Explora’s Patricia Di Benedetto promoted to dir. of sales, Canada as company grows team

Patricia Di Benedetto has been promoted to director of sales for Canada at Explora Journeys, PAX has learned.

In her new role, Di Benedetto – previously a business relationship lead for national and key accounts – will assume expanded responsibilities.

“The role comes with broader responsibilities and a more strategic national focus,” Di Benedetto told PAX. “I now oversee the overall sales strategy for Canada, leading our sales team, driving business growth through key trade partnerships, and identifying new opportunities to expand our presence in the market.”

Guided by an “Ocean State of Mind” philosophy, yacht-inspired Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s upscale, ultra-luxe cruise line, first set sail in July 2023. 

Since then, Explora has introduced luxury travellers to its spacious “homes at sea.” The cruise line’s sprawling suites (all of which have ocean-facing balconies) range from 377 sq. ft. in the Ocean Terrace category to up to 3,014 sq. ft. in the eye-popping Owners Residence.

As PAX experienced aboard the company’s inaugural ship, EXPLORA I, the sailings are a hassle-free, all-inclusive retreat – without complex food and beverage packages – in a 24-hour, butler service-oriented environment.

The company launched EXPLORA II in 2024, while EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV, powered by liquefied natural gas, will debut in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI, both hydrogen-powered, will bring the fleet to six by 2028.

VIDEO: “We needed something like this”: Agents unpack EXPLORA I's "homes at sea" with Explora Journeys

“Canada has become one of the strongest growth markets for Explora Journeys,” Di Benedetto said. “The business has seen significant year-over-year revenue growth, driven by strong support from the travel advisor community and increasing awareness of the brand among luxury travellers.”

To increase its sales support and Canadian presence, Explora Journeys is currently in the process of hiring two new business relationship lead positions: one dedicated to Ontario and one dedicated to Quebec and Atlantic Canada, said Di Benedetto.

“This will allow us to increase our market coverage and provide more localized support to our trade partners,” she said.

The new hires will join Lisa Willey, Explora's business relationship lead for Western Canada.  

On the horizon

Until then, there’s a lot to be excited about at Explora Journeys.

The EXPLORA III launches this summer with journeys throughout Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland.

Next year, she will sail Alaska roundtrip from Vancouver, giving Canadians a fantastic opportunity to experience the region through the Explora Journeys lens, before continuing on to Asia, including Japan during cherry blossom season, “one of the most sought-after travel experiences for Canadians,” said Di Benedetto.

“It’s almost hard to believe that in just two short years, we will have six ships in the water!” she said. “The response from both guests and travel advisors has been incredible.”

“The travel advisor community, particularly here in Canada, has really embraced Explora Journeys, which speaks to the strength of the product and the unique experience we're delivering.”

Patricia Di Benedetto can be reached at Patricia.dibenedetto@explorajourneys.com.

What's it like sailing with Explora Journeys? Watch PAX's exclusive reel, filmed on board the EXPLORA I!

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