Explora Journeys president Anna Nash believes the cruise industry’s strongest years are still to come, with new-to-cruise travellers helping drive optimism across the luxury sector

Speaking to Cruise Trade News ahead of the delivery of Explora III in Genoa on Thursday (23 July), Nash said a growing number of guests are seeking the “comfort, freedom, security and reliability” associated with luxury cruising.

When asked about the turbulent start to the year for the cruise and travel sectors, Nash said: “I would say our industry has its brightest years ahead. I really feel there’s enormous traction and attraction around our industry right now. People are adopting this way of travel who perhaps would never have considered ocean travel before.

“If I look at situations like the Middle East, we’re very fortunate because we’re able to move our floating hotel. We’re able to redeploy our ships where we need to, so we have a sense of agility that other parts of the travel industry don’t. I also believe our ships provide guests with comfort, freedom, security and safety at sea. That’s what our guests are looking for.”

A key part of the success of the Explora Journeys brand, Nash said, has been its travel agent partners. “They’ve been beyond important to us,” she said. “Our travel advisor community believed in us from the very beginning. They were selling Explora Journeys before we even had physical ships in the water.

“We’ll remain forever grateful for their trust, belief and support. We wouldn’t be where we are today – operating two ships sailing at full capacity, with a third being delivered tomorrow – without them.”

Nash also touched on evolving consumer booking habits amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures. “The biggest change we’re seeing is in booking habits,” she said.

“We’re fortunate to have a broad age demographic, although many of our guests are in their mid-50s. They’re captains of industry, CEOs and entrepreneurs running their own businesses. Time is precious. Time off is increasingly rare, and it’s becoming harder to properly disconnect.

“When guests suddenly see an opportunity to take six or eight weeks’ notice for a holiday, they’ll book it. I’m actually a good example myself – I only confirmed my own summer holiday last week.”

Nash said the line’s five- and seven-night itineraries are becoming increasingly popular for guests who can only take short breaks. Guests are also increasingly combining business and leisure travel, thanks to the line’s complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.

“Multi-generational travel continues to grow, particularly in our higher suite categories, where families can spend time together while still enjoying their own space and routines,” Nash continued.

“We’re also seeing more interest from solo travellers. They feel very comfortable travelling with us because they can connect with other solo guests if they wish, while also enjoying time on their own. It feels like a very safe environment in which to travel solo.”

Explora III introduces a number of new features for the cruise line, including a second Owner’s Residence, the new Shore Club on 11 restaurant, Chef’s Table and Wine Cellar experiences, as well as an expanded wellness area and a larger Conservatory Pool. Despite being 19.2 metres longer than Explora I and II, the additional space has been dedicated to public areas rather than increasing guest capacity.

The new vessel enters service on 24 July with a five-night Mediterranean Prelude Journey from Genoa before embarking on its official inaugural voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on 3 August. The ship will then spend its maiden season sailing Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America’s east coast.