Today we’re setting sail with Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury ocean brand built to feel less like a cruise ship and more like a boutique European resort that just happens to float.

Joining me is Chris Austin, President of North America for Explora Journeys, who’s been with the brand since before a single ship existed and has watched the vision go from blank pages to a fleet at sea.

We talk about everything from what changed in the ships’ design, to the off the beaten path ports, to the corners of the ship guests stumble onto and can’t stop talking about.

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Listen to hear:

• 01:54 – About the scene that guests can’t stop talking about
• 02:59 – How guests are reacting to the Explora experience
• 05:06 – What inspiration carried over from a previous chapter
• 07:12 – Why some original ideas never made it onboard
• 08:07 – Where the first ship shaped the future of the fleet
• 09:51 – Inside the surprising realities of building a luxury ship
• 10:51 – Which space onboard leaves the biggest impression
• 12:33 – Favorite cabin design details you might otherwise miss
• 13:48 – Behind-the-scenes insights only insiders know
• 15:58 – Ports that exceeded every expectation
• 17:18 – Why one destination was worth fighting to keep
• 21:48 – How the first moments onboard set the tone for the journey
• 24:00 – A small moment that captures the spirit of Explora Journeys
• 25:30 – What dining is included in the experience
• 27:32 – Favorite shore experience beyond the ship
• 29:59 – A guest memory that has stayed with them
• 33:04 – Who Explora is really designed for
• 36:16 – About Chris’ favorite choices on board
• 40:34 – What you will learn about the world by sailing with Explora Journeys

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