Luxury cruise clients will have a smorgasbord of dining and drinks to choose from onboard Explora Journeys when the line’s first Explora I sets sail in May 2023.
In total, there will be 18 (mostly complimentary) culinary venues. (Note: Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury lifestyle brand of MSC Cruises.
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,” said Franck Garanger, head of culinary at Explora, in a press release.
"Worldly and well-traveled, our team brings enthusiasm for provenance, along with a plethora of stories about the rare ingredients, which are hand-selected just for Explora Journeys,” he added. “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.”
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 …
All dining options will focus on Explora’s philosophy of an “Ocean State of Mind,” including eight indoor bars and lounges, as well as four alfresco spaces. Naturally, wines will showcase regional destinations with surprising twists. The line describes sourcing bottles from more niche locales, such as Switzerland, versus the default Napa Valley. A signature “Ocean State of Mind” cocktail will even be crafted using gin made with seaweed algae.
In addition to six dedicated restaurants will be 24-hour, in-suite dining plus a Chef’s Kitchen experience. For a fee, 12 guests will have the opportunity to enter an oceanfront kitchen and explore “new ingredients, flavors, textures and cultures, regardless of their cooking skills level” and led by culinary experts, according to the line.
6 Dedicated Restaurants
The six dining rooms onboard will be as follows:
- Anthology, as defined as “a collection of selected works of art or music,” will highlight global guest chefs and international culinary arts inspired by the journey and destination (for a surcharge).
- Sakura will serve Pan-Asian food incorporating Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine, as well as Asian-influenced drinks from none other than a sake sommelier.
- Marble & Co. Grill will be a European-style steakhouse showcasing prime cuts that are sustainably farmed. Onboard will be an in-house dry ager.
- Med Yacht Club will serve Mediterranean favorites from the likes of Italy, Spain, Greece and France in a beachy atmosphere.
- Emporium Marketplace will sport 18 separate cooking stations available all day long and featuring a wide variety of options including sushi, seafood, rotisserie meats, pasta, pizza and sandwiches, plus charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie offerings.
- Fil Rouge will be an international tasting restaurant influenced by French cuisine and capped off by a tableside dessert cart.
12 Bars and Lounges
“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 of food and beverage services for Explora. "This will ensure our mixologists and sommeliers provide unique experiences for our discerning travelers.”
The dozen bars and lounges will encompass the following:
- The Lobby Bar will act as a centrally located gathering space for social interactions throughout the day and night.
- Malt Whiskey Bar will specialize in international and rare whiskeys, plus house a walk-in humidor and cigar smoking terrace.
- Journeys Lounge, focused on enrichment and entertainment, will be further detailed in the near future.
- Explora Lounge will be a namesake venue, with 270-degree ocean vistas and live jazz music for light meals, snacks and afternoon tea service.
- Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory will satisfy those looking for poolside French and Italian sweets.
- Crema Cafe will be a European-style spot serving up connoisseur coffees, loose-leaf teas and cold-pressed juices, as well as pastries, cakes and other desserts.
- Astern Lounge will be another social place to be for special events such as live music, DJ sessions and further enrichment.
- Astern Pool & Bar will be a poolside watering hole onboard complete with live music and requisite drinks.
- Sky Bar on 14 will be perched high above the ship as an outdoor scenic variety with tasty cocktails and views to match.
- Atoll Pool & Bar will be an additional aft pool bar located on deck 10.
- Helios Pool & Bar will be yet another lounging pool bar and is for adults only.
- The Conservatory Pool & Bar will be an all-weather lounge that transforms into a cinema at night.
