• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
Explora Journeys' third ship welcomed 25 UK travel advisors during its first Southampton visit, marking a milestone in the brand's Northern European programme.
Explora III made its maiden call to Southampton yesterday, welcoming 25 travel advisors from across the UK travel community on board to experience the ship first-hand.
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, and Antonio Paradiso, VP and MD, UK and Ireland, welcomed the agents and outlined the opportunity to attract new-to-ocean passengers.
A crest exchange ceremony marked the occasion with Captain Melani exchanging commemorative crests with Steve Masters, harbour master at Associated British Ports, Katherine Barbour, Sheriff of the City of Southampton, Sarah Bogle, councillor and leader of Southampton City Council and Isla Haddow, director, UK cruise, Denholm Port Services. The advisors and dignitaries then had lunch at Fil Rouge, one of Explora III's seven dining venues, before disembarking.
Explora III's maiden Southampton call forms part of its inaugural Northern European programme. The ship, departing Southampton today, sails on an eight-night journey to Copenhagen in Denmark, calling at destinations in Norway, including Mandal, Sandnes (Stavanger), Olden, Bergen and Flåm.
Paradiso said: "We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Associated British Ports and to bring our newest ship to Southampton for the first time… We look forward to welcoming our guests on board and creating memorable journeys from Southampton."
Explora III marks the second ship in the Explora Journeys fleet to call at Southampton, following Explora I's maiden call on August 30, 2023.
Alastair Welch, regional director, ABP Southampton, said: "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."
