Explora appoints Christopher Austin as president, North America
Explora Journeys has appointed Christopher Austin as president, North America.
Austin joined Explora Journeys in November 2020 as the brand’s chief sales officer. Prior to that, he spent nearly three decades in leading hospitality roles, including senior vice-president global marketing and sales at another luxury cruise line and vice-president global luxury and leisure sales for one of the leading global luxury hotel groups.
In his new role, Austin will be based in Miami, Florida. He will assume full ownership of the North American teams and market for Explora Journeys, spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This recognition serves as a tribute to the exceptional efforts he has dedicated to building the foundational pillars of the Explora Journeys brand since his arrival in November 2020.
About Austin
With his leadership at the helm, the brand will solidify its presence and deliver unparalleled experiences to discerning travellers across these key markets.
“Chris is a highly respected leader in the luxury hospitality industry and was one of the founding members of the Explora Journeys leadership team, joining nearly four years ago,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman Cruise Division MSC Group. “We are thrilled to have him as president North America, confident in his ability to deepen our partner penetration, drive increased demand, grow consumer awareness and brand adoption and continue to build the North America organization, including in early 2025 the move into new offices in downtown Miami.”
“Taking the helm of Explora Journeys’ North American teams and market as President North America is both an honour and a thrilling challenge. I’m deeply committed to continuing the exceptional work of establishing our brand as a leader in luxury ocean travel,” said Austin. “This new appointment represents not only a testament to our past achievements but also a boundless opportunity to shape the future of luxury hospitality at sea. I’m excited to lead our talented teams towards even greater success and to deliver unforgettable journeys to our discerning travellers across from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.”
EXPLORA I is currently sailing in North America and the Caribbean.
EXPLORA II will enter service in 2024 and liquefied natural gas-powered ships EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will join the fleet in 2026 and 2027 respectively. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
