The line has partnered with content platform Approach Guides to enable agents to create branded websites to share with clients. Consumers will be able to access details of sailings and real-time pricing, but remain in the agent’s branded environment, and all calls to action lead to the agent.
“This is the sales tool that every travel advisor wishes they had,” said Chris Austin, chief sales officer of Explora Journeys. “Now advisors can use our website to share specific holiday options with their clients and get indications of interest so they can immediately follow up. And just as important: it’s intuitive to use and keeps the advisors’ branding front and centre.”
Agents can create the sites for free at inspires.to/explora-journeys/experiences
The line has also announced new sailings through to April 2026, with both Explora I and Explora II based in the Caribbean in winter 2024. The new itineraries range from six to 21 nights, with homeports including Barcelona, Civitavecchia/Rome, Miami and Bridgetown.
Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman cruise division of MSC Group, said the regular, shorter seven-night journeys would suit travellers with limited time, and had been created following feedback. He continued: “We have received incredibly high levels of satisfaction from the guests that have sailed with us so far. As the brand continues to grow and expand it is important that we listen to feedback and respond. As such, we have decided to refine our journey planning and I have been involved in designing the new journeys, drawing on my own travel experiences, bringing the personal touch that is at the heart of Explora Journeys.”
From October 2024 to April 2025 Explora I will now sail in the Caribbean, with the aim of “supporting the growth of the brand in North America”. From April 2025 it will sail in the Mediterranean, and come winter 2025-2026 it will be based in the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula.
Explora II will sail its maiden journey from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, before offering western Mediterranean itineraries until November 2024, when it will cross the Atlantic to offer Caribbean sailings during the winter months.
From May 2025 the ship will sail from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, spending winter 2025-2026 in the eastern Caribbean.
