“Vibrant, cosmopolitan, European luxury brand, imagined at the heart of Swiss hospitality and luxury in Geneva.” That’s how Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys, describes the new brand and the four ships that will begin rolling out, starting with EXPLORA I, in 2023. “Through a significant investment in research, surveys, focus groups and consumer intelligence, we developed a brand that appeals very much to the discerning luxury traveler, with stunningly designed ships, journeys and itineraries that are planned thoughtfully,
offering a slower and deeper experience with unconventional arrival and departure times, overnights and sea days. Our travel advisor community can benefit now with a portfolio of policies, tools and programs that are all designed to add maximum support and be industry leading,” he adds.
Explora Journeys is set to offer an ultra-luxury experience, says Austin, with a fleet of “four innovative ships that provide space, choice, privacy, relaxed comfort and elegance. With 461 oceanfront suites, every guest will enjoy home-like luxury, sweeping sea views and a private terrace. Our lead-in Ocean Terrace suite offers guests 377 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space, the largest in our category. Guests can also indulge in an Ocean Residence—all have expansive terraces with private whirlpools. Our Owner’s Residence is 3,014 sq. ft. and spans the entire width of the ship. Additionally, guests will be spoiled for choice with nine distinct culinary experiences, four pools, private cabanas, spa and redefined entertainment.”
Adding to the onboard experience and the singular sailings is Explora Journeys’ commitment to the travel advisor community. The brand has launched a Rolling Commission Payment Program as well as the By Appointment service. The latter allows travel advisor partners to set up an appointment with an Explora Journeys customer experience representative in just four “clicks.” This is then immediately confirmed with a personalized message introducing their dedicated Ambassador. The travel advisor’s phone will ring at the appointed time of their chosen appointment thus eliminating any on-hold time. Says Austin, “Referred to as ‘the epitome of luxury’ by a travel advisor who has already experienced the service, we wanted to totally remove on-hold time and put the control in the hands of our travel partners. The appointments provide a 30-minute block of time to allow travel advisors to discuss and place a waitlist on a specific suite for one or more of eight inaugural journeys during EXPLORA I’s first year, including the vessel’s maiden voyage on May 16, 2023.”
Regarding those rolling commissions, Austin notes that the brand has “responded to calls from travel advisors and industry leaders to overhaul the commission payment process. Our Rolling Commission Payment Program allows for commission to be paid following receipt of deposits and receipt of final payment. In addition, if travel advisors’ clients take advantage of our early savings and pay in full, advisors will earn 100 percent of their commission at that time. Advisors can also earn commission when booking add-ons, including transfers, pre- and post-hotels, overland and destination experiences. These commissions will be paid following the disembarkation of their clients from their journey. We are fully committed to our valued travel advisor partners with a trusted and future-proof relationship.” explorajourneys.com