Explora Journeys Reveals Culinary & Beverage Offerings Onboard Explora I

When Explora I debuts in May 2023 it will feature 18 distinct venues including six restaurants, a chef’s kitchen, in-suite dining and 12 bars and lounges, for of which will be located outdoors.

“Explora Journeys isn’t just an opportunity to travel the world,” said Franck Garanger, head of culinary for the line. “We also see it as a way for our guests to taste it too, actively discovering new cuisines and experiences. Worldly and well-traveled, our team bring enthusiasm for provenance along with a plethora of stories about the rare ingredients, which are hand-selected just for Explora Journeys.”

Restaurants
The six restaurant venues onboard will be:

Anthology: Reflecting the anthology premise, this venue will feature a menu showcasing a number of global cuisines, including dishes curated from guest chefs located around the world.

Sakura: A Pan-Asian menu featuring Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisines will be accompanied by Asian-influenced beverages, a Sake sommelier, and modern Asian music playing in the background.

Marble & Co. Grill: No luxury ship is complete with a steakhouse and this venue fits the bill with European beef that’s sustainably farmed. The experience will be augmented by an in-house dry ager and an exclusive wine cellar.

Med Yacht Club: With a relaxed atmosphere influenced by beachside Mediterranean restaurants, this venue serves up a variety of dishes from Italy, Spain, Greece and France.

Emporium Marketplace: This all-day venue will feature 18 separate cooking stations that evolve throughout the day with cuisines representing every corner of the globe. Stations include sushi, fresh seafood, cooked-to-order pasta, pizza, and a daily rotisserie, along with charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie stations.

Fil Rouge: The ship’s fine-dining French restaurant offering a “tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine.” A highlight will be the dessert cart along with an extensive wine selection of both Old and New World vintages.

In addition to the six dining venues, an extra-fee chef’s kitchen will be offered for up to 12 guests at a time. Held in a private ocean-front kitchen, participants will cook their own meals as they’re guided by a team of culinary experts.

For guests with a sweet tooth, the Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory will offer French and Italian indulgences in a weather-protected poolside environment.

Twenty-four hour in-suite dining will also be available.

Beverage
Complementing the culinary offerings onboard will be a wine list that reflects the regional areas where the ship sails. Sommeliers will be in charge of sourcing boutique wine labels emerging and niche destinations, such as Switzerland.

The mixology offerings will include a signature “Ocean State of Mind” cocktail using gin made with seaweed algae. Wine, whiskey and spirit tastings, pairings, cocktail-making masterclasses and “Meet the Winemaker” events will be held onboard, and wine-themed destination experiences will be available ashore.

“A key element of differentiation for Explora Journeys is our passion for hand selecting and sourcing an eclectic beverage mix, including rare fine wines direct from vineyards, as well as exclusive premium brands, to curate a variety of cocktails including non-alcoholic and organic options,” said Thibaut Briancon, senior lead, food and beverage services for Explora Journeys.

Bars
In addition to the bars listed below, guests on Explora I will find a traditional lobby bar and several pool bars.

Malt Whiskey Bar: Featuring a menu of global whiskeys, a walk-in humidor, on-site cigar expert and dedicated cigar smoking terrace.

Lounges
Journeys Lounge: A main theater-style lounge featuring enrichment and entertainment that evolves throughout the day and night.

Explora Lounge: Offering light meals, snacks and traditional afternoon tea with a backdrop of 270-degree views of the ocean.

Crema Café: An all-day European-style café with a menu of coffees, loose-leaf teas, cold-pressed juices and a selection of pastries, cakes and desserts.

Astern Lounge: Explora Journeys refers to this space as the “social hub” of the ship. It will offer a “collection of events and rituals suited to every taste,” including live music, DJ sessions and enrichment offerings.

Sky Bar on 14: Set on the ship’s highest point, this outdoor lounge will provide infinite ocean views.