Explora Journeys, the new luxury brand from MSC Cruises, has announced six new appointments in global and regional roles across Europe, the Americas and the UK and Ireland.

Ex-Crystal Cruises vice-president of international sales Helen Beck has joined as head of global sales excellence, based in Geneva, and will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the brand’s processes and resources.

Four new heads of sales will support the development of and execute the commercial sales strategy for their local markets.

Saul Fonseca, who previously worked with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will take up the position of head of sales USA East and the Americas, while Aimee Price will fill the same role for USA West and Canada.

The UK & Ireland head of sales job has been filled by Priti Mehta, who recently left Oceania Cruises after six years with the company.

Former Holland America Line and Seabourn sales lead Francisco Sanchez will be head of sales for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Leyre Torres Campo – most recently at Regent Seven Seas Cruises – will become business relationships lead for southern Europe.

Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer said: “We have assembled a fantastic, diverse team of enthusiastic, passionate and highly experienced professionals to strengthen further our commitment to the travel advisor community, our valuable partners.

“Explora Journeys in a short period of time has quickly been accepted into several preferred partnership programmes, which demonstrates clearly the confidence and trust the travel industry places in Explora Journeys and its team.

“These new commercial appointments, working within the global team led by Chris Austin, are further positive steps forward as we continue to build a truly defining and highly desired, luxury lifestyle brand.”

Chief sales officer Chris Austin added: “I am looking forward to working alongside such a talented and highly respected commercial team who will all relish our commitment to the travel advisor community.

“The new team members all have long-established relationships, built on a solid foundation of trust, credibility and experience within the luxury cruise and hospitality industry.”

In October 2021, Explora Journeys cut the steel for its second ship, Explora II.