Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA III has welcomed 30 travel advisors from across the UK travel trade community with her maiden call to Southampton.
The Southampton call forms part of EXPLORA III’s inaugural Northern European programme. The ship, departing Southampton, sails on an eight-night journey to Copenhagen, calling at Mandal, Sandnes (Stavanger), Olden, Bergen and Flåm.
The maiden call at Southampton gave advisors first-hand insight into Explora Journeys’ ultra-elegant ocean travel proposition. This included the ship’s exceptional sense of space, with one of the highest ratios of total public space per guest in the industry, as well as its European design, intuitive hospitality and epicurean excellence.
The experience equipped advisors with a deeper understanding of the brand to help them introduce Explora Journeys to their clients.
Antonio Paradiso, VP & MD UK & Ireland, Explora Journeys said they strive to create a new expression of ultra-elegant ocean travel, appealing to travellers who may never have considered an ocean journey before.
“EXPLORA III takes that vision further, giving our travel advisor partners an even stronger proposition for attracting new-to-ocean guests. As the third ship in our planned six-ship fleet, her maiden call to Southampton marks an important milestone for Explora Journeys in the UK, and we’re delighted to celebrate it with the Port of Southampton and our partners.”
He added that EXPLORA III embodies their vision of redefining ultra-elegant ocean travel, offering guests the freedom to discover the world at their own pace, while enjoying the space, privacy and personalised service that are at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience.
EXPLORA III Spotlights Southampton Port
Alastair Welch, Regional Director, ABP Southampton, welcomed EXPLORA III to the Southampton on her maiden UK call.
“EXPLORA III‘s call is a further demonstration of Southampton’s position as the UK’s leading cruise port and a preferred destination for the industry’s newest and most exciting vessels. Through strong partnerships across the sector and continued investment in our facilities and operations, Southampton continues to attract the world’s newest and most exciting vessels, supporting jobs and £1 billion of economic contribution to Southampton and the wider region.”
EXPLORA III marks the second ship in the Explora Journeys fleet to call to Southampton, following EXPLORA I’s maiden call in August 2023. She is first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, representing the next step in the brand’s environmental strategy and future-ready design.
Furthermore, EXPLORA III is the most spacious ship in the Explora Journey’s fleet, introducing enhanced public areas, expanded wellness and culinary experiences, and an even greater sense of privacy and comfort.
Also Read: EXPLORA III Sets Sail for Some of the World’s Remarkable Destinations