Explora Journeys, the new ultra-luxury cruise brand of MSC Group, is yet to set in stone when it plans to commence sailing to Australia and New Zealand, with executives intent on laying the foundations for the brand in traditional markets.
Speaking exclusively with LATTE aboard EXPLORA I in New York, newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer, Achille Staiano said Explora Journeys “needs to start from where our core business is, but we are very open and very attentive to destination planning.”
“The Oceania region gets crowded. We need to reach a different level of maturity as a brand before we go to these destinations,” Staiano said. The cruise executive has been with Explora Journeys’ parent company, MSC Group, his entire life, commencing with the shipping company at age 19. He took on the CCO role last month.
“I cannot tell you when it will happen, and if, but for sure we will explore all the opportunities because we are international and we are operating everywhere,” Staiano said.
Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer for Explora Journeys was a little more transparent when quizzed on a potential starting date in Australia and New Zealand.
“One ship only enables you to go so far,” Austin said, referring to the EXPLORA I which has only been in operation for 2.5 months. “EXPLORA I is going quite far as the intention is to really show her off.”After her imminent Caribbean season, the 461 suite and residence vessel will sail the Panama Canal, operate in the Western US and roundtrip Vancouver-Honolulu 18-night voyage, then sail back down the US coastline, returning through the Panama Canal and reposition to the Mediterranean for the summer.
An Oceania operation will “be ship #3 or it could be ship #4,” Austin said, echoing feedback Explora Journeys’ CEO, Michael Ungerer detailed to LATTE 14 months ago, who at the time suggested EXPLORA III may be the first Explora Journeys’ ship in Australia in 2026.
“I would like us to be considering Australia and likely Asia as well,” he added.Austin said that with ships three and four only 12 months apart, “it’s not too far away”.
“To capture the attention of early bookers, the opportunity could be coming sooner than we’re actually announcing that we’ll be sailing down there,” he hinted.
“I don’t have a date but obviously we’re going to have a fleet that will give us the capability. And with six ships by 2028, we’ll offer a world of choice.”
With four ships in the fleet by 2027, World Voyages will also be a “big market,” he added.
It is however likely that the newer, LNG-fuelled ships EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will operate in Europe and the Caribbean, as opposed to further flung destinations such as Australia/NZ and Asia, which aren’t expected to be LNG capable within that timeframe.
Discussing Explora Journeys’ hardware and the ‘sea of space’ offered onboard, Staiano said every square metre of available space “is intentional”. Onboard EXPLORA I, observers noticed enormous areas of free space, be it in the stairwells, in the lift lobbies, bars and lounges.
“The dimension of this ship shows you that it is not about density. The ship is big in order to create space that would allow you to enjoy this experience with maximum freedom.
“We don’t have cabins… we only have suites. When you only have ocean suites, the concept of the ship changes. It provides extra space for lounges, for bars. There are 12 bars onboard, different whirlpools and pools, an infinity edge pool at the aft. Everything becomes magical.”
Staiano continued: “We’re not looking for density, we’re looking for an average space for everyone where they can really enjoy themselves.
“Explora Journeys is redefining a classical luxury cruise into a completely new journey and refined way of taking a vacation. Tailored experiences, enchanting explorations, going behind boundaries. We want to create something that is for everyone,” he said.
