Standing out requires more than just a stellar reputation when it comes to the luxury travel sector; it necessitates a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to excellence that transcends conventional expectations. Antonio Paradiso, the seasoned Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group and the Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, embodies these principles. With an impressive two-decade career that has consistently pushed the boundaries of travel and tourism, Paradiso has not only propelled MSC Cruises to new heights but has also been pivotal in launching Explora Journeys, MSC’s latest foray into luxury ocean travel.

As we sit down with Paradiso, he shares his professional voyage from the British Consulate in Italy to leading one of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. He discusses the foundational values of family and responsibility that have shaped his leadership style and offers insight into the strategic thinking that keeps MSC at the vanguard of industry innovation. In this in-depth interview, Paradiso reveals the ambition and rigour behind the introduction of Explora Journeys, setting a new standard for luxury at sea.

Can you provide a brief overview of your professional background and journey to becoming a business leader?

“I have 20 years of experience in commercial business, including over 16 years in travel and tourism. Starting at the British Consulate in Italy, my journey at MSC Cruises began in 2008 as Commercial Manager for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Rising swiftly, in 2012 I led operations across 30 countries as Executive Director for Asia and emerging markets. Appointed Managing Director of the UK and Ireland in 2016, I now also serve as the Vice President of International Sales for MSC Group’s cruise division. Last year I was also named Managing Director of Explora Journeys for the UK & Irish Market, leading the new cruise line in its inaugural year.”

What are the key values or principles that have guided you throughout your career?

“MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys are family-run companies and so I have enjoyed a career that encompasses family values. It is this family-based culture that has allowed my career to thrive.

“My ethos has always been to work hard while acting responsibly and in the best interests of colleagues and guests. I care deeply for the people I work with who all have a deep passion for what they do.”

What do you believe sets successful business leaders apart from others in your industry?

“Hard work, dedication, passion and an entrepreneurial spirit. Curiosity is also key. A hunger to learn, be informed and seek out information. You don’t improve by working within your comfort zone. I pride myself on my thirst for knowledge, pushing myself, going above and beyond and exceeding expectations.”

Can you tell us about the journey leading up to launching a new cruise line?

“The MSC Group is privately owned and run by the Aponte family. The family’s seafaring traditions date back to the 17th century and testify to their longstanding and unbroken activity in the maritime industry, from cargo to cruise and beyond.

“Explora Journeys stems from their ambition and long-held dream. They wanted to create a transformative, luxury, ocean travel experience, shaping a category of its own.

“As a result, Explora Journeys is redefining the luxury cruise sector. A European brand imagined at the heart of Swiss hospitality in Geneva, where our Head Office is, the team researched and perfected every element, from engaging Martin Francis, the accomplished British designer with decades of experience working on some of the most iconic yachts, to fine-tuning emission control systems and establishing the name itself.

“We are launching six ships between 2023 and 2028, built by Fincantieri in Italy, so the journey itself is a busy one.”

Who is Explora Journeys targeting?

“The discerning traveller. Those aged 35+ who are land lovers and may have previously overlooked an ocean journey in favour of a luxury hotel. Of course there is plenty of appeal for current luxury cruisers too.

“Our target audience are avid global travellers who expect a different style of luxury travel; authentic, immersive, unique and personalised.”

What sets Explora Journeys apart?

“Explora Journeys is family-run and personally curated. We offer a modern, cosmopolitan, boutique hotel vibe but at sea.

“All of our suites are ocean-facing and our private terraces are amongst the largest in the category, with large floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant interiors. Intimate yet spacious, exclusive yet laid-back, our intuitive hospitality is discreet, whilst our 11 culinary experiences rival any land-based offering.”

Can you describe a pivotal moment or turning point in your career that significantly impacted your leadership style or perspective?

“My defining moment came whilst navigating MSC Cruises through the pandemic. In 2021, we made the decision to restart sailings in the UK after lockdown. We were the first cruise line to do this and the emotional moment of seeing the crew cheer as guests boarded the first sailing is something I will never forget. It’s easy to look good when everything is going well – it’s in the challenging times that you see a company’s true colours.”

What do you consider your most significant professional achievement, and what lessons did you learn from that experience?

“When I first joined the UK office as MD, the UK was one of MSC Cruises’ smallest markets. MSC Cruises is now the #1 international cruise line in the UK. I was able to achieve this by leading a talented team who are exceptionally passionate about our business. I have learnt that a business is only ever as good as its people and that’s why at MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys we are continually investing in talent.”

How do you foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within your organisation?

“I welcome creativity at all levels, innovation through collaboration. My open-door policy allows us to adapt and evolve efficiently, responding to new ideas by looking at them from all angles.”

Can you share any strategies you employ to stay ahead of industry trends and remain competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape?

“Working in the cruise sector you must look at least ten years ahead. When launching new ships you need to pre-empt and meet guests’ expectations, not just of today but also tomorrow. As we offer ocean journeys and an effortless luxury experience, we pay close attention to hospitality trends in addition to innovation in technology. It is ongoing, constantly evolving. To stay ahead you need to be open, curious, and continually monitoring to anticipate potential needs. It is a collective effort as a company, listening to guest and trade partner feedback and learning from it. At MSC Group we are always looking to the future.  The launch of Explora Journeys is testament to this. Likewise, the development of our fleet as we aim to enhance each newbuild with further improvements for our guests.”

What does luxury travel look like in 2024? Are you noticing and capitalising on future trends?

“There has been a real shift towards luxury ocean journeys in recent years, with established cruise and hospitality players entering the market.

“We are witnessing an uplift in the next generation of travellers’ propensity to cruise, driven by curiosity and a clear intention of what they hope to gain from their experience.

“Luxury in quality, space and experience are big for 2024, underpinned by a conscious mindset. We offer one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the luxury category and our onboard retail offering includes some of the most coveted brands such as Cartier, Panerai and Piaget, in addition to a collection of 30 artisanal brands that celebrate craftsmanship and provenance. Inspired by the destinations we visit, these brands are committed to sustainable practices, B-Corp or Butterfly Mark certified.”

What is the Ocean State of Mind and what purpose does it serve?

“We call the benefit of sailing with Explora Journeys the “Ocean State of Mind”. It is the mindset achieved when we escape to the ocean, relax and reconnect. Transformational travel.

“We offer refined, yet effortless luxury, with opportunities for exploration of the inner and outer self. The resulting state is rewarding physically, intellectually and spiritually. An elevated state of mind inspired by the sea— active, social and self-discovery.”

How are you building confidence in the ocean journey sector for guests?

“Instilling confidence in a sector that was rocked to its core during the pandemic has been a heightened consideration. We pride ourselves on our consumer protection, healthy, safety and hygiene standards.

“For Explora Journeys for example, EXPLORA I passed its first United States Public Health inspection (USPH) with a perfect score. We also partner with EHL Hospitality Business School to create an unrivalled guest service on board.

“Essentially, it is the art of listening that enables us to build confidence, monitoring sentiment and being quick to pre-empt and react in an efficient and helpful way. Our valued trade partners help in this way too. Likewise, we are both ATOL & ABTA bonded, providing consumer protection, and offer an Explora Early Booking Benefit of 5%. We also hold the oceans that sustain our planet in the highest regard. Explora Journeys is committed to building the ships of tomorrow, utilising the very latest in environmentally supportive technologies whilst being primed to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available.”