As qualifying for the upcoming Australian Open got underway in Melbourne, last night Explora Journeys hosted an exclusive cocktail reception and Q&A session with tennis ace and Global Brand Ambassador, Jannik Sinner at Stokehouse, St Kilda.
The event celebrated the ongoing partnership between the brand and one of the world’s most focused athletes, while offering a first glimpse of a new onboard wellness program being developed in collaboration with Sinner and his Performance team, exclusively for Explora Journeys’ guests.
In only her second day on the job, Katrina McAlpine, recently appointed ANZ Managing Director of MSC Group (Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises), said: “Elite sport continues to shape global culture and lifestyle, particularly in how we think about performance at the highest level.
Stokehouse branding for the event last
“Today’s athletes understand that success isn’t just about intensity. It’s about precision, recovery, balance and mindset. That’s what makes Explora Journeys’ partnership with Jannick Sinner such a natural alignment, as one of the world’s greatest tennis players,” McAlpine said.
“Jannick is recognised not only for his extraordinary talent, but his discipline, composure and focus under pressure. These qualities mirror the values that define Explora Journeys – a mastery that feels effortless and excellence delivered with purpose.”
Yannick Sinner, professional tennis player and Global Ambassador for Explora Journeys, with Sports Reporter, Catherine Murphy | Image: LATTE/Guy Dundas
Central to his performance is a finely tuned balance between effort, recovery and mental clarity – values that resonate strongly with Explora Journeys’ guiding philosophy. Known as the Ocean State of Mind, the brand draws inspiration from the sea’s ability to bring calm, clarity and connection, reflecting the restorative qualities increasingly vital to mental wellbeing and overall balance today.
Shaped by Sinner’s personal training and recovery approach, and rooted in Explora Journeys’ Ocean Wellness philosophy, the forthcoming In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Programme will translate these principles into exclusive onboard experiences available on all ships at the start of the Mediterranean season from March 2026. Mindful movement, therapeutic breathwork, targeted recovery and restorative contrast therapies will be integral elements – all guided by the regenerative power of the ocean.
A packed Stokehouse in St Kilda, listening to Jannik Sinner’s Q&A | Photo credit: Shane van Laa
During a Q&A in front of an audience of 90, attended by many local and interstate travel and media partners (including LATTE), Sinner spoke candidly about his personal wellness philosophy and how he incorporates it into daily life. He emphasised the importance of balance when navigating high-pressure moments and shared the methods he uses to achieve it. That includes his extraordinary ability to be able to sleep, anywhere, anytime, including napping up until 40 minutes before walking onto the court for a match!
Guests received an early glimpse of In Balance: A Jannik Sinner Ocean Wellness Programme, which Sinner described as a way to bring his approach to preparation, recovery and mental clarity to travellers seeking renewal at sea.
Yannick Sinner, Explora Journeys’ Global Brand Ambassador | Photo: LATTE/Guy Dundas
The event also illustrated how elite sport continues to influence global culture, echoing Explora Journeys’ broader engagement with world-class events such as Formula 1®. In 2025, guests enjoyed an unrivalled view of the Formula 1® Grand Prix de Monaco circuit from the deck of EXPLORA II in Monte Carlo, complete with curated experiences including F1 Paddock Club™ access, pit lane walks, immersive onboard hospitality and cultural programmes. This experience will be repeated this year with EXPLORA I docked at Monaco’s iconic Port Hercule during the 2026 Grand Prix.
As Explora Journeys continues to redefine luxury ocean travel, the brand’s partnership with Jannik Sinner exemplifies a shared vision for wellbeing, performance and discovery. Together, they invite guests to slow down, reconnect, and experience travel guided by intention and inspired by the ocean.
The First Round of the 2026 Australian Open gets underway on 18 January.
Lead image: from left are Explora Journeys’ Sam Langton, James McCullagh, Gillian Seller, Yannick Sinner, Global Brand Ambassador, Nicole Costantin, Head of Sales APAC and Katrina McApline, Managing Director ANZ, MSC Group | Photo: LATTE/Guy Dundas
