Explora Journeys has introduced “Journey Together Gatherings,” a new group travel program designed to expand travel opportunities for extended families or friends. This builds on the “Journey Together” and “Journey Together+” programs, making planning and payment even more convenient for travelers, and offering benefits to travel advisors.
When booking three or four suites (only), with one suite required to be an Ocean Penthouse or Ocean Residence, groups can enjoy this space as a social hub. This is designed for a gathering of friends or an extended multi-generational family. Additionally, travelers with children will benefit from one under-18 in each suite sailing for free, as well as complimentary transfers to the ship for all guests booked on the “Journey Together Gathering” program. Travel advisors can benefit from Explora Journeys’ commission payments.
The program will be headed by newly appointed Charter and Journey Together Lead Cindi Occhuizzo. After 30 years in the luxury travel industry including brands such as Kuoni, Disney Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Occhuizzo brings her global travel and hospitality industry experience to Explora Journeys. Over the years, she has developed strong relationships with third-party event planners, incentive houses and corporate meeting planners throughout the world, and accumulated vast knowledge of the industry. Occhuizzo will be supported by newly appointed Journey Together and Charter Operations Expert Vilma Moutsatsos, who brings over 24 years of experience to the role, with a deep background in managing luxury travel groups and other large-scale events.
Explora Journeys’ ongoing terms include the rolling commission program, generous levels up to 18 percent on journeys and 10 percent on add-ons with commission being paid following receipt of deposits, no non-commissionable fares (NCFs) and commission paid on cancelation fees.
“Journey Together” is designed for travel advisors to book small groups, extended and multi-generational families. The new offering starts with five suites and a minimum of 10 guests. Travel advisors can benefit from a complimentary host berth, rewarding commission payments and each suite reserved comes with a complimentary Journey Experience credit to use onboard.
“Journey Together+” starts with a 10-suite, 20-guest minimum and offers travel advisors a complimentary host suite, rewarding commissions and a value fare to significantly increase their profit potential.
Full ship charter, meetings and incentive group requests can also be submitted by travel advisors and shipping brokers, and are negotiated independently of the “Journey Together” programs. Full ship charter quotes are based upon the length of the customized journey and time of year.
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