Travel Edge’s Andrew Pilkington Embarks on Explora Journeys

Travel Edge president, Andrew Pilkington recently embarked on a “bleisure” themed voyage aboard Explora Journeys’ newest ship EXPLORA II showcasing the unparalleled offerings of this innovative cruise line through a social media blitz documenting his experiences.

Bleisure travel (combining business and leisure) has surged in popularity as more business travelers combine work and leisure while travelling.

According to a survey conducted by Expedia, the likelihood of bleisure travel has jumped, with 76% of business travellers planning to take a bleisure trip in the next 12 months.

And, in a recent survey by Howdy.com, of the two in five Americans going on business trips this year, 49% intend to turn it into a bleisure trip.

Explora Journeys is setting a new standard for this trend by providing a conducive, state-of-the-art environment for remote work, seamlessly paired with comfort and curated luxury experiences.

The genesis for the trip was to be among the first to test out the myriad bleisure related amenities and services offered by Explora Journeys, as it looks to set a new benchmark for the luxury cruise industry.

A New Standard for Bleisure

While cruises have not traditionally been a bleisure destination, Explora Journeys is changing that narrative with a bold commitment to luxury and functionality. To meet the growing needs of modern professionals, EXPLORA II is equipped with two separate Wi-Fi systems, including Starlink, to ensure seamless connectivity for work and leisure.

These systems provide unparalleled access to communication tools, making bleisure more attainable than ever for executives balancing work responsibilities with time for family or friends.

Business at Sea

Pilkington’s Caribbean journey included hosting a Travel Edge Advisory Board meeting aboard the ship, seamlessly integrating in-person and remote attendees via Explora Journey’s cutting-edge Wi-Fi. “Explora Journey’s ability to combine an inspiring luxury setting with state-of-the-art tools for productivity is truly unmatched,” said Pilkington.

With its dual Wi-Fi systems, thoughtfully designed workspaces, and an array of exclusive leisure activities, Explora Journeys proves that luxury cruising is not only for relaxation but can also serve as a platform for productivity.

Pilkington observed that: “This new layer of demand presents opportunity for suppliers to add new services that appeal to this market and for destinations to extend their tourism season.”

He continued: “Along with workcations that focus on freely deciding where you want to work and digital nomads – people working remotely from different countries and locations to combine travel with their jobs – there is a major shift in how people are approaching a work/life balance that the industry is responding to with programs and amenities.”

Adding a unique dimension to his trip, Pilkington conducted engaging interviews with key members of the Explora Journey’s team for his social media channels including:

• Captain Serena Melani, a trailblazer in the cruise industry, answered three big questions about her leadership philosophy, her most memorable voyages, and her vision for the future of cruising.
• Frédéric Godineau, Travelling Senior Executive Chef for EXPLORA II, shared insights on crafting the perfect menu to delight the ship’s discerning guests.
• Marco van Belleghem, General Manager, offered his perspective on ensuring every journey feels personalized and extraordinary.

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