Agents are being encouraged to look ahead to 2024 as Explora Journeys capacity for 2023 nears its limit, according to UK & Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso.
In an interview with Travel Weekly, Paradiso urged agents to shift their focus to selling 2024 and 2025 sailings – which will include second ship Explora II, scheduled to launch next summer – saying the trade has done an “amazing job” in pushing 2023 itineraries.
“We are well sold for the rest of 2023, although there are some pockets of availability still left,” he said.
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“It’s time to start focusing more on 2024 and beyond. We already have itineraries available for winter 2024-25 so I would suggest travel advisors turn their attention to those.
“The UK is our second largest source market and travel advisors are doing an amazing job. I am so proud of what we have achieved so far and, if this is the beginning, I can only imagine what’s next.”
Paradiso encouraged agents to focus on new-to-cruise customers, particularly those that buy luxury land-based holidays as they will be the “perfect fit” for the brand.
“Ultimately, Explora Journeys is the perfect fit for luxury travellers who so far have only enjoyed luxury experiences on land,” he said.
“Explora Journeys is a new opportunity for those guests so we are expecting a lot of new-to-cruise travellers to join us.
“Having said that, I do invite everyone to check the journeys currently available as I do believe there are itineraries for many budgets, and the price is incredible value for money when you consider what you get in the experience.”