Explora Journeys’ inaugural season quietly released

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Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle cruise brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled its new Travel Advisor Centre, at the same time quietly revealing the destinations the company will sail to in its inaugural season. According to the explorajourneys.com website and a 54-page digital brochure, LATTE can reveal the launch destinations in 2023/24 include the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, British Isles, Iceland & Greenland, Canada & America, the Caribbean, South America and Hawaii. The South Pacific and Asia are not included. The brochure also confirms Explora Journeys’ first ship, EXPLORA I, will offer sailings between seven- and 58-nights duration in her maiden season. Her inaugural cruise is an 11-night voyage from Barcelona to Athens departing 31 May 2023.

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The e-guide also provides a breakdown of the ship’s 461 suite configuration, including descripions. Each of the four EXPLORA series ships, launching annually from May 2023, comprise;

• 301 Ocean Terrace and 70 Ocean Grand Terrace Suites (suite 28 sqm + terrace 7-11 sqm)
• 67 Ocean Penthouses (suite 34-47 sqm + terrace 9-21 sqm)
• 22 Ocean Residences (suite 56-74 sqm + terrace 14-75 sqm)
• 1 Owner’s Residence (suite 155 sqm + terrace 125 sqm) | Deck 8

Within the 22 Ocean Residences are four sub-categories: 2 Cocoon Residences (above the Owner’s Suite on Deck 9 at the stern); 4 Serenity Residences (on Decks 6 and 7, also at the stern); 6 Retreat Residences at the bow; and 10 mid-ship Cove Residences.Onboard guests will find the following amenities and services;

• 9 “inclusive distinctive culinary experiences”: Pan-Asian, Steakhouse, Concept, International-style, Mediterranean-style, Chef’s Kitchen, All-Day Dining, Coffee House and In-Suite Dining;
• 10 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges;
• a casino, art gallery and shopping experiences;
• 3 outdoor and one indoor pool, multiple whirlpools, with 64 private cabanas; and
• 24-hr butler, concierge, in-suite dining and laundry/dry-cleaning and ironing services

The digital brochure excludes any cruise fares, however voyage lead-in rates are listed online. As a guide, the Inaugural sailing from Barcelona to Athens is priced from €14,000 per person twin share. The website also directs consumers to contact their travel advisor to assist with bookings.

Meanwhile, a 1-800 number for inquiries from Australia listed in the online guide diverts to a call-centre to connect with an Explora Journeys’ “Ambassador” in Switzerland. For travel advisors wishing to register with Explora Journeys, click here.

Travel Advisor Centre

In reference to the new Travel Advisor Centre, Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys says the tool is “another important step forward in our vision and purpose, based on the extensive research we completed to create an ocean experience like no other”. “We have created what I believe is a seamless, best in class digital experience for travel advisors to underscore our mantra of just how easy it is to do business with Explora Journeys. Given our belief in this brand to create a new category in luxury, lifestyle travel, we will continue to invest in its expansion to create what we refer to as an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ for all our guests.”

Designed with extensive travel advisor input and a focus on being highly relevant, the Explora Travel Advisor Centre includes:

Booking Suite – an online booking tool that allows advisors to search and book journeys of their clients’ choice, select suites, access journey fares, generate options and quotations.

Knowledge Suite – an online learning experience that provides intuitive access to a variety of chapters that will equip travel advisors with the knowledge to tell the Explora Journeys’ story. Additionally, advisors can learn valuable tips and generate a go-to-market action plan with specific clients identified.

Marketing Suite – providing access to digital and print assets designed exclusively for travel advisors and their clients. Assets include digital banners, brand booklets, image library, brand logos, videos, recommended social media assets, email and print templates.

Performance Suite – a reporting dashboard where advisors can track all their bookings, commissions paid via the industry’s first rolling commission payment program, meet the Explora Journeys team and contact details.

Headlines – news and updates from Explora Journeys including new journeys, travel advisor benefits and from 2022, information about onboard and destination experiences.

Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer for Explora Journeys said: “We are proud to announce this next step in the brand’s journey and this is another example of Explora Journeys putting the travel advisor community first. “A year in the making, we are proud to launch our platform and we will continue to engage travel advisors for input as we add valuable resources to make doing business with Explora Journeys joyful,” Austin remarked. The Travel Advisor Centre follows Explora Journeys’ exclusive and industry-first ‘By Appointment’ service launched in September, one of the Company’s many initiatives whereby travel advisors can set up an appointment with an Explora Journeys Ambassador to discuss and make a booking. All images courtesy of Explora Journeys

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