Explora Journeys today announced seven new additions to its team, who will be responsible for the onboard experience. They join a growing team dedicated to designing and delivering unique experiences under the leadership of Jason Gelineau, Head of Product.
This team of professionals has been selected to ensure that the MSC Group's new luxury cruise brand positions itself at the forefront of the industry and redefines ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travelers. The first of its four ships, EXPLORA I, will be ready for its maiden voyage from Barcelona to Athens in May 2023.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, stated: “Once again, the cream of the crop of the industry is joining our team, demonstrating the appeal our brand holds for the most talented professionals in the luxury travel sector. These new additions, led by Jason Gelineau, will play a vital role: guiding passengers on a journey of individual and collective discovery that helps them forge a profound connection with the sea.”
Jason Gelineau, Head of Product: joined Explora Journeys at the end of 2021 and is responsible for operations related to the onboard experience. For three years, Jason was in charge of US cruises and MSC Marine Reserve at the company's private island, Ocean Cay, for MSC Cruises. Prior to MSC Cruises, he was Hotel Director for Seabourn Cruises for three years and General Manager for Oceania Cruises for eight years. He also worked aboard The World of ResidenSea and Silversea Cruises ships. Over the past 35 years, 24 of them at sea, Jason has built a distinguished career in the hospitality industry.
New additions
Alban Gjoka, Senior Lead Culinary Operations: He worked for five years for TUI Cruises in the UK as Head of Culinary Operations and, previously, held the position of Senior Executive Chef at Oceania Cruises for ten years.
Thibaut Briançon, Senior Lead, Food & Beverage Services: prior to Explora Journeys, he was Area Project Manager at Paris Society and Senior Consultant at Ducasse Conseil for four years.
Julanda Marais, Senior Lead, SPA Operations: spent four years in the United Arab Emirates as Regional Spa Director for Jumeirah Group. Prior to that, she was Senior Spa Director at various Four Seasons locations in the Middle East and Africa. Early in her career, Julanda worked aboard Crystal Cruises ships and opened The World of ResidenSea with Clinique La Prairie.
Drew Gowland, Senior Lead, Entertainment and Enrichment: Fifteen years ago, Drew founded The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh, where he is CEO and through which he has gained extensive experience in the arts. He has also spent nineteen years working in onboard entertainment on various P&O, Celebrity, Cunard, and, most recently, Seabourn cruise ships.
Carmela Paval, Senior Lead, Housekeeping Operations: Before joining the team, Carmela worked for Seabourn Cruise Line as a New Build Corporate Trainer and Executive Housekeeper on the Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation ships, and then for five years as a Corporate Trainer and Executive Housekeeper.
Vitor Alves, Senior Lead, Hotel Operations: He served as Director and Hotel Operations Manager for Scenic Discovery Yacht and Emerald Yacht Voyages for two years. Previously, Vitor worked for seventeen years at Seabourn, where he rose from Hotel Director onboard to Deputy Director, New Build and Expeditions.
Paolo Milordo, Traveling Food & Beverages Service Lead: Before Explora Journeys, he spent seven years at Regent Seven Seas Cruises as Corporate Service Manager and another four at Oceania Cruises as Corporate Service Manager.
Jason Gelineau stated: “It is a source of pride that these talented professionals from the world of luxury hospitality have chosen to join us in Geneva for their next career venture. We are thrilled at the opportunity to combine our extensive expertise to design onboard experiences that will allow us to continue defining our luxury cruise brand for the most discerning travelers of today and tomorrow.”
In January of this year, the arrival of Franck Garanger to the team was also announced , in the position of Head of Culinary .
During its first year, EXPLORA I will visit 132 ports in 40 countries, including two destinations experiencing their first cruise ship: Kastellorizo (Greece) and Saint Pierre (Martinique). Itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the US East Coast, the Caribbean, South America, and Hawaii. Sailings range from six nights to an unforgettable 44-night Grand Voyage through Northern Europe.
