Explora Journeys Appoints Justin Poulsen As Head Of Itinerary Planning, Destination Experiences & Ground Handling

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Poulsen as Head of Itinerary Planning, Destination Experiences & Ground Handling, effective August 2025. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Justin oversees the development of distinctive itineraries, immersive destination experiences, and seamless ground handling operations for the brand’s expanding fleet.

Justin brings over two decades of experience in cruise itinerary planning, destination development, and revenue strategy. Prior to joining Explora Journeys, he held several senior leadership positions at Silversea Cruises, including Vice President, Itinerary Planning & Destination Development and Vice President, Strategic Pricing & Itinerary Planning, where he played a key role in shaping the brand’s deployment and destination portfolio.

Before his time at Silversea, Justin served as Executive Director of the New Bedford Port Authority, and earlier as VP & Executive Director of PortNYC with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, managing strategic port operations and cruise development. His career also includes over a decade with another cruise lines in deployment, itinerary planning, and revenue management leadership roles.

Commenting on the appointment, Koray Savas, Vice President Hotel Operations at Explora Journeys, said: “Justin’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of itinerary design and destination curation is instrumental as we continue to deliver transformative ocean journeys for our guests. His leadership will ensure that every voyage reflects the brand’s promise of slow, immersive, and truly enriching travel.”

Justin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Transportation from the California Maritime Academy and an Executive MBA from Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Business.