Meet the Cruise Directors Behind Your Explorations by Norwegian Journey

On any great journey, it's not just where you go that matters, it's how it feels while you're there.

On Explorations by Norwegian, that feeling doesn't happen by chance. It's carefully shaped, moment by moment, by the people who set the tone onboard: our Cruise Directors.

Whether you're sailing with Aaron Mac, Sammie Firbanks or Ben Kitchen, you'll be guided by experienced hosts whose passion for travel, people and creating memorable experiences helps bring every voyage to life.

More Than Hosts. Curators of Your Onboard Experience.

From the moment you step onboard, your Cruise Director becomes the thread that ties the experience together.

While each brings their own style, personality and story, they all share a common purpose: helping guests feel connected, comfortable and immersed in the journey ahead.

A Cruise Director's role extends far beyond hosting events and making announcements. They create the atmosphere onboard, foster meaningful connections between guests and add context, personality and storytelling to every destination.

It's a role that requires leadership, adaptability and a genuine love of people, qualities that Aaron, Sammie and Ben embody in their own unique ways.

Aaron Mac: Bringing People Together

Melbourne local Aaron Mac has always been passionate about creating memorable experiences.

Long before taking to the cruise stage, Aaron built his career around leadership, human connection and helping people come together. From facilitating corporate retreats to leading recreation programs, his focus has always been on creating environments where people feel engaged, included and inspired.

That background shines through in everything he does onboard.

Warm, approachable and effortlessly engaging, Aaron has a natural ability to make guests feel at ease from day one. His relaxed yet polished style perfectly reflects the spirit of Explorations by Norwegian, where authentic experiences and meaningful connections take centre stage.

Away from the ship, Aaron enjoys travelling the world, sharing his love of beach volleyball and diving into his favourite films, passions that help fuel his curiosity and enthusiasm for the destinations our guests explore.

Sammie Firbanks: The Voice of Experience

Originally from a small town in Devon, southwest England, Sammie Firbanks has spent much of her professional life at sea, making the ocean very much her second home.

Trained as a professional vocalist and musical theatre performer at one of London's most prestigious stage schools, Sammie spent many years entertaining guests around the world before transitioning into cruise management and leadership.

Her extensive travel experience has taken her to some of the world's most captivating destinations, from the Caribbean and Singapore to Madeira and the breathtaking Norwegian fjords.

Guests quickly warm to Sammie's friendly nature, positive energy and genuine passion for creating unforgettable moments. Whether welcoming guests onboard, sharing destination insights or helping celebrate special occasions, she brings an infectious enthusiasm that helps create the sense of community that defines every Explorations by Norwegian voyage.

When she's not at sea, Sammie enjoys spending time with family and friends and taking long walks with her beloved dog.

Ben Kitchen: A Lifetime in Hospitality

With more than 22 years in the cruise industry, Ben Kitchen brings a wealth of experience, leadership and global perspective to every sailing.

Originally from the United Kingdom and raised in Australia, Ben's hospitality journey began in resorts across Australia before his career led him to the oceans of the world. Over the years, he has held a variety of entertainment and leadership positions, working with diverse teams and cultures while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Now based in Buenos Aires, Ben combines professional expertise with a warm, approachable personality that guests immediately appreciate.

His extensive industry experience allows him to effortlessly balance organisation, entertainment and guest engagement, ensuring every voyage feels both seamless and enjoyable.

When he's not onboard, Ben enjoys supporting his son's passion for football with River Plate, playing tag rugby and occasionally stepping into the spotlight for stand-up comedy. His love of people, travel and entertainment is evident in everything he does.

Why the Cruise Director Matters on Explorations by Norwegian

This isn't a large, high-energy cruise where guests disappear into the crowd.

Explorations by Norwegian is different. It's intimate, destination-led and experience-focused.

That means your Cruise Director plays an even greater role in shaping the journey by:

• Creating connection through shared experiences and meaningful interactions.
• Reading the room and adapting the atmosphere to match the mood of the voyage.
• Bringing destinations to life with context, storytelling and local insight.
• Building a sense of community that transforms a holiday into something truly memorable.

Whether you're sailing with Aaron, Sammie or Ben, you'll quickly recognise a familiar face who helps make the journey feel personal from beginning to end.

The Explorations Difference

One of the most noticeable differences onboard Explorations by Norwegian is that the atmosphere isn't dictated by a packed entertainment schedule.

Instead, it's shaped by the people onboard and guided by experienced Cruise Directors who understand how to create the perfect balance of discovery, connection and relaxation.

The result is an environment that feels:

• Warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive.
• Polished yet relaxed, without unnecessary formality.
• Social without being overwhelming, offering opportunities to connect at your own pace.
• Authentic and enriching, with the journey always remaining the star of the show.

It's a style that perfectly suits the Explorations by Norwegian guest: curious, well-travelled and seeking something deeper than a traditional cruise experience.

The People Who Bring the Journey to Life

A great Cruise Director doesn't simply manage a schedule. They create a feeling.

The feeling of arriving onboard and instantly feeling at home.

The feeling of sharing new experiences with like-minded travellers.

The feeling of returning home with memories that stay with you long after your journey ends.

Whether it's Aaron's ability to bring people together, Sammie's infectious enthusiasm and warmth, or Ben's wealth of experience and engaging leadership, each brings something uniquely special to the Explorations by Norwegian experience.

Together, they're part of what makes every Explorations by Norwegian voyage truly unforgettable.