EXPLORA I, debuting in May 2023, will have 18 culinary & beverage venues

Explora Journeys has unveiled its culinary and beverage offering, which will span 18 venues when it welcomes guests on board EXPLORA I for its inaugural journey in May 2023.

EXPLORA I will showcase 11 culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, as well as 12 bars and lounges (eight outdoor and four indoor) and a chef`s kitchen where guests can discover and enjoy diverse flavours from around the world, inspired by the Ocean State of Mind.

“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. “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.”

READ MORE: Take a first look at Explora Journeys' Ocean Terrace Suites aboard EXPLORA I

Throughout the year, wine selections will reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, while offering favourite grape varietals.

For example, Chardonnay will not come from the expected places such as the Napa Valley, but regions where there are interesting, emerging and niche choices such as Switzerland and other European countries.

An exclusive mixology programme has been curated including a signature ‘Ocean State of Mind` cocktail using gin made with seaweed algae.

Exclusive 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.

Restaurants

Multiple dining experiences have been created to celebrate global cooking talents, provenance and wholesome ingredients sourced by local partners.

Anthology – Exquisite cuisine celebrating the talents and masterpiece specialities of guest chefs from around the world, reflecting the journey and its destinations, and unique wine pairing in a setting of contemporary refined elegance.

Sakura –Pan-Asian cuisine, representing Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian. Expansive ocean views, bold design with distinct Japanese cues, Asian-influenced beverages, and a Sake sommelier, combined with seamless service and modern Asian music create a dynamic dining experience.

Marble & Co. Grill – A European steakhouse, inspired by the marbling found in only the finest beef, serving exceptional cuts, personally sourced and sustainably farmed. The experience is augmented by an in-house dry ager and a cellar boasting a superb selection of fine wines.

Med Yacht Club – Med Yacht Club is influenced by sophisticated, beachside Mediterranean restaurants, embracing the varied cuisines of the region and infusing tastes and textures of Italy, Spain, Greece, and France.

Emporium Marketplace – All-day dining, 18 separate cooking stations evolve throughout the day with cuisines representing every corner of the globe. Features include sushi, fresh seafood and a daily rotisserie offering grilled, roasted, and slow-cooked meats. Pasta is cooked to order, and freshly baked pizzas and bread are on offer as are homemade sandwiches. Charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie stations enhance the experience.

Fil Rouge – A global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine. An elegant dessert cart tempts with the freshest creations served tableside, and a superb wine selection showcases the best of both the Old and New World vineyards.

As well as:

• 24-hour in-suite dining
• The Chef’s Kitchen – an immersive experience held in an ocean-front private kitchen setting for 12 guests. An exclusive experience fee applies.

Bars & Lounges

Lobby Bar – A central gathering social bar and lounge, provides the ideal spot to enjoy refreshments throughout the day and night.

Malt Whiskey Bar – A refined tour of the global whiskey regions, including some of the rarest whiskies, complete with a walk-in humidor, cigar expert and dedicated cigar smoking terrace.

Journeys Lounge – Enrichment and entertainment, evolving throughout the day and night – more details to follow when Explora Journeys full entertainment and enrichment progran is revealed.

Explora Lounge – A luminous lounge offering 270-degree views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy light meals, snacks, and traditional afternoon tea in the elegant interiors, bathed with the changing natural light and the soundtrack of soothing jazz.

Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory – French and Italian indulgencies, in a relaxed, weather-protected poolside environment within The Conservatory.

Crema Café – An all-day European style café serving coffee, yea, cold-pressed juices. A showcase of pastries, cakes, desserts, including madeleines, canelés, and biscotti.

Astern Lounge – Hosting live music, DJ sessions and enrichment insights.

Astern Pool & Bar – An all-day poolside lounge for a seaside escape offering chilled beach club vibes, with low background music by day and acoustic musicians and DJ`s as the sun sets, continuing throughout the evening.

Sky Bar on 14 – Set on the ships highest point, a panoramic outdoor lounge setting, ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views.

Atoll Pool & Bar – An intimate pool at the aft of the ship on deck 10 with a chilled ambiance throughout the day.

Helios Pool & Bar – A panoramic adults-only pool for the ultimate ‘chill out’ lounge experience.

The Conservatory Pool & Bar - A weather-protected all-day poolside lounge and by night a cinema experience under the stars.

Explora Journeys offers unlimited beverages, fine wines, and premium spirits, including in-suite minibar, speciality coffees teas and soft drinks available any time.

An ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, will also be available for an additional fee.

Canadian BDM

Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of MSC Group, recently appointed Patricia Di Benedetto as its Toronto-based business relationship lead in Canada.

The first vessel, EXPLORA I, will depart for her maiden at the end of May 2023 from Barcelona, Spain to Athens in Greece.

The ship in her first year at sea will visit 132 ports in 40 different countries. Itineraries include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the East Coast of the USA, the Caribbean Sea, South America and Hawaii.

Sailings start from six-night voyages and culminate in an epic 44-night Northern Europe Grand Journey.

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