Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer is leaving

Since joining in September 2019, he played a key role establishing the new luxury lifestyle brand, launching its first vessel, Explora I.

Ungerer will remain as advisor through to the end of August, and Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Group’s executive chairman for the cruise division, will assume his responsibilities as CEO for the time being. 

Bringing Explora Journeys to fruition

Vago said, ‘It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Michael as we have brought to life this incredible new brand and built everything from the bottom up. I would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contribution, and we wish him well for the future.’ 

Once in a lifetime chance

‘Creating a new luxury hospitality brand from scratch in today’s world has been a true, once in a lifetime opportunity, and an incredible journey,’ said Ungerer. ‘It has been a real privilege working with the visionary Pierfrancesco Vago and the entire Aponte family, which I am forever grateful for. Their firm commitment and their long-term generational view, as only a family owned and operated company can, made it all possible.’