TORONTO — Explora Journeys has named Patricia Di Benedetto as its Toronto-based Business Relationship Lead in Canada.

Di Benedetto has more than 17 years of experience in building retail and hospitality brands. She was most recently a Strategic Accounts Manager for Royal Caribbean International.

Di Benedetto was also Director of Merchandising and Marketing Operations for Reebok and was also employed by Adidas before joining the cruise industry.

In her new role, she will report to Aimee Price, Head of Sales West USA and Canada.

Explora is the luxury travel brand of MSC Group.

“I am delighted to welcome Patricia to our ever-growing global commercial team. I know she will be a great asset for us in the important Canadian market. She will work closely with travel agents as we push ahead with our ambition to transform ocean travel for luxury travellers,” says Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, Explora Journeys.

Explora Journeys recently announced an order for an additional two luxury ships powered by hydrogen fuel to take its fleet from four to six ships.

The first vessel, EXPLORA I, will depart for its maiden voyage at the end of May 2023 from Barcelona to Athens.

The ship in its first year at sea will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries. Itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean Sea, South America and Hawaii.

Sailings start from six-night voyages and culminate in a 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.