At the Helm of EXPLORA III

When you take charge of a new ship, you are not just inheriting steel and engines. You are shaping her identity from the very first voyage. I had this privilege also for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.

For me, EXPLORA III represents evolution. Every ship is a living organism, but this one feels particularly thoughtful in how she has been conceived. For me, she embodies balance—between innovation and tradition, scale and intimacy, precision and emotion. To be entrusted with her command is both a professional honour and a deeply personal responsibility. EXPLORA III is especially meaningful to me, as I had the unique privilege of seeing how she would come to life at sea from the very beginning. In February 2023, I witnessed her tank testing at MARIN in the Netherlands—one of the world’s leading institutions in hydrodynamic research—where a scaled model was tested to understand her performance in the water. I have followed her journey from those very first moments. Being with Explora Journeys from the very beginning has granted me enormous privilege: To be part of this brand’s start-up team, with all the challenges of building something from scratch. 

She has remarkable calmness – something more in common with EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, than different. From the Bridge, you sense it immediately—the ship responds smoothly, confidently, almost intuitively. That serenity carries through to guest spaces and host areas alike.

What stands out most is the intentionality behind her design. Everything feels purposeful. Sightlines, flow, acoustics, even light—these are not accidental. They contribute to a sense of ease that allows guests to truly disconnect and, for our hosts to perform at their best.

I often describe myself as the orchestra conductor: My role is to bring a clear vision to life—one that, much like music, must be authentic and compelling—while harmonising the diverse ideas and personalities across all departments. By uniting everyone under a shared direction, I help shape a seamless and elevated onboard experience. My responsibility is to ensure that every department works in harmony while preserving the spirit of hospitality that defines Explora Journeys.

While safety and seamanship will always remain my foremost responsibilities, my role as the Owner’s representative on board also calls for embodying the values of the Aponte Vago family at every level of the ship’s command.

I see myself as a bridge between worlds: the technical and the human, the operational and the emotional. 

It is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. Our ships are home to professionals from many countries and cultures, each bringing their own expertise and perspective. My task is to unify those differences into a shared vision.

On our ships, excellence is non‑negotiable—but empathy is just as important. When a Host feels valued and respected, that translates directly into the guest experience.

More than anything else it is the sense of freedom. Horizons that are never the same - I call it the mobile horizon.

Also early mornings. There is something extraordinary about standing on the bridge at dawn, watching the ocean change colour as the ship glides forward. Those quiet moments remind me why seafaring is not just a profession but a calling.

Thirdly, arrivals. Bringing our ships gently into port—especially somewhere remote or dramatic—will always be profound. It’s a reminder of the trust placed in you and of the centuries-old tradition of maritime command.