Travel advisors now have a streamlined way to book group travel with Explora Journeys, the MSC Group’s latest luxury lifestyle cruise brand.
Journey Together is designed for travel advisors to book small groups, extended and multi-generational families, and meetings and incentive groups. The program starts with five suites and a minimum of 10 guests. Perks include a complimentary host berth and commission payments. Each suite includes a complimentary Journey Experience credit to use onboard.
Journey Together + applies to bookings with a 10-suite, 20-guest minimum. In addition to a host suite and commissions, the program features a value fare that can help travel advisors “significantly increase their profit potential,” according to an Explora Journeys press release.
Travel advisors also can request full ship charters; rates and benefits for buyouts are negotiated independently of the Journey Together programs.
Explora calls get easier, too
Explora Journeys also announced enhancements to the By Appointment program launched in December 2021. By Appointment removed on-hold time for travel advisors when they call an Explora Journeys’ Ambassador.
With the new By Appointment +, travel advisors can invite clients to join the call to ask questions of Ambassadors and finalize their bookings. Travel advisors also can set up appointments in advance.
Bookings for any of the Explora I inaugural journeys, including the ship’s maiden journey in May, are now available.
“We are firmly on track for our maiden journey from Barcelona to Athens in May 2023, and we remain absolutely committed to providing our travel advisor community the resources and customized solutions to ensure mutual success for the long term,” said Michael Ungerer, chief executive officer of Explora Journeys, in a press statement.
Explora I will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries in its first year. Two destinations, Kastellorizo, Greece and Saint Pierre, Martinique, have not been visited by cruise ships before.
Itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the U.K., Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, Caribbean, South America and Hawaii. Sailings range from six-night itineraries to a 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.
For more information, visit the Explora Travel Advisor Center at explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors.
