Explora Journeys makes raft of sales team appointments

MSC Cruises’ luxury brand Explora Journeys has expanded its sales team with seven appointments including two London-based roles.

Andrew Schweitzer, who previously worked for Quark Expeditions for 18 months, has taken up the position of business relationship lead, UK and Ireland at the line.

Natalie Dorrington has become global trade marketing expert for the new line after leaving Mundy Cruising’s GSA arm, The Cruise Portfolio, which recently closed after its client Crystal Cruises ceased operations earlier this year.

Explora Journeys has also made several appointments for roles that will oversee sales in northern and southern Europe.

Former international sales director at Crystal Cruises, Suzanne Kochen, has become head of sales, northern Europe.

Paul Potrykus, Daniel Zink, Gabriele Cornalba and Sophia Weiss have also joined the line which will start operating luxury cruises in a year’s time.

Chief sales officer Chris Austin said: “All these new appointments in our commercial team have deep luxury hospitality experience.

“[They] are very well known, highly respected and have an unwavering commitment to the luxury travel advisor community.

“They are passionate and proactive consultative sellers, highly responsive to any advisor request, and are totally focused on mutual success.”

Maiden vessel Explora I (pictured) will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries, including two destinations, Kastellorizo, Greece; and Saint Pierre, Martinique, that have not been visited by cruise ships before.

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