Do you have a client who is considering an Explora Journeys luxury cruise? Well, we have the details about what they can expect as far as fine dining once onboard.
Despite being relatively small ships, both Explora I and Explora II, as well as the upcoming Explora III, feature a total of six restaurants, as well as room service — all of which are exceptional. I know because I’ve had the privilege to sail on the first two ships in the planned fleet of at least six vessels.
It should also be pointed out that there is no main dining room on Explora. Instead, four themed specialty restaurants feature different styles of cuisine, in addition to an extensive buffet. Due to the all-inclusive nature of the line, only one restaurant requires an additional fee.
Here is a rundown of the restaurants onboard Explora Journeys’ ships.
Med Yacht Club – Mediterranean
As a celebration of all foods Mediterranean, Med Yacht Club is an elegant nautical-styled space that’s open for dinner every night and for lunch on select days. Each menu is mostly different, too, so a return for each service is recommended. From an excellent bread offering of focaccia to my favorite dessert of a unique sweet caprese with strawberries and cherry-tomato confit, the dishes are sure to please diners.
Other standout options here include Spanish tapas, classic beef carpaccio, pesto gnocchi and Dover sole, as well as osso buco Milanese.
Fil Rouge – French
Focusing exclusively on French cuisine, Fil Rouge features a handsome, traditional atmosphere dotted with contemporary mirrored paneling. It is open for dinner every night in addition to daily breakfast, which I opted to enjoy on my private balcony via room service instead.
To say that decadent caviar is regularly available on Explora would be an understatement; this venue’s jumbo scallop carpaccio with Calvisius Caviar’s Oscietra variety is just one of many caviar dishes onboard. Other must-order entrees include succulent lobster thermidor and tender veal filet wellington, as well as a featured souffle.
Marble & Co. Grill – Steakhouse
The delightfully dark and moody Marble & Co. Grill is the fleet’s signature steakhouse, and once again, caviar is on the menu. The simply outstanding crushed fingerling potatoes and Normandy butter is easily my preferred preparation of the fish eggs, and the tableside-prepared Caesar salad has perfectly tangy and effervescent dressing.
But it’s the cuts of meat here that shine most, not to mention the exceptional sauces that accompany. The creamy roquefort sauce is heaven when drizzled atop anything from a petite filet to a monstrous prime-ribeye. And don’t skip Explora Journeys' signature chocolate brownies for dessert.
Sakura – Pan-Asian
With so many pan-Asian choices from which to choose, from sushi and sashimi to Chinese and Thai, clients will want to bring friends and family along to share bites of everything under a canopy of beautiful cherry blossoms. This venue is open every night for dinner and select days for lunch, as well.
Lobster pad Thai
Credit: 2025 Jason LeppertSome favorites include seared salmon teriyaki sashimi, dim sum, gyoza (yet again topped with caviar), crispy duck leg confit, lobster pad Thai, den miso roasted black cod fillet, makrut lime pavlova with mango and passion fruit and so much more.
Anthology – Elevated Italian (Extra Cost)
Anthology is something special. Originally conceived as a showcase of rotating international chefs, it now highlights elevated Italian cuisine from Franck Garanger, the line’s in-house head of culinary. The dinner tasting menu shines with perfect bites.
The extra cost is worth it for applause-worthy courses such as ricordo del mare with even more caviar, lobster and green apple; risotto del colle del veneto accompanied by goat cheese and a 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar; genuinely mouthwatering A5 Wagyu beef and a delicate millefoglie sendoff.
Emporium Marketplace – Buffet
Not to be overlooked is the Emporium Marketplace buffet, which rivals the wide selection available on much larger ships but delivered to perfection. At fully served food stations, guests can load up on exceptional pizza, pasta, salads, seafood, various entrees, classic grilled items such as hamburgers and gelato and crepes for dessert.
In-Suite Dining – International
Similarly, the 24-hour in-suite dining on Explora is also terrific. I loved the ability to order a charcuterie plate and one of the best creme brulees ever at any time of the day, not to mention great pastas, more pizza and delicious sandwiches.
