Explora Journeys acknowledges the UK trade for significant support as it launches its second vessel, Explora II. UK agents play a crucial role in its success, with notable sales contributions.
- Antonio Paradiso, MSC Group’s vice-president, emphasises the UK’s vital role in the cruise line’s sales achievements.
- The UK market accounts for a significant portion of Explora’s bookings, showcasing the strong partnership between trade and cruise line.
- Notable industry figures commend Explora II’s luxurious features and its appeal across diverse demographics.
- Explora Journeys plans further engagement with UK agents, underscoring their commitment to the market.
Explora Journeys expressed profound gratitude to the UK trade for its substantial support in launching its second ship, Explora II. Antonio Paradiso, the international sales vice-president of MSC Group’s cruise division, highlighted the ‘very good’ sales results, particularly from the UK market, which constitutes around 20% of their total sales. The collaboration with UK travel advisors has been instrumental, ensuring a steady flow of bookings and a positive market response.
The cruise line has actively engaged with the UK trade, hosting 300 agents from the UK and Ireland on familiarisation trips, with more planned. These initiatives reflect the company’s strategy of strengthening ties with the trade, which in turn bolsters their market presence. Explora II’s recent naming ceremony in Italy saw the attendance of several UK agents and tour operators, further solidifying this relationship.
Key industry personalities have praised Explora II’s exceptional features and luxurious offerings. Dame Irene Hays of Hays Travel noted the subtle yet effective enhancements from the first ship, Explora I, including improved culinary experiences. Kent Milne from Select World Travel described the vessel as ‘the epitome of luxury’, appealing to a broad audience including singles and LGBTQ passengers.
The strategic deployment of Explora I and Explora II, with plans to cover both the Caribbean and Mediterranean markets, demonstrates Explora Journeys’ forward-thinking approach. This dual operation allows them to cater to a wide range of customer preferences, enhancing their appeal within the competitive cruise market. As noted by Paradiso, having Explora II in Europe is particularly exciting for the UK market, given the ship’s capacity and diverse itineraries.
Feedback from travel professionals such as Dan Radnor of LoveitBookit and David Smith of The Cruise Line emphasises the ship’s attention to detail and the crew’s exceptional service, which is pivotal in converting new cruise enthusiasts. Louisa Maynard from The Cruise Line highlighted the thoughtful improvements in the ship’s interior design, contributing to an elevated onboard experience. Alexandra Coutts from Scott Dunn lauded the ship’s meticulous attention to detail, which underscores the owners’ commitment to creating an unmatched cruising experience.
Explora Journeys’ robust engagement with the UK trade highlights the mutual benefits and enduring partnerships within the cruise industry.
