Up-and-coming luxury cruise operator Explora Journeys has provided a sneak peek of the culinary options onboard the highly anticipated Explora I.
Debuting in May 2023, Explora I is the first of four best-in-class vessels revolving around the concept of the Ocean State of Mind. According to Explora Journeys, the Ocean State of Mind epitomises a new era of luxury travel. The ocean sits at the heart of the Explora Journeys experience, inspiring guests to “travel further, immerse deeper and linger a little longer” in the destinations they visit – a message reflected across all areas of the ship, starting with the onboard dining venues.
Including six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, Explora I’s various culinary and beverage delights celebrate the talents, cultures and passions of food and wine experts from all over the globe.
Restaurants
Anthology is the first of six culinary offerings where the world’s most talented guest chefs expertly prepare a range of dishes showcasing global cuisines paired with superb wines by illustrious winemakers for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Sakura
Named after the cherry blossom – the national flower of Japan – Sakura serves Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian dishes, celebrating the diverse flavours of Pan-Asian cuisine. The venue also offers a Sushi Bar with open seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Head to the Med Yacht Club to enjoy a culmination of the flavours, ambience and overall dolce vita of the Mediterranean, from authentic Italian pasta recipes to traditional Spanish tapas.
Marble & Co. Grill
Marble & Co. Grill is Explora Journeys’ take on a classic American bar and grill, serving mouth-watering aged beef, guaranteed to be a popular choice amongst all meat lovers – cooked to your definition of perfection.
In-suite dining
Experience refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace. Guests can enjoy an array of cuisine day and night, courtesy of Explora Journeys’ 24-hour in-suite dining programme.
Bars and lounges
The 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor) offer something for every occasion. From the Lobby Bar, a centrally-located social hub offering an array of entertainment day and night, to the Explora Lounge, providing a spectacular 270-degree backdrop of the ocean to accompany everyday drinking and dining, you’ll be sure to find your perfect oasis onboard.
The Lobby
Furthermore, there are three poolside bars on Explora I, each offering an infinity pool and a plethora of seating options, including sun loungers and cabanas, for that ultimate seaside escape. Akin to the atmosphere found at a private beach club, the Astern Pool & Bar offers soft background music during the day and live DJ performances as the sun sets. Alternatively, head to the Atoll Pool & Bar for a more relaxed atmosphere offering all the sun, sea and serenity accompanied by a freshly-shaken cocktail – the signature ‘Ocean State of Mind’ comprising gin and seaweed algae is sure to be a firm favourite. Finally, Helios Pool & Bar is an adults-only area and the sunniest venue onboard, facing forward on deck 12.
Astern Poolside Bar
For sailings in colder climates, the Conservatory Pool & Bar offers weather-protected poolside lounging by day and a cinema experience under the stars in the evening, courtesy of a large LED screen showing the latest blockbuster films.
Chef’s kitchen
The Chef’s Kitchen offers an immersive culinary experience held in an ocean-facing private setting for no more than 12 guests at a time. Guided by a team of culinary experts, food enthusiasts will embark on a journey of discovery, implementing new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures into the dishes they create.
The experience revolves around the destinations visited by the ship and extends ashore with visits to local markets and talks with hand-picked producers.
Furthermore, the private dining room – adjacent to the kitchen – is the perfect place for guests to celebrate their new skills and savour their creations with a glass of wine expertly recommended by the sommelier.
Maiden season itineraries
Explora I will begin her maiden season with an 11-night ‘Maiden Journey into Mare Nostrum’, sailing from Barcelona to Athens and stopping to explore Saint Tropez, Rome, Istanbul, Santorini and several other destinations along the way. Then, following a series of island-hopping itineraries around the Mediterranean, she will head north to explore the historic cities of the Arctic.
Find out more
To find out more about Explora I or to receive a quotation for one of the itineraries featured in her maiden season, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please submit an online enquiry form for your preferred sailing via our website.
