Explora Journeys Announces Its New ‘Journey Together Gatherings’ Program

Further to the two existing Journey Together programs, Explora Journeys now introduces another group travel program – ‘Journey Together Gatherings’ designed to expand travel opportunities for extended families or friendship groups.

Thanks to excellent collaboration with the travel advisor community, this builds on the Journey Together and Journey Together+ programs, making planning and payment even more seamlessly convenient for ocean travelers, and offering benefits to travel advisors.

The benefits of Journey Together Gatherings
Explora Journeys suites have been designed as ‘Homes at Sea’ with spacious living areas. When booking a minimum of three/maximum of four suites, with one suite required to be an Ocean Penthouse or Ocean Residence groups can enjoy this space together as a social hub, to gather, relax and enjoy each other’s company in a private setting. This is perfect for a gathering of friends or an extended multi-generational family. In addition, travelers with children will benefit from one under-18 in each suite sailing for free as well as complimentary transfers to the ship for all guests booked on the Journey Together Gathering program. Travel advisors can benefit from Explora Journeys` rewarding commission payments.

Cindi Occhuizzo to lead Journey Together programs, charter and incentive groups
The program will be headed by newly appointed Charter and Journey Together Lead, Cindi Occhuizzo. After 30 years in the luxury travel industry including reputable brands such as Kuoni, Disney Cruise Line, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Cindi brings her global travel and hospitality industry experience to Explora Journeys. Over the years, she has developed strong relationships with third party event planners, incentive houses and corporate meeting planners throughout the world, and accumulated vast knowledge of the industry. Cindi will be supported by newly appointed Journey Together and Charter Operations Expert, Vilma Moutsatsos, who brings more than 24 years of experience to the role, with a deep background in managing luxury travel groups and other large-scale events.

Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, of Explora Journeys, said, “I am delighted to welcome Cindi and Vilma to our global charters and incentives team and I know they will be great assets for us in this important market. They will work closely with the MICE market as we roll out our Journey Together programs to our luxury travelers. Designing our Journey Together Gatherings program has been a highly collaborative process with the travel advisor community. We are proud to launch this program targeting gatherings of friends and multi-generational families.”

Bold Commercial Terms
Explora Journeys bold commercial terms are reflective of its collaborative approach with the travel advisor community. It has listened and responded, leveraging their many years of experience. The ongoing terms include industry first rolling commission program, generous levels up to 18% on Journeys and 10% on add-ons with commission being paid following receipt of deposits, no non-commissionable fares (NCFs) and commission paid on cancellation fees.

Journey Together
Designed for travel advisors to book small groups, extended and multi-generational families. The new offering starts with five suites and a minimum of 10 guests. Travel advisors can benefit from a complimentary host berth, rewarding commission payments and each suite reserved comes with a complimentary Journey Experience credit to use onboard.

Journey Together +
The program starts with a 10 suite, 20 guest minimum and offers travel advisors a complimentary host suite, rewarding commissions and a value fare to significantly increase their profit potential.

Full ship charter, meetings and incentive group requests can also be submitted by travel advisors and shipping brokers and are negotiated independently of the Journey Together programs. Full ship charter quotes are based upon the length of the customized journey and time of year.

For easy and efficient Journey Together Programs bookings, travel advisors can choose one of the following seamless options: Contact Explora Journeys’ Journey Together Ambassadors via journeytogether@explorajourneys.com or use the Travel Advisor Only By-Appointment service www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors. Additionally, advisors can contact their local Business Relationship Leads. For more information visit the Explora Travel Advisor Centre.