What inspired you to take on the role of president at Explora Journeys and how did your past experiences shape your path to this position?

I’ve always worked with family-led businesses, where purpose and long-term vision shape the guest experience. When the opportunity to join Explora Journeys arose, I was enraptured by the Aponte-Vago family’s ambition to redefine ocean travel through elegance, meaning and emotional connection.

Could you share some of the main obstacles you’ve faced and how you have navigated them to achieve the success you have today?

One of the most meaningful transitions in my career has been moving from land-based luxury to ocean travel. While many values align, especially around service and brand experience, the operational landscape is entirely different. The maritime world has its own rhythm, language and complexity, which I’ve embraced with humility and curiosity.

There’s still a legacy perception that ocean travel is complex or appeals only to a certain demographic. Shifting that narrative is something I feel strongly about and it’s central to our mission at Explora Journeys.

What are the key attributes that define strong leadership, particularly in luxury hospitality and travel?

It begins with empathy. This is, at its core, a people business and understanding those around you – whether it’s guests, teams or partners – is essential to creating truly meaningful experiences.

For me, it’s also about being present, approachable and willing to roll up my sleeves. I believe leadership is felt not just in the decisions made but in the way we show up every day – with clarity, consistency and care.

At Explora Journeys, where we’re building something new, it’s vital to set a clear direction, make decisive decisions and remove barriers so the team can move forward with confidence. I don’t believe in having all the answers – I believe in listening, learning and leading with intent.

Humility matters as much as decisiveness. The willingness to adapt, take feedback and grow alongside the brand is what ensures we continue evolving in the right way.

What advice would you offer to other women striving for success in leadership roles, particularly in male-dominated industries?

My advice is to lead with authenticity and stay true to your voice. In male-dominated industries, it can be tempting to adjust your style but it’s often our differences in perspective that bring the most value. Empathy, intuition and emotional intelligence are not soft skills, they are essential qualities of strong leadership.

Surround yourself with people who challenge and champion you. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me before I did, and that support made a lasting impact. A strong network, especially among other women, can be both grounding and empowering.

Above all, be bold. Take the seat, ask the question, put your ideas forward. Doubt is normal but it shouldn’t define your path. Every time a woman steps into leadership, it paves the way for others to do the same.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career and how has it shaped your leadership approach or personal philosophy?

One of the most meaningful pieces of advice I’ve been given is to ‘stay anchored in who you are’. 

It’s easy, especially in leadership roles, to feel pressure to conform but I’ve learned that consistency, presence and integrity are what build real trust.

In our world, where nuance and emotional connection matter, it’s not about being the loudest voice but the most steady and considered. When people know where you stand and what you stand for, it creates clarity, calmness and confidence, even in complexity.

What are the essential ingredients for an exceptional travel experience? What sets Explora Journeys apart? 

For me, exceptional travel is always about the interplay of emotion, elegance and a true sense of place. It’s not just about where you go, it’s how you feel while you’re there and what stays with you long after the journey ends.

What sets Explora Journeys apart is our ability to blend the refined sophistication of a European boutique hotel with the freedom, rhythm and expansiveness of the open sea. 

There’s a remarkable shift that happens as guests step from shore to ship: you sense the change almost instantly. People feel more relaxed, more equal, more open. There’s a quiet camaraderie, as if everyone is here with a shared purpose, even if they’ve never met.

At the heart of it all is what we call the Ocean State of Mind: a philosophy rooted in emotional connection, discovery and transformation. It’s about embracing a slower, more intentional way of seeing the world; reconnecting with yourself, your surroundings and those you meet along the way. 

What positive changes have you seen in the industry, and where is there still work to do?

Luxury travel is evolving. Guests today are seeking more than beauty; they want meaning, connection and a sense of purpose. That shift is something to celebrate.

We’re also seeing land-based luxury brands entering the ocean space, bringing fresh thinking and new perspectives. It’s encouraging all of us to challenge convention and elevate the guest experience in more creative, considered ways.

One particularly positive shift in ocean travel is the number of women now leading at the highest levels, including many female presidents. It’s incredibly encouraging and I hope other industries take note. There’s still work to do, of course, especially in moving beyond one-size-fits-all models and embracing greater diversity in leadership and storytelling. The more voices we welcome, the more vibrant and relevant our industry becomes.

How do you manage work-life balance in such a demanding role?

I don’t think of it as work-life balance in the traditional sense. I simply love what I do. It’s rooted in purpose and pride and in many ways, it’s become part of my life and identity.

That said, I’ve learned the importance of creating space to reset. Whether it’s time with my family, moments in nature or simply stepping away from a screen, those pauses help me stay present – both professionally and personally.

Looking ahead, what is your next big focus for Explora Journeys?

I’m focused on guiding Explora Journeys through its next phase of growth. We plan to expand our fleet to six ships, deepen our emotional connection with guests and build wider awareness of who we are and what we stand for.

We are not here to follow traditional definitions of luxury. For us, it’s about elegance, meaning and time well spent, offering experiences that feel both personal and transformative. As we grow, we’re curating itineraries that reflect the spirit of exploration, from the Red Sea to the Amazon and soon, Asia and Alaska.

As a family-owned brand, we also have the advantage of being agile. Our retreats go beyond the spa, with our Ocean Wellness philosophy we combine movement, mindfulness and destination-inspired healing, allowing guests to return home renewed in every sense.

My role is to lead this evolution with clarity and care, ensuring we stay true to our purpose while continuing to inspire.

www.explorajourneys.com