Explora Journeys has a bold new vision for dining at sea, and there are a wealth of culinary offerings for clients to enjoy on Explora I.
Explora I is the first of six ships from Explora Journeys, the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group. It will make its inaugural journey in May 2023, promising to take travellers on a unique culinary journey as part of the line’s mission to redefine ocean travel.
Luxury clients can choose from six restaurants, a cooking masterclass kitchen and in-suite dining. Each option celebrates a range of culinary talents and the diverse offering makes it ideal for couples, multigenerational groups and solo travellers.
Franck Garanger, head of culinary at Explora Journeys, says a cruise with the line offers much more than the opportunity to travel the world. He explains: "We also see it as a way for our guests to taste it too, actively discovering new cuisines and experiences. Set to deliver refined dining experiences that embrace authenticity and sustainability, we ensure each guest leaves with memories of their culinary journey onboard, being the finest at sea.”
Discover more about Explora Journeys’ culinary and beverage philosophy in this video:
To inspire your clients, here are seven dining venues where they can enjoy dishes created by global cooking talents, using the finest ingredients sourced by local partners:
True to its name, Anthology curates menus that showcase a collection of cuisines. Guest chefs from across the world are invited to use the restaurant as a stage to display their talents and top culinary masterpieces, and wine pairings are also available.
Head to Marble & Co. Grill for the ultimate European steakhouse experience. The restaurant serves a range of exceptional cuts, all of which have been carefully sourced and sustainably farmed. It also boasts an in-house dry ager and a wine cellar.
The Med Yacht Club is inspired by sophisticated, beachside Mediterranean restaurants, offering flavours from Italy, Spain, Greece and France. The wine list is sourced from Mediterranean vineyards, and fresh juices and cocktails are created using regional ingredients.
Expect an immersive dining experience at Sakura, which represents Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine. The restaurant boasts expansive ocean views and a bold design with Japanese cues, including modern Asian music. Look out for the Asian-influenced beverages, with a sake sommelier on hand to suggest the perfect drink.
Enjoy all-day dining from 18 separate cooking stations in Emporium Marketplace. They offer cuisine from across the globe, including sushi, fresh seafood and a daily rotisserie with grilled, roasted and slow-cooked meats. Pasta is cooked to order, and guests can enjoy sandwiches and freshly baked pizzas and bread, while also choosing items from the charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie stations.
Fil Rouge means “red thread”, and it promises a global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine. Designed as a sophisticated and intimate restaurant, it features an elegant dessert cart and expansive wine selection.
Alongside savouring fine cuisine in the ship’s dining venues, guests can also learn how to create dishes themselves by joining a cooking class at the Chef’s Kitchen. The ocean-front private kitchen caters to just 12 guests, who are led by expert culinary guides as they learn about new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures.
Dining in the majority of the ship’s elegant restaurants is included, however an experience fee is charged for Anthology and the Chef’s Kitchen.
Explora Journeys also offers 12 bars and lounges, where guests can enjoy unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits. These are also available from their in-suite minibar, and specialty coffees, teas and soft drinks are included. A selection of exclusive wines, spirits, and liqueurs will also be available for an additional fee.
To further tempt travellers a variety of events will be held onboard, including wine, whisky and spirit tastings, pairings, cocktail-making masterclasses and meet the winemaker sessions.
Wherever guests choose to wine and dine on Explora I, they are promised a celebration of worldwide culinary talents, cultures and passions.
Explora Journeys is inviting travel partners to join the line on its journey by signing up to its travel advisor community to access more tools, resources and support.
Find out more at Explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors