Explora Journeys chief executive Michael Ungerer is to leave the company after five years in the role.

Ungerer said he will be leaving the line for “personal reasons”, adding working for the company has been a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Explora Journeys said Ungerer has played a “key role” in establishing the brand and launching its first ship, Explora I, last summer.

Ungerer will remain as an advisor for Explora Journeys until the end of August. Executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division Pierfrancesco Vago will take on the position of interim chief executive.

“Creating a new luxury hospitality brand from scratch in today’s world has been a true, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and an incredible journey,” said Ungerer.

“It has been a real privilege working with the visionary Pierfrancesco Vago and the entire Aponte family which I am forever grateful for.

“Their firm commitment and their long-term generational view, as only a family-owned and operated company can, made it all possible.”

Vago added: “It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Michael as we have brought to life this incredible new brand and built everything from the bottom up.

“I would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contribution and we wish him well for the future.”