52 INTERVIEW A new era of luxury ocean travel Anna Nash of Explora Journeys explains to Rebecca Gibson how the brand is redefining the concept of cruising with elegant ships, immersive itineraries and personalised experiences that make every moment meaningful Explora Journeys officially named Explora II, the second of its luxury cruise ships, during a ceremony in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy, on 15 September 2024. For the brand, it marked more than just the inauguration of a new vessel. “The ceremony marked a significant milestone, symbolising both the growth of the brand and its deep commitment to creating a new category of ocean travel,” says Anna Nash, who assumed her role as Explora Journeys’ new president just days before the christening. Following her “fast immersion” into the organisation, Nash focused on engaging with in-house teams, external partners and guests to understand how Explora Journeys can further evolve its unique cruise offering. It’s a task she is wellequipped for, having spent more than two decades in senior positions at ultra-luxury hospitality brands including Aman, Rosewood Hotels and Orient Express. “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that luxury is deeply personal and experience-driven,” says Nash. “Successful brands build an emotional connection with their audience and understand that luxury isn’t just about opulence, but also personalisation, authenticity and exclusivity.” Consequently, Nash aims to ensure that every element of Explora Journeys’ guest experience – from the culinary offerings to the wellbeing programmes – is “meticulously designed to be meaningful rather than extravagant”. “The essence of luxury is making every second meaningful,” she explains. “Time is the most precious luxury, and when a guest chooses to spend a week or more of their holiday time with us, that is an extraordinary privilege. We have a responsibility to ensure that every moment exceeds their expectations – each detail, interaction and experience must be truly exceptional. Personalisation is at the heart of what we do, so we empower our hosts and crew to truly understand our guests and anticipate their needs to create deeply meaningful experiences.” Explora Journeys’ spacious ships have been carefully curated with contemporary, residential-style interiors to provide a platform for delivering these experiences. “Guests are choosing to book Explora Journeys not just for where we travel, but for the ships themselves,” says Nash. “From expansive oceanfront suites with private terraces, to an extraordinary collection of dining venues, a magnificent lobby bar flanked by a sweeping staircase, curated wellness spaces and beautifully designed social areas, our ships offer an experience unlike anything else at sea.” The immersive itineraries and shore experiences attract guests too. “The flexibility of our journeys, which “ The essence of luxury is making every second meaningful”
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