CEO International Cruise Summit • Cruises News Media Group
Chief Executive Officer Explora Journeys As Chief Executive Officer, Michael Ungerer is charged with leading all aspects of the creation, development, and execution of Explora Journeys. The first two of six luxury superyacht style ships, EXPLORA I is scheduled to set sail in May 2023 and EXPLORA II in summer 2024, with the remaining four being delivered between 2026 and 2028. Mr. Ungerer recruits and leads a multicultural team of exceptionally talented individuals who bring together a breadth of luxury hospitality and brand experience. Employing a guest-centric mindset, he brings his extensive knowledge of the travel industry, his entrepreneurial spirit, his expertise in emerging markets, and his understanding of family businesses to this role. Sustainability and CSR efforts are both extremely close to Mr. Ungerer's heart, as he believes that both business and travel should be a force for good. Prior to joining Explora Journeys, Mr. Ungerer held various leadership positions with Carnival Corporation across different geographies and brands. Most recently, he was COO of Carnival Asia where he coordinated the company's efforts to gain market entry in the region. Prior to that, he served as the President of Carnival's AIDA Cruises. Before working for Carnival, Mr. Ungerer held a variety of senior management roles with brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Sonesta Resorts, and The Ritz-Carlton in the USA. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. Ungerer served as the founding Chairman of CLIA Germany, the industry association that represents the interests of the German cruise industry, and he is now an active member of the WTTC Sustainability Committee. Mr. Ungerer studied Economics at Leopold Franzens University in Innsbruck, Austria and at London Business School. He graduated from the Institute of Hospitality Management in Salzburg and holds a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD. He has also graduated from INSEAD's Independent Directors Programme. Originally hailing from the mountains of Austria, he has lived in six countries on three continents, and now calls Geneva, Switzerland home.
