Christopher Austin has been named President, North America, of Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group. Based in Miami, Austin will direct Explora’s efforts and teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He 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 Sr. VP President Global Marketing & Sales at another luxury cruise line and VP Global Luxury & Leisure Sales for one of the leading global luxury hotel groups.

The company says his 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, adding his “unwavering commitment and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and fostering its growth globally, and within the North American region.”

EXPLORA I is currently sailing in North America and the Caribbean. EXPLORA II will enter service in August while EXPLORA III will come into service in 2026 and EXPLORA IV in 2027 with both ships being LNG-powered. EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.