Explora Journeys officially named Explora II, the second of its luxury cruise ships, during a ceremony in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy, on 15 September 2024. For the brand, it marked more than just the inauguration of a new vessel.
“The ceremony marked a significant milestone, symbolising both the growth of the brand and its deep commitment to creating a new category of ocean travel,” says Anna Nash, who assumed her role as Explora Journeys’ new president just days before the christening.
Following her “fast immersion” into the organisation, Nash focused on engaging with in-house teams, external partners and guests to understand how Explora Journeys can further evolve its unique cruise offering. It’s a task she is well-equipped for, having spent more than two decades in senior positions at ultra-luxury hospitality brands including Aman, Rosewood Hotels and Orient Express.
“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that luxury is deeply personal and experience-driven,” says Nash. “Successful brands build an emotional connection with their audience and understand that luxury isn’t just about opulence, but also personalisation, authenticity and exclusivity.”
Consequently, Nash aims to ensure that every element of Explora Journeys’ guest experience – from the culinary offerings to the wellbeing programmes – is “meticulously designed to be meaningful rather than extravagant”.
“The essence of luxury is making every second meaningful,” she explains. “Time is the most precious luxury, and when a guest chooses to spend a week or more of their holiday time with us, that is an extraordinary privilege. We have a responsibility to ensure that every moment exceeds their expectations – each detail, interaction and experience must be truly exceptional. Personalisation is at the heart of what we do, so we empower our hosts and crew to truly understand our guests and anticipate their needs to create deeply meaningful experiences.”
Explora Journeys takes guests to boutique destinations, where it offers experiences curated to immerse guests in the local culture
Explora Journeys’ spacious ships have been carefully curated with contemporary, residential-style interiors to provide a platform for delivering these experiences. “Guests are choosing to book Explora Journeys not just for where we travel, but for the ships themselves,” says Nash. “From expansive oceanfront suites with private terraces, to an extraordinary collection of dining venues, a magnificent lobby bar flanked by a sweeping staircase, curated wellness spaces and beautifully designed social areas, our ships offer an experience unlike anything else at sea.”
The immersive itineraries and shore experiences attract guests too. “The flexibility of our journeys, which include extended stays and overnights in key destinations, allows for deeper connections with the places we visit, catering to guests who seek unhurried exploration,” explains Nash.
By blending the best aspects of boutique land-based resorts with “the freedom and adventure of the ocean”, Explora Journeys is rapidly establishing itself as a “challenger brand” that is redefining the concept of ultra-luxury ocean travel.
“We’re not simply another luxury cruise line, we’re introducing a completely new way to experience the ocean and the world,” says Nash. “By designing every element with intentionality, offering curated itineraries, an extraordinary culinary programme and an unparalleled wellbeing concept, we are transforming perceptions of what an ocean journey can be.”
This is enabling Explora Journeys to attract a new generation of high-net-worth guests (including multigenerational families) who may never have considered cruising. “These guests are traditionally drawn to boutique land-based resorts, but many are now discovering the unique advantages of ocean travel, including seamless exploration, all-inclusive luxury and immersive cultural encounters,” says Nash.
To cater for these guests, Explora Journeys will expand its fleet, debuting four new vessels – Explora III, Explora IV, Explora V and Explora VI – between 2026 and 2028. All four newbuilds will be constructed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and, in a first for the brand, will operate using LNG fuel. Explora Journeys also has a project underway to examine the capability of a large fuel cell transforming LNG into hydrogen, which could further reduce emissions significantly. The fuel cell and hydrogen combination has the potential to power a vessel’s hotel operation while berthed in a port.
“We consider LNG as a fuel that facilitates a direct transition towards drop-in bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, which have the potential to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by over 80 per cent,” says Nash. “Our ongoing efforts to decarbonise marine operations and minimise our impact on air quality are focused on developing new and improved technologies, innovative ship designs, implementing energy-efficiency practices and transitioning to renewable fuels.”
All of Explora Journeys’ ships feature high-end restaurants, wellness spaces and interiors reminiscent of those in boutique land-based resorts
In addition to investing in new ships and decarbonisation, Explora Journeys plans to introduce new destinations and curated journeys. “Another priority is to continue strengthening partnerships with renowned chefs, wellness experts, cultural institutions and our valued travel advisors, whose expertise is essential in connecting discerning travellers with the Explora Journeys experience,” says Nash. “We’ll also leverage strategic marketing and partnerships to introduce more new-to-cruise explorers to the transformative beauty of ocean travel. This will empower us to expand our offering while staying true to our vision of redefining luxury ocean travel.”
Two key factors will be crucial in helping Explora Journeys to achieve these goals. The first is the Aponte-Vago family, which created and owns the brand. “At the heart of our vision are our owners, whose passion for the sea and deep-rooted heritage in maritime excellence drives everything we do,” says Nash. “As a privately owned company, we have the agility and freedom to innovate and take bold steps that others cannot. This allows us to be dynamic, responsive and forward-thinking, so we can constantly evolve to meet and exceed guests’ expectations.”
The brand’s “incredible” shoreside and onboard teams will be essential in driving success too. “Their passion, expertise and dedication to delivering a transformational luxury experience is inspiring,” says Nash. “It is a privilege to work alongside such a talented group and shape the future of ocean travel together. Seeing the dedication that goes into crafting every journey has reinforced my excitement for what’s to come.”
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