Explora Journeys has hailed the UK trade for its “phenomenal” support for the cruise line, which launched its second ship on Sunday (September 15).
Speaking ahead of the naming ceremony in Civitavecchia, near Rome, Antonio Paradiso, international sales vice-president of MSC Group’s cruise division, thanked the trade for its role in sales, which had been “very good, especially from the UK”.
“Travel advisors have been supporting us since day one. We’re doing particularly well,” he said.
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“The response and the endorsement from advisors have been phenomenal. They are sharing the message.”
The MSC Group cruise line, whose first ship Explora I set sail in August 2023, has taken 300 UK and Ireland agents on fam trips, with more in the pipeline.
The UK is the company’s second-biggest market, after the US, accounting for about 20% of sales – with about 80% of those bookings coming from the trade.
Seven agents and three tour operators attended Explora II’s naming ceremony last weekend.
Priti Mehta, UK and Ireland head of sales, said another fam trip will begin on Friday (September 20) with 15 advisors, plus partners, with another trip planned for October.
She said the agents invited on fam trips had delivered “significant business” or had strong luxury databases of clients who stay with brands such as Four Seasons, Six Senses and Aman Resorts, adding: “We align ourselves with hotels.”
Paradiso highlighted how Explora Journeys’ new president, Anna Nash, “brings something new” thanks to her luxury hotel background.
Explora II has 461 suites, penthouses and residences, six restaurants and four swimming pools.
Its seven-night maiden voyage began on Monday (September 16), visiting Sorrento, Lipari, Trapani, Syracuse, Valletta and Tarragona.
Explora I and Explora II will reposition to the Caribbean for the winter.
Next summer, Explora II will sail in the western Mediterranean and Explora I in the eastern Med.
“With two ships, we can cover different parts of the world simultaneously,” said Paradiso. “We really needed the ship in Europe. That’s exciting for the UK market.”
Trade views
Dame Irene Hays, owner of Hays Travel:
I think the changes [compared to Explora I] are subtle and reflect the customer experience on the first ship. Explora II still has the same relaxed, sophisticated feel and, if anything, the food has got better. It is a new brand but managing to differentiate.
Kent Milne, chair, Select World Travel:
It is atmospheric and covers all the generations – and it holds events for singles and LGBTQ passengers. This is the epitome of luxury. It is encouraging a new generation who want a luxury, floating resort. It is one of the friendliest cruise ships I have been on.
Dan Radnor, managing director, LoveitBookit:
It is stunning. There is attention to detail in every area. The crew are a massive asset; they will become a big part of the experience and will be real ambassadors for the cruise line. It feels very relaxed, with an elegant resort feel. It is helping to bring new-to-cruise guests – connecting with people who want a luxury holiday but had not felt a cruise was for them before. Priti Mehta (head of UK and Ireland sales) is an asset – a driving force behind creating the business.
David Smith, managing director, The Cruise Line:
I love it. We are lucky to go on lots of trips with luxury cruise lines and this is my favourite. It’s the ‘hotelness’. I have no problem in recommending Explora II; I am a massive fan.
Louisa Maynard, reservations manager, The Cruise Line:
I love the outside areas – the furniture is lovely with good quality fabrics. There are little differences [compared to Explora I] such as the colour palette – it is lighter and brighter here. We’ve been doing more bookings and there is more interest in Explora Journeys. The ships are bigger than with some luxury cruise lines.
Alexander Loizou, sales, marketing and operations director, Mundy Cruising:
Explora II is a hugely impressive ship and the attention to detail lavished on the guest accommodation and public spaces really helps establish Explora Journeys as a leading luxury brand.
Alexandra Coutts, global head of marketing, Scott Dunn:
It is incredible. The owners wanted to create a cruise ship that they wanted to travel on and that comes through in the details, like the dressing room area with a vanity mirror and Dyson hairdryers. Little details can be significant. The food is exceptional, rivalling top-tier five-star hotels in terms of service, food and drink, and the entertainment is second to none.