cruising on the brand’s luxury ships. These currently sail everywhere from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Asia.

Explora Journeys Ocean Suite — Image Credit: Explora Journeys

Starting in summer 2026, Hilton Honors members will earn and redeem points on these sailings and receive select onboard perks. The boutique luxury cruise line currently has 2 ships sailing and expects to have a fleet of 6 ships sailing the seas by 2028.

Until then, members can take advantage of a preview offer available now through June 7, 2026, which includes:

100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points per suite
Up to $400 in Journey Experience Credits on 16 highlighted Hilton x Explora itineraries (and $200 credits on all other sailings)
An exclusive in-suite welcome gift

The credit can be used toward dining, wine tastings, shore excursions, spa treatments, onboard shopping, or even suite upgrades.

Explora Journeys sits on the higher end of MSC Group’s offerings, and pricing reflects that. Expect rates starting around $475 per person, per night. But you’re getting a lot baked in: multiple dining venues, unlimited beverages, thermal spa access, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.

And with Hilton’s preview offer promo adding 100,000 bonus points per suite and onboard credits, the math could work in your favor if you’ve been eyeing a luxury cruise but waiting for some added value.

Hot Tip:

If you’re considering a luxury cruise in the next year, booking during the preview window is the only way to secure bonus points and onboard credits — perks that won’t be available once standard earning launches in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Hilton Honors’ move into luxury cruising is a nice shift for the program. Points earning begins in summer 2026, but the preview offer gives members an early chance to try Explora Journeys with added value. It’s a sign that Hilton Honors will keep growing with more ways for customers to earn and redeem points beyond the 4 walls of a hotel.