Explora Journeys debuts details of culinary experiences for first ship
Explora Journeys has revealed the dining options that will be available on its first new ship, Explora I, which will launch in May 2023.
The new cruise line – which is part of MSC Group – will debut 18 distinct venues on the ship, including six restaurants.
They will be home to 11 different culinary experiences, with the ship also featuring 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor) and a chef’s kitchen experience, where guests will be able to “discover and enjoy diverse flavours from around the world”.
Franck Garanger, head of culinary at Explora Journeys, said: “Explora Journeys isn’t just an opportunity to travel the world, we also see it as a way for our guests to taste it too, actively discovering new cuisines and experiences. Worldly and well-travelled, our team bring enthusiasm for provenance along with a plethora of stories about the rare ingredients, which are hand-selected just for Explora Journeys. 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.”
Throughout the year, wine selections will reflect regional areas where the ship sails, while offering favourite grape varietals, and sommeliers will focus on sourcing boutique wine labels. Wine, whiskey and spirit tastings, pairings, cocktail-making masterclasses and ‘Meet the Winemaker’ events will be held onboard, as well as wine-themed destination experiences ashore.
Restaurant options will include Anthology, showcasing global cuisines; Sakura, “an immersive, authentic dining experience” offering Pan-Asian cuisine, representing Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian dishes and a Sake sommelier; while Marble & Co Grill will offer a “redefined European steakhouse experience”, with the restaurant featuring an in-house dry ager and wine cellar.
Other options will be the Med Yacht Club, billed as a “relaxed celebration of the flavours, ambience, and dolce vita of the Mediterranean”, and Emporium Marketplace, for “effortless all-day dining from global culinary talent and produce” serving from 18 cooking stations. Also available will be Fil Rouge, combining international flavours with a French influence and featuring a dessert cart with dishes served tableside, and wine selection showcasing the best of both the Old and New World vineyards.
The Chef’s Kitchen will also feature on the ship as an immersive experience held in an ocean-front private kitchen setting for just 12 guests; an “experience fee” will be applied for this.
When it comes to bars and lounges, Explora I will feature Lobby Bar; Malt Whiskey Bar; Journeys Lounge – the place for “enrichment and entertainment” – Explora Lounge with 270-degree views of the ocean, afternoon tea and jazz music; Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory; and Crema Cafe, a “bustling, all-day European style cafe.
The Astern Lounge will also be available as “the social hub of the journey, with a collection of events and rituals suited to every taste”; the Astern Pool & Bar will see acoustic musicians and DJs playing, while the as Sky Bar on 14 is set on the ship’s highest point.
Other options will be the Atoll Pool & Bar at the aft of the ship on deck 10; Helios Pool & Bar, a panoramic adults-only pool experience; and The Conservatory Pool & Bar, a weather-protected all-day poolside lounge that becomes a cinema experience under the stars by night.
The launch of the culinary and bar experiences on Explora I follow on the back of other recent announcements around the ship’s interiors, which have also been revealed for the first time.
The suites have been developed in collaboration with cruise and yacht design specialists De Jorio Luxury & Yachts Projects, and London-based architectural and interior design studio NenMar.
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