Sydney-based communication agency’s fifth cruise line account

Engelberts founded PEPR (which stands for Philip Engelberts Public Relations and is pronounced ‘pepper’) in Sydney in 2003.

He also represents Holland America Line, Cunard, Aqua Expeditions and European Waterways.

Eve of naming ceremony

The Explora Journeys appointment will come on the eve of the July 8 naming ceremony in Rome of Explora I, the first of six ships for the MSC Group’s new luxury cruise line.

‘We are delighted to have the expert cruise team at PEPR agency work with us on the Explora Journeys brand launch in Australia and New Zealand,’ Verena Koetzle, director global public relations and communications, said.

Slower pace

‘Explora Journeys offers the perfect blend of celebrated destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations, focusing on a slower pace and more time in each destination, to ensure guests can get under the skin of the local culture and environment, whilst not leaving their mark on the destination,’ Koetzle said.

‘We know that Australian and New Zealand luxe travellers are ready to embrace the Explora I experience.’

Engelberts said his team is ‘delighted to represent such a sophisticated brand.'