SAN DIEGO, CA, June 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and founder of Luxury Travel University, recently met with Aimee Price, Vice President of Field Sales North America for Explora Journeys, in San Diego to discuss the continued expansion of the luxury cruise market, the evolving future of luxury ocean travel, and the ongoing rollout of new Explora Journeys ships and global itineraries through 2028.

The meeting focused on strengthening strategic partnerships within the luxury travel sector as demand for small ship luxury cruising, hosted sailings, immersive travel experiences, and premium ocean journeys continues to grow globally. Discussions also centered around advisor education, luxury cruise sales growth, client experience, hosted sailings, and the continued evolution of the Explora Journeys brand within the North American luxury travel market.

As Explora Journeys continues its global expansion with the upcoming launches of Explora IV, Explora V, and Explora VI through 2028, discussions also included the continued development of itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, the Caribbean, North America, transatlantic voyages, and other emerging luxury cruise destinations around the world.

Hughes has been a strong supporter of Explora Journeys since the launch of the brand and continues to see significant momentum among affluent travelers seeking a more elevated and refined cruise experience. Her agency has actively supported the brand through hosted sailings, advisor education initiatives, luxury cruise marketing campaigns, strategic growth partnerships, and curated luxury group travel experiences.

"Explora Journeys continues to elevate the luxury cruise experience in a way that genuinely resonates with today's traveler," said Angela Hughes. "Today's luxury traveler is looking for meaningful experiences, smaller ships, elevated service, immersive destinations, exceptional dining, wellness, and a more intentional way to travel. The continued expansion of the fleet and the introduction of new global itineraries through 2028 reflects the growing demand for immersive luxury travel experiences."

Hughes also noted a continued shift in the luxury cruise market toward smaller ships, destination immersion, and experience driven travel.

"We are seeing travelers prioritize experiences more than ever before," Hughes added. "Luxury travelers are increasingly seeking deeper cultural connection, personalized service, wellness focused experiences, and journeys that feel more intimate and transformational rather than transactional. That shift continues to drive the demand for small ship luxury cruising globally."

The discussions also highlighted the continued evolution of the onboard guest experience, including destination immersion, curated culinary experiences, wellness programming, and personalized services designed to create a more seamless luxury travel experience both onboard and ashore.

As CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, Hughes leads a growing network of more than 140 luxury travel advisors specializing in luxury cruises, river cruises, expedition cruises, safaris, yachting, and custom travel experiences around the world. With more than 40 years in the travel industry and travel experience spanning over 121 countries, Hughes is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in luxury travel, cruise distribution, advisor growth strategies, and experiential travel.

In addition to serving on the Travel Leaders Network Advisory Board, Hughes was named the 2024 Luxury Travel Influencer of the Year by Travel Leaders Network and was recognized by TravelPulse as one of the Most Influential Women in Travel in 2026. She has also been featured in Travel Weekly, TravelPulse, Travel Age West, Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Market Report, and Insider Travel Report discussing luxury travel trends, cruise growth, experiential travel, and the future of the luxury travel industry.

Trips & Ships Luxury Travel also continues to expand its advisor network nationwide through its luxury host agency division. The company is actively seeking experienced and growth minded travel advisors interested in specializing in luxury cruises, safaris, river cruises, expedition travel, and immersive travel experiences. Advisors interested in learning more about joining the agency may visit http://www.luxuryhostagency.com.

The meeting between Hughes and Explora Journeys leadership reflects the continued collaboration between both organizations as the luxury cruise sector continues to expand globally and evolve toward more immersive, experience driven travel.

Travelers interested in future Explora Journeys departures, hosted sailings, and curated luxury cruise experiences may learn more at http://www.tripsandships.com.

About Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is a luxury focused travel company and host agency specializing in luxury cruises, expedition cruises, river cruises, safaris, small ship cruising, alumni travel, and custom travel experiences worldwide. The company supports a growing network of luxury travel advisors and provides concierge level travel planning services for travelers around the globe. www.tripsandships.com

Trips & Ships Luxury Travel is also actively expanding its nationwide network of independent contractors and luxury travel advisors. The company is seeking growth minded professionals interested in specializing in luxury cruises, river cruises, safaris, expedition travel, small ship cruising, and immersive travel experiences. Advisors joining the agency gain access to luxury supplier partnerships, hosted sailings, educational training opportunities, marketing support, industry networking, and a collaborative luxury travel community focused on long term business growth. Learn more about joining Trips & Ships Luxury Travel at www.luxuryhostagency.com.

Media Contact:
Angela Hughes
Trips & Ships Luxury Travel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 603 860 3274
Website: http://www.tripsandships.com

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