62 EYEBROW Explora Journeys will base a ship in Asia for the first time in winter 2027-2028, enabling guests to visit destinations like Jeju Island in South Korea like to balance these with smaller, lesserknown destinations that still have the power to surprise and inspire. Of course, this can be challenging when working within a limited geographic area, but that’s often where the most meaningful and memorable journeys are created.” In keeping with this approach, Explora Journeys will base a ship in Asia for the first time in the winter 2027-2028 season. Explora III will operate 28 immersive journeys, calling at a total of 47 destinations across Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Notable itinerary highlights will include overnights in cities like Shanghai in China and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, as well as onshore experiences such as touring temples in Japan’s Miyako Islands, visiting food halls in Singapore and hiking the volcanic landscapes of Jeju in South Korea. Some of the itineraries have been designed to coincide with major cultural events, including Chinese New Year celebrations. “These itineraries consist of shorter journeys that focus on allowing guests to explore specific subregions within Asia in greater depth,” says Poulsen. “Many of these cruises also include overnight stays, giving travellers extra time to connect with the destination, experience its culture and enjoy a more immersive and relaxed pace of discovery. “Each of our itinerary programmes represents an exciting new chapter for us, expanding the horizons of our brand and offering our guests even more opportunities for discovery.” Explora Journeys plans to continue expanding its itinerary portfolio as the fleet grows and guest preferences change, looking for destinations that are able to differentiate themselves from the competition. “Destinations should first understand which segment of the cruise industry they wish to attract and invest in infrastructure to meet the needs of ships within that segment,” advises Poulsen. “For instance, ultra-luxury, small-ship operators like us require facilities close to city centres rather than large-scale terminals. “To appeal to the luxury cruise traveller, destinations need also to articulate a clear narrative and invest in experiences to bring that story to life. This means creating chances for guests to connect socially, emotionally and physically with the community, the culture and the natural environment of the destination. The most successful destinations understand this intrinsically and work to ensure that all local stakeholders are aligned around a shared vision.” PLANNER PERSPECTIVE Photo:Unsplash/Lightscape
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