Carlos Insuasti shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Carlos , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the greatest misconceptions about luxury ocean travel, especially within our segment, is that it is all about the ship. Guests often imagine luxury in terms of suite layouts, glamorous destinations, or fine dining. Undeniably, these elements are part of the journey. But what truly defines the experience is something deeper. At Explora Journeys, luxury is not about the vessel. It is about cultivating an Ocean State of Mind, a mindset of calm, connection, and renewal that only emerges when we escape to the sea and rediscover what matters most. We design journeys for discovery, including social discovery, active discovery, and self discovery, set in an environment that feels modern, cosmopolitan, and deeply rooted in hospitality, delivering an experience that transcends travel itself.
Much of this magic takes place behind the scenes. Our Ambassadors are far more than sales professionals or luxury service providers. They embody the spirit of Explora Journeys by bringing our promise to life through cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, and authentic relationships built on trust. This is often overlooked, yet it is exactly where the true value lies.
Our purpose is to help guests embrace an Ocean State of Mind, a feeling of inner calm, connection, and discovery that unfolds throughout their journey. Whether it is our guest to host ratio of 1.25 to 1, our carefully curated Destination Experiences, or our commitment to intuitive and personalized service, everything we do is designed to honor this ethos.
Our Ocean Terrace Suites, Penthouses, and Residences serve as private sanctuaries with generous space and sweeping ocean views. Guests in our top accommodations enjoy elevated privileges including in suite dining, priority access, and private transfers. For us, luxury is never an end in itself. It is about creating an environment where every guest feels genuinely cared for and deeply understood.
Wellness is another area often misunderstood. Our Ocean Wellness program is holistic, grounded in both science and soul. It spans spa therapies, sleep optimization, nutrition coaching, and mindfulness practices, all delivered in beautifully designed spaces that restore balance.
Entertainment and Enrichment are also central to the guest journey. Our programming fosters cultural immersion, learning, and connection through intimate guest speakers, creative workshops, and initiatives such as the Solivagant Society which enriches the journeys of solo travelers.
This is why the misconception that luxury ocean travel is only about the ship misses the essence of what we do. At Explora Journeys, it is not about a vessel or a destination. It is about transformation through connection to the ocean, to oneself, and to others. That is what we deliver, and that is what defines the future of luxury ocean travel.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carlos Insuasti. I was born in Colombia and raised in Hialeah, where I learned from my father the value of hard work, humility, and treating everyone with respect. Those lessons became the foundation of who I am and continue to shape the way I view leadership and life. From an early age, I was determined to create a different future, one built on purpose, people, and progress.
Outside of work, I am very much a family man. Traveling with my family is one of my greatest joys, and they are a constant reminder of why I strive to lead with intention, build with integrity, and keep moving forward. Everything I build professionally is with the hope that it sets an example for them and for others who come from humble beginnings. Collaboration is also a core part of who I am. I believe the best ideas come from working together, learning from one another, and lifting each other up.
My career has taken me through roles in sales, retail, operations, start ups, and customer service. It has brought me to different parts of the world to sell globally, launch contact centers from the ground up, and support the inauguration of new ships. Along the way, I discovered my passion for hospitality and found my calling in the luxury cruise industry.
What makes Explora Journeys truly different is not only the product but also the people behind it. I was honored to be part of the founding team, as the third hire, that built our North American contact center from the ground up and later helped launch additional centers in London and South Africa. We designed every element to reflect emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and the care that our guests deserve. At Explora Journeys, we do things differently. We do not have cabins, we offer oceanfront suites. Our phone agents are Ambassadors. Our Destination Experiences are not just excursions, they are cultural immersions that create lasting impact. Every decision is intentional and aligned with our mission to elevate ocean travel into something personal and transformational.
Beyond day to day operations, I am actively leading several projects across the business. I am passionate about building strong foundations and continuously improving our systems, processes, and sales and service standards to support growth. For me, this is more than a job. It is a purpose driven journey where I can honor my roots, make my family proud, and help shape the future of luxury hospitality.
Today, four years later, I have the privilege of leading our North American team along with our global contact centers for Explora Journeys.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious kid growing up in Samari Lakes, a humble but rough neighborhood in Hialeah. Surrounded by other kids with big dreams and limited means, we all shared a quiet hope for something more. I did not grow up with much, but I carried a strong belief that I was meant for something greater. It was never about ambition or recognition. It was a quiet knowing that I could build something better for myself and eventually help others do the same.
As time went on, the world tried to shape me into someone more cautious, more reserved, and more practical. But that drive to lead, to care, and to create something meaningful never left me. Every step in my journey has been about reconnecting with that kid from Samari Lakes, trusting my instincts, staying grounded, and doing the work with heart.
Today, I get to live that truth. I lead teams, build systems, and support both advisors and guests. I collaborate with exceptional individuals from around the world and continue to learn every day. Collaboration has become one of my greatest strengths because I believe the best results come from working together and sharing ideas openly. Most importantly, I am living the purpose I always felt deep within me. For me, care, intention, and human connection are at the center of every meaningful story, including mine.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Listen to your parents. Trust their guidance. And know that you are going to be just fine. Keep going, even when it feels like no one notices the effort.
There were times growing up when I wondered if the long hours and quiet sacrifices would ever lead to something more. I did not have a clear path or powerful connections, only persistence and a belief that a better future was possible. I would tell that younger version of me that every step will be worth it. That the struggles will shape him into a stronger, more compassionate person. And most of all, I would remind him that staying kind, humble, and grounded will become his greatest strength, never lose that.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to building a culture where people feel seen, valued, and safe to share their ideas. No matter the role I am in, I believe in creating an environment where individuals are inspired to deliver exceptional service not because they are told to, but because they genuinely feel it from within.
This belief has shaped every part of my career and is especially meaningful now at Explora Journeys, where I had the unique opportunity to help build our contact center from the ground up. From the start, the goal was never simply to answer calls or reduce handle time. It was to create a culture where every interaction is intentional and authentic, where our Ambassadors feel empowered, and where excellence comes naturally rather than being scripted.
That kind of culture takes time, consistency, and leadership rooted in empathy and accountability. As our brand continues to grow, I remain committed to this belief. No matter how advanced our ships become or how seamless our systems are, it is the people and the culture behind them that define the guest experience. Protecting and nurturing that culture over time is the long game, and I am fully committed to it.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Titles may fade and metrics may change, but the way you make people feel and the connections you create are what truly last. That is the story I hope people tell.
I hope they say I never forgot where I came from and that I used whatever influence I had to open doors for others. That I built more than systems and teams. I built people up. I believed in unity over silos, in collaboration over competition, and in sharing success for the greater good.
I hope they remember that I created spaces where people felt seen, especially those who, like me, did not grow up with a clear path or easy access to opportunity. That I made every guest, colleague, and new team member feel that they mattered.
I have had the privilege of helping shape something from the ground up, but beyond the brand, I want my legacy to be about how I made people feel. I hope they say I led with heart, with consistency, and with integrity, even when no one was watching.
Most of all, as a father, I hope my kids see that success is not measured only by titles or achievements, but by how you treat people, how you lead, and how you give back. If they carry forward the values of kindness, respect, and perseverance, then I will know I lived my purpose well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://explorajourneys.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/explorajourneys
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-insuasti-king/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ExploraJourneys
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Explorajourneysofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExploraJourneys
Image Credits
These are all pictures taken by me.
