London Design Gold

2025

Explora Journeys: Redefining Luxury Travel Online

Entrant Company

Explora Journeys

Category

Communication Design - Websites

Client's Name

Explora Journeys

Country / Region

Switzerland

Depth without complexity: a website that balances rich content with calm, intuitive design.



Creativity / Concept / Idea:

Explora Journeys set out to reimagine the traditional cruise website—not as a catalogue of itineraries, but as a luxurious, emotionally engaging digital destination. The concept, “Ocean State of Mind,” informed every creative decision. Inspired by the serenity of the sea and the elegance of European design, the site invites users not just to plan a journey, but to feel transported from the first interaction.



Content / Brief / Objective / Planning / Execution:

The brief: Design a premium digital experience that embodies a new luxury travel brand. Objectives included creating a seamless user journey, integrating storytelling, driving engagement, and supporting conversion without disrupting the brand’s calm tone.

The execution balanced rich editorial-style content with intuitive UX—carefully planned around user personas including affluent travellers and high-end travel advisors. Core user journeys (e.g. Explore the Ships, Destinations, Life Onboard) were built to inform and inspire in equal measure.



Visual / Design:

The site’s visual identity is understated yet sophisticated. Cinematic video headers and full-screen imagery echo the fluidity of ocean travel, while a minimal colour palette and elegant serif typography establish a sense of modern luxury. Thoughtful use of white space, smooth transitions, and restrained animation create a graceful digital rhythm. The global navigation system is clean and highly functional, yet feels bespoke and brand-aligned.



Innovation / Functionality / Effectiveness:

Innovatively, the site prioritises emotional engagement before practical logistics—a rare approach in the cruise sector. Behind the beauty, the site is technically robust: fully responsive, optimised for global performance, and built for ongoing content evolution. Functional tools like brochure downloads drive measurable results, while maintaining the elegance of the experience.



Impact / Memorability:

The site delivers lasting emotional impact. It elevates Explora Journeys far above typical category expectations, resulting in increased engagement, brand affinity, and media acclaim. More than a website, it’s an invitation to experience a new kind of luxury travel—one that stays with the user long after they’ve left the page.



Credits

Explora Journeys
Paul Smart
Explora Journeys
Amanda Rosito
Explora Journeys
Clément Guerin
Explora Journeys
Silvia Pagliarino
Explora Journeys
Gauthier Van Damme
Skywire
Louise Wittlin-Hart
Skywire
Tom Wittlin
Skywire
Eva Hoff
Skywire
Ben Thompson
Skywire
Howard Dean
Skywire
Andreea Iliescu
More Gold Winners
Interior
2025
London Design Awards - Whisky Code Retail Department

Entrant Company

WEIWU Interior Design Ltd.

Category

Interior Design - Commercial 

Interior
2025
London Design Awards - Jinlanhui Restaurant

Entrant Company

GROWTO DESIGN

Category

Interior Design - Restaurants & Bars

Product
2025
London Design Awards - SC9830AS Range Hood

Entrant Company

LEYANT INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

Category

Product Design - Kitchen Accessories / Appliances

Communication
2025
London Design Awards - Vytala Seracal MySeracal.com Website
Vytala

Entrant Company

SFC Group

Category

Communication Design - Websites