Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle cruise brand of the MSC Group, is making waves with an ambitious fleet expansion and a growing commitment to redefining ocean travel. This week, the brand celebrated a triple ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy: the float-out of EXPLORA III, the coin ceremony for EXPLORA IV and the steel cutting for EXPLORA V.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, described the event as a defining moment for the brand.
“These milestones represent far more than construction updates,” Nash told Recommend in a recent interview. “They reflect the passion, the precision and the shared vision we have to redefine ocean travel.”
The company is firmly committed to a six-ship fleet by the end of 2028, with each vessel designed to elevate the luxury cruise experience. Nash emphasized that this is not just about building ships, but about creating a legacy.
“We’re not just building ships—we’re taking the helm and crafting transformative journeys that will endure for generations to come,” she said. “And as a family-owned business, that sense of stewardship is deeply personal to us, and the Aponte Vago family is that golden thread who are very present in the organization.”
Explora Journeys launched as a brand shaped by extensive market research, including feedback from over 20,000 potential guests. This “art of listening,” as Nash described it, continues to influence the brand’s evolution.
“If we hear feedback from our guests or our travel partners, we can act on it quickly—and that sets us apart in luxury travel,” Nash explained.
This responsiveness has already influenced the design of future ships. For example, the cruise line is increasing the number of Owners Residences and high-tier suites on future vessels, responding directly to guest demand for more premium accommodations. While the total suite count will rise modestly from 461 to 463, the focus remains on maintaining generous guest-to-space ratios rather than maximizing capacity. This approach reflects the brand’s commitment to offering a balance of vibrant social spaces and quiet areas for solitude.
Sustainability is Key
Beyond luxury, sustainability is core to Explora Journeys’ design philosophy. Nash pointed to the Aponte Vago family’s deep connection to the sea and their commitment to protecting marine environments.
“When you live in this business as we do, you see how authentic the desire is to protect the ocean,” Nash said. “All our ships are RINA Dolphin-certified to minimize underwater noise, and EXPLORA III and beyond will be equipped with advanced technologies like LNG propulsion and next-gen fuel cells.”
Nash also highlighted the efforts of the MSC Foundation, which runs coral restoration programs, marine conservation centers and disaster relief initiatives globally. “There’s a real authenticity behind the sustainability commitment,” she noted, adding that the godmothers of EXPLORA I and II are renowned environmentalists and oceanographers, underscoring the brand’s environmental ethos.
Travel Partners & Looking Ahead
Explora Journeys recently adopted Paymode in the U.S. and Canada to streamline commission payments and launched new platforms like Ralio, which lets advisors easily rebrand and share Explora content on social media.
“Our travel partners are family to us,” Nash said. “They’ve believed in us since there wasn’t even a ship in the water, and their success is our success.”
As Nash approaches her first anniversary with Explora Journeys, she remains energized by the brand’s trajectory and her mission.
“I’ve always loved the magic of movement and discovery—the serendipity of waking up somewhere new each day,” she said. “Cruising has this special quality where people arrive onboard, and you see their shoulders drop. There’s a sense of freedom you just don’t find in a hotel.”
Her goal for Explora Journeys is clear: to banish outdated perceptions of cruising and to champion a brand where luxury, sustainability and authentic connection converge.
“We don’t sell cruises—we bring dreams alive. People are placing their time in our hands, and that’s the most precious commodity. Our job is to make every moment count.”
