Explora Journeys charts a course for growth and opportunity with travel partners

With a newly announced expansion into river cruising and three of its six planned ocean ships now in operation, Explora Journeys continues to make a splash in the travel industry.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to really bring what we brought to the oceans, with the ocean state of mind, and bring that philosophy to the iconic European rivers,” Chris Austin, President of North America for Explora Journeys, told TravelPress Today during a one-on-one interview. “We have committed with the Dutch shipyard for the building of river ships, and we’ll be announcing a lot more and opening bookings in 2027. I think it’s a tremendous opportunity.”

In Toronto to share the latest updates and to keep the ultra-luxury brand top of mind, Austin shared Explora’s new brand campaign, which explores the concept that maybe the best hotel isn’t a hotel at all, intentionally challenging traditional cruise conventions and expanding on the idea that the luxury ocean travel brand is a floating hotel whose address is on the water.

“The idea gets to the heart of what inspired Explorer Journeys. When we launched Explora Journeys, our ambition was clear: to redefine ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travellers, not by asking guests to fit into the traditional cruise experience, but by creating something entirely different, something inspired by the elegance of European hospitality, with more space, more freedom, more choice, and a deeper connection to the ocean,” he shared. “At the heart of that vision is what we call the ocean state of mind. It’s about slowing down, embracing discovery, and experiencing the world in a way that feels effortless and enriching. It’s a philosophy that continues to resonate with travellers around the world, including many who are new ocean travellers together.”

Although the new Explora III is 19.2 metres longer than Explora I and II, Austin, who will soon take on the role of President, Luxury Travel Partnerships, states that they’ve chosen to optimize rather than maximize the space.

Chris Austin, president of North America and Patricia Di Benedetto – Director of Sales, Canada

“We’ve chosen to give much more of that additional space back to guests through expanded public areas and enhanced experiences, rather than adding capacity,” he noted.

Both Explora IV and V will debut in 2027, while VI is scheduled to enter service in 2028. When asked if more ships are on the horizon, Austin noted that it depends on travel advisors.

“That all depends how successful we are and how how much our travel advisor partners and our guests love us. I shift the responsibility when people say ‘you don’t have any more ocean ships?’ I always look at them and I say, well, it depends on if you make us very successful. You know, it’s not always on us,” he says. “But Canada is performing exceptionally well for us. We’re very, very, very committed to the Canadian sector of travel and the travel advisor community. Every single week, we see more new Canadian travel advisors making bookings.”

While many had a “wait and see” approach to selling Explora Journeys when the brand was first announced, he says a growing number of advisors are now on board.

“We don’t use the word partnership lightly. If anybody says trade, I say nope, travel partners, because we’re in this together and we’ll succeed together. But when I talk about opportunity, I think there’s opportunity with the growth of our brand, which brings more destinations, which brings more choice, which is a key pillar of the brand. Choices on the ship, and choices where we’re traveling to. Every time we announce a new season, we’re giving a lot more choice, and today, travel partners for their clients, guests can book all six ships. They’re all on sale right through to 2029 if you consider the World Journey.”

In addition to earning commission, Austin shared that a new Beyond Commission program was recently announced.

“On a subset of specific journeys, they can register a booking that they’ve made, and they can earn 2% of the value of the journey fare as a digital electronic gift card. And it is the season now, and a little bit of extra money may go a long way at this time of year. It’s an excellent opportunity, 2%. Every time we do something, we try to do it thoughtfully, distinctly, the Explora Journey’s way. Other brands have gift card promotions, but you could book the largest suite and still only get $250. If you book a residence with us, if it’s a $100,000 booking, you get 2% of $100,000 as a digital gift card. So again, innovative, thoughtful, bold, rewarding the travel advisor for the work that they’re doing.”

For more on Explora Journeys and our interview, stay tuned to the next Travel Courier!