Explora Journeys, the new luxury lifestyle travel brand, has announced the launch of its "By Appointment" service, exclusive to the travel agent community and a first for the industry. The "By Appointment" service reflects a significant investment by the cruise line in research, surveys, focus groups, consumer intelligence, and supporting technology to ensure a comprehensive, customer-centric approach. This, along with sound commercial practices, underscores Explora Journeys' commitment to the global travel agency community.
With just four clicks, travel agents can schedule an appointment with an Explora Journeys customer experience representative, which will be immediately confirmed with a personalized message introducing their ambassador. The travel agent's phone will then ring at the scheduled appointment time, eliminating any waiting time. Currently, appointments are conducted in English, with other languages (German, Italian, French, and Spanish) to follow.
Hailed as “the epitome of luxury” by a travel agent who has already experienced the appointment service, the calls will provide a 30-minute time block to allow agents to chat and book a specific suite on a waitlist for one or more of the first eight voyages during EXPLORA I’s first year, including the ship’s maiden voyage on May 16, 2023.
Waitlist requests will not have a purchase commitment and will not require a deposit until later when travel agents, through a follow-up appointment, will be able to convert the option into a deposited booking for which they will then earn their commission.
“Explora Journeys will be an ocean escape like no other, allowing guests to relax, create memories, reconnect with what matters most in their lives, and experience what we call an ‘oceanic state of mind,’” said Chris Austin, Director of Sales for Explora Journeys. “Built by Fincantieri in Italy and designed in collaboration with them, as well as some of the world’s leading luxury hotel and superyacht designers, our innovative fleet of four ships offers space, choice, privacy, comfort, and elegance. Furthermore, one of our key differentiators is how we support our global community of travel agents. We wanted to completely eliminate wait times and put the control back in the hands of our travel partners. As a result, they can speak with our ambassadors at their convenience and have exclusive access to waitlisted suites for their valued clients before we open sales to the public later this year. Initial feedback from the industry has recognized our service as ‘best in class,’ which we are very proud of.”
Travel Leaders Chairman John Lovell commented: “The Explora Journeys “By Appointment” service is one of the many bold and pioneering initiatives the brand is undertaking in the industry, along with the first-ever ongoing commission program that will pay agents a commission on deposits and final payments received. These and other factors were key in Travel Leaders Group’s decision to award the brand ‘Preferred’ status. We are therefore delighted to welcome Explora Journeys to our list of particularly important partners.”
The "By Appointment" service will remain indefinitely to always offer travel agents the option to schedule an appointment to make a booking for their valued clients. Alternatively, after the brand's official sales launch, agents will be able to call a dedicated number for the Experience Center or click "call" from the Explora Journeys website.
