NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


Explora II‘s


godmother, Rosalba Giugni (left), and Explora Journeys


president Anna Nash


explora II sets sail E


xplora Journeys has hailed the UK trade for its “phenomenal” support for the cruise line, which


launched its second ship on Sunday (September 15). Speaking ahead of the naming


ceremony in Civitavecchia, near Rome, Antonio Paradiso, international sales vice-president of MSC Group’s cruise division, thanked the trade for its role in sales, which had been “very good, especially from the UK”. “Travel advisors have been


supporting us since day one. We’re doing particularly well,” he said. “The response and the endorsement from advisors have been phenomenal. They are sharing the message.” The MSC Group cruise line,


whose first ship Explora I set sail in August 2023, has taken 300 UK and Ireland agents on fam trips, with more in the pipeline. The UK is the company’s


second-biggest market, after the US, accounting for about 20% of sales – with about 80% of those bookings coming from the trade. Seven agents and three tour


operators attended Explora II’s naming ceremony last weekend. Priti Mehta, UK and Ireland head


of sales, said another fam trip will begin on Friday (September 20) with 15 advisors, plus partners, with another trip planned for October.


10 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 She said the agents invited on


fam trips had delivered “significant business” or had strong luxury databases of clients who stay with brands such as Four Seasons, Six Senses and Aman Resorts, adding: “We align ourselves with hotels.” Paradiso highlighted how Explora


Journeys’ new president, Anna Nash, “brings something new” thanks to her luxury hotel background. Explora II has 461 suites,


penthouses and residences, six restaurants and four swimming pools.


“ Its seven-night maiden voyage


began on Monday (September 16), visiting Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Syracuse, Valletta and Tarragona. Explora I and Explora II will


reposition to the Caribbean for the winter. Next summer, Explora II will sail in the western Mediterranean and Explora I in the eastern Med. “With two ships, we can


cover different parts of the world simultaneously,” said Paradiso. “We really needed the ship in Europe. That’s exciting for the UK market.”


AGENTS’ VIEWS


Dame Irene Hays, owner, Hays Travel “Explora II has the same relaxed, sophisticated feel [as Explora I] and, if anything, the food has got better. It is a new brand but managing to differentiate.”


Kent Milne, chair, Select World Travel “It is atmospheric and covers all generations – and holds events for singles and LGBTQ+ passengers. It’s the epitome of luxury and is encouraging a new generation who want a luxury, floating resort.”


Dan Radnor, managing director, LoveitBookit “It is stunning. The crew are a massive asset and the line is helping to attract new-to-cruise guests. Priti Mehta (head of UK and Ireland sales) is a driving force behind creating the business.”


Louisa Maynard, reservations manager, The Cruise Line “I love the outside areas – the furniture is lovely with good-quality fabrics. We’ve been doing more bookings for Explora Journeys. The ships are bigger than with some luxury cruise lines.”


New president aims to attract first-time guests


Explora Journeys’ new president aims to tap into her 25-plus years of experience with luxury hospitality brands to woo more new-to-cruise holidaymakers. Anna Nash joined the


upmarket cruise brand earlier this month, having previously worked for Aman, Rosewood Hotels and Orient Express. “We’re like a sophisticated


European hotel that has its home on the ocean,” she said. The average age of Explora


passengers is mid-50s, she said, adding there is room to go “up and down”. “We are listening, talking to


trade partners about what we do that’s great and what’s not so great,” Nash said. “Cruising still has a certain stigma attached to it with certain demographics. “Who are we not reaching?


How can we get to them and turn them from land-based guests?” Chris Austin, North America


president, described Explora II as a “boutique, luxury, cosmopolitan resort at sea”.


travelweekly.co.uk


Explora Journeys praises UK trade at launch of new ship. Samantha Mayling reports from Italy


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PICTURES: Explora Journeys


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