Anna Nash (pictured below) is no stranger to the world of ultra luxury hospitality. As president of Explora Journeys, Nash brings insight and experience to the cruise line from previous industry-transforming stints at Aman, Rosewood Hotels, and Orient-Express.
In contrast to hotels, Nash believes that ocean travel is about creating effortless immersive experiences. “There’s something truly special about a journey—it has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and yet it creates a desire to return,” she says. “Unlike a hotel stay, life onboard fosters a genuine sense of community, where guests feel part of our story and engage with us along the way, often sharing invaluable feedback that helps shape future journeys.”
Explora Journeys, she says, was designed to transform trad-norm ocean sailing by blending European elegance, modern luxury, and a personalised approach to hospitality. This raison d’être derives from the company’s owners, the Aponte Vago family, with its 300-year seafaring heritage. “They wanted to create something timeless but forward-thinking,” Nash says. So, as a departure from traditional luxury cruise lines, Explora Journeys ships are akin to “contemporary European hotels at sea, with spacious public areas, a smooth indoor-outdoor flow, and a refined, easy-going vibe”.
Focus is placed on personalisation, from curated experiences to a service style so intuitive guests might think staff have extra-sensory perception. Nash adds that the ships’ hosts “build genuine relationships with guests, remembering preferences and tailoring every aspect of the journey to individual desires”.
Onboard, there are culinary masterclasses, holistic wellness retreats, and curated conversations with experts across various fields—from art and gastronomy to sustainability and global affairs. All three ships—Explora 1, Explora 2, and Explora 3—have an exceptional guest-to-host ratio of 1.25:1, which gives the company both flexibility and the resources to ensure the highest service standards. According to Nash, every aspect of the journey is designed to slow down time, allowing for deeper engagement, meaningful reflection, and a sense of unhurried discovery.
For every generation
Although most cruise lines depend on an older guest demographic, does she foresee any evolution in the years ahead? “While traditional luxury cruising has often been associated with an older demographic, we are redefining ocean travel to attract a broader audience, including younger travellers, multi-generational families, and those seeking a more flexible, immersive approach to luxury exploration,” she explains. Growth, Nash contends, isn’t about scaling up. “It’s about maintaining the bespoke, intimate experience that defines Explora Journeys. Each of our ships is designed to feel exclusive, with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. No matter the moment, there is always a space waiting for you.”
Explora Journeys offers shorter journeys of four to seven nights as well as extended itineraries that cater to different lifestyles. “We see growing interest from younger professionals, entrepreneurs, and Gen Z travellers, who prioritise experiences over material possessions,” she says, adding that the ships’ Wi-Fi is powered by Starlink, ensuring optimal connections for remote workers.
Destination highlights are also key. Nash cites Meteora’s monasteries, accessible from Volos, as offering “an unforgettable journey through Greece’s sacred and dramatic landscapes—UNESCO-listed monasteries suspended atop towering rock formations, offering a glimpse into centuries-old traditions, spirituality, and architectural marvels.” These cultural immersions and experiences form the bedrock of luxury: personalisation, emotional connection, and timelessness. “It’s about crafting a journey that feels intuitive, effortless, and deeply personal,” Nash explains. Luxury is no longer just about exclusivity—it’s about how an experience resonates.
Looking ahead, Explora Journeys is expanding to new destinations, including Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland, alongside Winter 2026-2027 itineraries spanning the Caribbean and Central America, the Amazon, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Pacific Coast. These will emphasise extended stays and overnight immersions, allowing for deeper engagement with each destination. This could range from sailing through the legendary Panama Canal, exploring the fjords of Oman, or experiencing New Year’s Eve fireworks over Dubai or San Juan Bay. The company sees six luxury ships launching between 2023 and 2028, with additional itineraries introduced in Asia during that time.
In addition, the Explora II—the newest ship in Explora Journey’s fleet—will be docked in Monaco’s Port Hercule during the Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco. It will be just 150 metres from the racetrack, and will become a luxury boutique hotel. Guests will stay in refined suites and residences with private ocean-front terraces; savour 11 culinary experiences as well as unlimited premium beverages; participate in ocean-inspired wellness sessions if they so choose; and, of course, enjoy adrenaline-filled events like a Monegasque.
Nash envisions a continuation of seamless travel: “Unpacking once, connecting with a team that tailors every moment, and embracing a new rhythm at sea, with dining central to the experience. Food becomes a cultural and social connection.” This, she says, fosters “a natural sense of belonging, a feeling of being part of something greater”.
