Most of the cruise-news we’ve been consuming over the past couple of years has been about which companies are operating again, and what hoops you have to jump through to get on those ships. Ugh.
That’s why THIS is such a good news story.
Explora Journeys is a brand-new cruise line that sails its maiden voyage about a year from now. Their first ship, Explora I, was floated out last month in Genoa, Italy, with three more identical ships to be launched between now and 2026.
While Explora Journeys is brand new, they are not unfamiliar. Their parent company is the largest naval freight company in the world (28% of North American ship cargo is handled by them). They also cherry-picked some of the most trusted people we know in the industry from cruise lines line Seabourn, Crystal, Ritz-Carlton, and Oceania.
Perhaps most interestingly, they have also been recruiting from the luxury HOTEL industry as well, in an effort to expand their thinking beyond the cruise industry and come up with a product offering that is new, interesting, and unique. They endeavour to be the “providers of experiences”, rather than just a “cruise line”, and they are designing their ships to feel more like a luxury boutique hotel.
To achieve this, they surveyed more than 20,000 consumers – only some of whom considered themselves “cruisers”. They listened carefully to those people before planning their ships and itineraries.
They also created an advisory board of high-producing cruise travel advisors. I’m proud to report that Bob and I sit on this board and participate by sharing the things our clients really like about cruise vacations, and some of the things they would like to see done differently.
It is a unique opportunity to help craft a new product from the ground up.
Here is a short list of some of the things you can expect on Explora Journeys:
The rooms are HUGE. The entry level (best-priced) rooms are 375 square feet, plus a large outdoor terrace on every suite that has a daybed, and a dining table and chairs for two!
Ship size and space. Their ships will be 64,000 tons and hold 900 guests. This makes them leaders in the “passenger space ratio” cruise metric. This essentially is a measure of how much space there is per guest on a ship. All the small-ship lines perform well here compared to the megaships, but here are two comparisons for ships around the same size:
- Viking Ocean 48,000 tons for 940 guests
- Oceania 66,000 tons for 1250 guests
Inclusions. Fares include unlimited beverages (including daily replenishment of your in-suite mini-bar), gratuities, all taxes and fees, and Wi-Fi on the ship.
Dining. Rather than one big main dining room, with a couple of smaller specialty restaurants, there are nine different dining restaurants on board (as well as room service).
Entertainment. Similarly, there isn’t a big theatre with Vegas-style shows, but rather a series of smaller, more intimate venues with a wide variety of entertainers to meet different tastes.
Unique ports of call. The itineraries are designed to begin and end at places with good air service, but the ports in between are a mix of cruise favorites and perhaps some you’ve never heard of before. This is especially great for experienced travellers who want to discover new places.
Create your own Grand Journey. Explora ships will be constantly roaming around the world rather than repeating the same itinerary over and over again. That makes is VERY easy to link together multiple shorter voyages and create your own dream itinerary.
If you think this sounds exciting, then I would like to personally invite you to learn more about Explora Journeys.
On Wednesday, June 22nd, Explora Journeys is hosting a webinar with more information, and some renderings of the next ship. All those attending will receive a 300 Euro onboard credit for your first experience with Explora Journeys.
Click here NOW to register for the webinar:
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/569902586578567696?source=B2B
You’ll discover a unique luxury travel experience for those who want to explore differently. Learn how Explora Journeys provides “a perfect day, every day”.
Bob and I have been attending regular Travel Advisor Boards sessions and we are SUPER excited about what we’ve been learning.
Please share this email with your friends.
When you register, please make the following selections:
- Are you an Advisor or Client – Choose CLIENT
- Agency Name – Type “Client of Sue Bradley”
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Here are some Explora Journeys itineraries for 2023. Even if you’ve been to the region before, take note of the unique ports of call. Prices reflect the best-priced 375 square foot veranda suite described above.
These trips are available to book now. You do NOT need to wait for the webinar.
Spain and Portugal
- Barcelona to Lisbon for 8-days departing June 11, 2023.
- Visit Malaga (overnight), Cadiz, Portimao, Lisbon (overnight)
- $4500 per person
England, Scotland & Ireland
- London to Glasgow for 10 days departing August 24, 2023.
- Visit Edinburgh (overnight), Newcastle, Invergordon, Stornoway, Greencastle (Ireland), and Liverpool.
- $6050 per person
Quebec the St. Lawrence Seaway
- Quebec City to NYC for 11-days departing October 3, 2023.
- Visit La Baie, Saguenay, Baie Comeau, Havre St. Pierre, Charlottetown, Halifax, and NYC (overnight)
- $5350 per person
Caribbean
- Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico for 8-days departing November 3, 2023
- Visit Key West, Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda), Deshaies (Guadeloupe), and St. John’s.
- $2900 per person
Panama Canal
- Bridgetown, Barbados to Panama City for 12-days departing March 18, 2024
- Visit Roseau (Dominica), Willemstad (Curacao), Oranjestad (Aruba), Cartagena (overnight), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Panama City (overnight).
- $4550 per person.
Hawaii
- Vancouver to Honolulu for 10-days departing April 18, 2024.
- Visit Hilo (overnight), and Honolulu (overnight).
- $3700 per person
- If you want to go round-trip and include the voyage back to Vancouver, it will be 19 days aboard for $7400 per person.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
