The ultra-luxury line announced the departure of Michael Ungerer as chief executive in March. He remained in a consultancy role until the end of August.  

In her new role as president of Explora Journeys, Nash will be responsible for driving the brand’s strategic vision and growth initiatives. 

She leaves a 10-year run at Aman, where she was most recently chief commercial officer and held several roles with the luxury hotel brand, including chief marketing officer, chief communications officer and head of global public relations. 

Prior to Aman, Nash was director of communications for Rosewood London at the time of the hotel’s launch and also spent more than 11 years with Orient Express – now Belmond – in communications roles, including leading PR for the trains and cruises division. 

She will report to Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, and starts the role just ahead of the line’s launch of its second ship, Explora II.

Vago said: “We are delighted to welcome Anna to Explora Journeys where her proven expertise within the ultra-luxury hospitality industry, coupled with her exceptional leadership abilities will help us to ensure that our brand is globally recognised as we continue to set new standards in luxury travel.”

Nash added: “I am incredibly proud to join Explora Journeys at such a pivotal moment in its growth and development. The brand’s dedication to redefining the luxury ocean travel experience is inspiring, and I look forward to working closely with Mr. Vago and the talented team to continue building on this vision.”

Explora Journeys was forced to postpone Explora II’s originally planned maiden voyage, with the inaugural journey now due to depart from Civitavecchia in Italy on 16 September.

The line’s two ships are then scheduled to spend this winter in the Caribbean, with Explora II due to arrive in November after a repositioning cruise from Barcelona to Miami, followed by Explora I’s arrival in December. 

Explora Journeys has ordered a total of six ships from Fincantieri: the next two vessels, Explora III and Explora IV, are due to arrive in 2026 and 2027 respectively with both ships being powered by LNG. The final two ships will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said: “We are delighted to welcome Anna to Explora Journeys where her proven expertise within the ultra-luxury hospitality industry, coupled with her exceptional leadership abilities will help us to ensure that our brand is globally recognised as we continue to set new standards in luxury travel.”

Nash added: “I am incredibly proud to join Explora Journeys at such a pivotal moment in its growth and development.

"The brand’s dedication to redefining the luxury ocean travel experience is inspiring, and I look forward to working closely with Mr. Vago and the talented team to continue building on this vision. Together, we will strive to create unforgettable journeys that resonate with discerning travellers around the world.”

Nash’s appointment comes as Explora Journeys prepares to launch its second ship with a naming ceremony for Explora II set to take place on 15 September in Civitavecchia, Italy.

Explora II is the second of a fleet of six luxury ships planned by Explora Journeys.