The Skift Travel Podcast Rethinking Cruising for the Modern Traveler - Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys
Oct 9, 2025
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, is a luxury hospitality expert with a background at renowned brands like Aman and Belmond. In the conversation, she discusses redefining cruising as 'ocean travel' by positioning ships as floating boutique hotels. Nash highlights the focus on wellness and cuisine, aiming to please both seasoned cruisers and first-timers. She also explores the importance of sustainability, unique itineraries, and how emotional experiences shape modern luxury travel. Explore the innovative approach to creating memorable journeys at sea!
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Full-Circle Career Move
- Anna Nash returned to ocean travel after 25 years, noting her first job was with Orient Express at Sea Containers House.
- She framed her move to Explora as a career circle driven by a family vision to redefine ocean travel.
Ocean Travel Repositioned As Boutique Hotel
- Explora Journeys was born from a white sheet of paper and extensive customer research to create an ultra-luxury 'ocean travel' product.
- The brand positions its ships as floating boutique hotels to attract both new and existing sea travelers.
Match Marketing To The Actual Experience
- Market and train reservation teams to set accurate expectations so the right guests book and community forms on board.
- Highlight wellness, cuisine, and boutique-hotel amenities when selling to first-time cruisers.