People with Passion
Michael Ungerer, CEO Explora Journeys
Soon it'll get serious, when the new brand must deliver. On July 8th, the Explora I, the first of up to six ships planned by Explora Journeys, will be christened in Civitavecchia. The maiden voyage to the Arctic will then begin on July 17th. Any cause for anxiety or apprehension? Not for CEO Michael Ungerer, who appears unwavering and cool as a cucumber in his LuxuryWise interview. Here are his thoughts!
On the Status Quo
"We have our hands full right now of course. The brand and product are still being created. Pre- and post-programs have just been made bookable, and we want to launch our air products next, with private jets and scheduled flights."
On Positioning
"We see our ships as resorts on the water, offering sophisticated luxury hospitality for discerning guests. We cater to a target audience that seeks a transformative travel experience rather than traditional cruising. Wellness, cuisine, and high-end entertainment, as well as our European flair, play a central role in Explora Journeys."
On the Suites
"We recently unveiled the design of our Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. We worked on this with various Italian designers, and our owners were also very engaged with their development. Since these continue to be the categories that are booked out first, we've included more of them on Explora III and IV."
On the Culinary "There are a total of 18 F&B outlets on board the Explora I. They range from French cuisine, to Japanese specialties and steakhouse dishes, to high tea in the lounge. A highlight is our Anthology Restaurant with rotating guest chefs. The team of 3-star chef Mauro Uliassi will be on board from July 17th to September 25th."
On International Source Markets "After the U.S., the UK and German markets are our second strongest. This is a testament to the fact that travel agents have understood the product and that there is a demand for it on the customer side. Such a European flair is not offered anywhere else on luxury cruise ships."
On the Role of Travel Agencies
"The interest of travel agents and consortia in Explora Journeys is huge. About 90 percent of our bookings come through travel advisors. Many travel agents even bring their clients on the call with us."
On the Booking Situation
"We don't have to turn the price screw to fill suites – quite the opposite. We've just increased prices for the second time since we started selling. This hasn't hurt sales – it's actually boosted them. The final spurt will be really exciting!"
On the Status Quo
"We have our hands full right now of course. The brand and product are still being created. Pre- and post-programs have just been made bookable, and we want to launch our air products next, with private jets and scheduled flights."
On Positioning
"We see our ships as resorts on the water, offering sophisticated luxury hospitality for discerning guests. We cater to a target audience that seeks a transformative travel experience rather than traditional seafaring. Wellness, cuisine, and high-end entertainment, as well as our European flair, play a central role in Explora Journeys."
On the Suites
"We recently unveiled the design of our Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences. We worked on this with various Italian designers, and our owners were also very engaged with their development. Since these continue to be the categories that are booked out first, we've included more of them on Explora III and IV."
On the Culinary
"There are a total of 18 F&B outlets on board the Explora I. They range from French cuisine, to Japanese specialties and steakhouse dishes, to high tea in the lounge. A highlight is our Anthology Restaurant with rotating guest chefs. The team of 3-star chef Mauro Uliassi will be on board from July 17th to September 25th."
On International Source Markets
"After the U.S., the UK and German markets are our second strongest. This is a testament to the fact that travel advisors have understood the product and that there is a demand for it on the customer side. Such a European flair is not offered anywhere else on luxury cruise ships."
On the Role of Travel Agencies
"The interest of travel agents and consortia in Explora Journeys is huge. About 90 percent of our bookings come through travel advisors. Many travel agents even bring their clients on the call with us."
On the Booking Situation
"We don't have to turn the price screw to fill suites – quite the opposite. We've just increased prices for the second time since we started booking. This hasn't hurt sales – it's actually boosted them. The final spurt will be really exciting!"