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Life on Explora

DINING

Passion For Authenticity, Provenance And Wholesome Ingredients

Worldly, sophisticated, and well-travelled, with European panache, our culinary and beverage experts bring together an abundance of experience and artistry to the curation of immersive dining experiences. 

Throughout the year, wine selections will reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, while offering favourite grape varietals including French Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Shiraz, and Nebbiolo. Sommeliers will constantly source boutique wine labels to build an inspiring menu with truly interesting choices and very rare bottles. 

Our Chef Invité Series

The first French guest chef THIERRY MARX in our Chef Invité Series joins us on EXPLORA II from 24 January to 4 February 2025.

Restaurants

Anthology

Anthology showcases refined Italian cuisine taking guests on a unique culinary journey.

Sakura

An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine.

Sakura

An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine

Named after the cherry blossom - the national flower of Japan - and symbolic of renewal and optimism, Sakura offers Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavours for a taste of Pan-Asian cuisine that is both authentic and energising.

 

The space takes inspiration from Japan’s rich cultural heritage of tradition and rituals blended with distinct Japanese design cues, to create an intimate and welcoming space. The ancient tea rooms of Kyoto provide the inspiration for Sakura, where dark wood frames lead your eye to traditional Japanese ceiling details, adorned with a cherry blossom tree canopy which shrouds diners with a warm atmosphere of festoon lights.

 

Authenticity extends to the kitchen, where chefs follow traditional techniques – using only the very best carefully sourced ingredients – to ensure a truly pan-Asian experience.

 

Expansive ocean views, a Sake sommelier, Asian-influenced beverages - including a curated selection of sakes and shōchū - combined with seamless service and modern Asian music create a dynamic dining experience. 

Signature Dishes at Sakura

 

Wagyu beef tataki, wakame salad, smoked Madagascan pepper

Never cooked or grilled, our sustainably sourced prime grade 5 Japanese wagyu beef  is delicately torched by our chefs: this authentic method of cooking ensures that the best qualities of the beef are preserved for the guests’ mouth-watering enjoyment. 

Makrut lime pavlova, mango brunoise, passion fruit, mango sorbet 

A fusion of east and west, this unique interpretation of pavlova is a perfect representation of the passionate, creative expertise and multicultural diversity of our talented pastry team .

Kale salad

Another example of our chefs’ ingenuity, a humble kale salad is transformed into culinary art for our guests to enjoy. This superfood salad is not simply dressed, but cured with the finest quality of sesame dressing for a rounded flavour - it represents a fusion of clean living with the flavours of Asia.

Indoor seating: 92

Outdoor seating: 26

Open for lunch and dinner

Reservations recommended

The Sushi Bar is open-seating on a first come first served basis

Located on Deck 5

Marble & Co. Grill

A redefined European steakhouse experience.

Marble & Co. Grill

A redefined European steakhouse experience

Inspired by the marbling found in only the finest beef, Marble & Co. Grill serves exceptional cuts, personally sourced and sustainably farmed.

 

The menu has been designed to take guests on a journey of discovery, with sumptuous, rare meats sourced for their flavour and distinctive provenance. More than a steakhouse, Marble & Co is the realisation of a vision where careful attention to ingredients and passion for cooking come together to create a truly special dining experience.

 

This redefined European steakhouse experience is reflected through the modern, understated yet sophisticated design with soft lighting and relaxed, attentive service. The experience is augmented by an in-house dry ager and a cellar boasting a superb selection of fine wines.

Signature Dishes at Marble & Co. Grill

 

Grilled prime rib, aged 30-days, cherry tomatoes, Hollandaise sauce

Provenance and quality take centre stage, to create the finest version of a steakhouse classic. From a local producer in Deux Sévres region of the lush Loire Valleé, it’s clear why the famous Jersiaise breed, renowned for its sensational flavour and intense marbling, is one of the most sought-after cuts or prime rib. To truly appreciate this beautiful cut, it is topped simply with cherry tomatoes and a sumptuous Hollandaise sauce.

Crushed fingerling potatoes, Le Beurre Bordier butter from Normandy, Calvisius Oscietra caviar, crème fraîche, chives

A simple dish executed with the finest ingredients. The crushed fingerling potatoes are made with Bordier butter, arguably, the finest butter in the world, served only in the finest establishments. Potatoes are topped with Calvisius Oscietra caviar, known the world over for being some of the best quality caviar available; the caviar is sustainably produced in Italy, in an area rich with fresh spring water, contributing to its high quality and low-salt flavour.

Indoor seating: 80

Outdoor seating: 10

Open for dinner

Reservations recommended

Located on Deck 5

Med Yacht Club

A relaxed celebration of the flavours, ambience and dolce vita of the Mediterranean.

Med Yacht Club

A relaxed celebration of the flavours, ambience and la dolce vita of the Mediterranean

Inspired by sailings across crystal clear waters, the Med Yacht Club is influenced by sophisticated, beachside Mediterranean restaurants, embracing the varied cuisines of the region.

 

Effortlessly refined in its design, Med Yacht Club creates a relaxed, convivial atmosphere, where bright sunshine streaming through large portholes and Med-influenced music transport guests on a culinary journey inspired by sea travel.

 

Inspired by authentic Mediterranean dining, and infusing tastes and textures of Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and North Africa – while incorporating plant-based, vegetarian and wholesome ingredients – the menu of Med Yacht Club serves sharing plates, created with passion, for guests to enjoy with friends and family alike. Each dish is inspired by the most authentic of Mediterranean ingredients and flavours.

 

Wines will showcase the rich vineyards of the Mediterranean, with fresh juices and cocktails honouring regional ingredients.

Signature Dishes at Med Yacht Club

 

Grilled octopus, San Marzano tomato sauce, Taggiasca olives, green beans, parsley

If ever there were a singular dish to represent the importance province plays in the ingredients used onboard Explora Journeys, then this is surely it. Sharp sundried Taggiasca olives compliment the sweet San Marzano tomatoes, creating a perfectly balanced bed for the expertly grilled, sustainably sourced octopus.

Sweet caprese with cherry tomatoes, strawberries, burrata, pesto

A true representation of the creativity and skill of our chefs, this sweet interpretation of an Italian classic will surprise and delight in equal measure. The finest cherry tomatoes and strawberries create an intriguing base, upon which our burrata sits - made with emulsified burrata cream, and adorned with even more sweet tomatoes and strawberries with a drizzle of pesto from Sicilian Bronte pistachios.

Indoor seating: 136 (34 at the bar)

Open for lunch and dinner

Located on Deck 4

Emporium Marketplace

Effortless all-day dining, inspired by cuisines and flavours from across the globe

Emporium Marketplace

Effortless all-day dining, inspired by cuisines and flavours from across the globe

An Emporium is defined as a place offering many different things, a place for merchants to showcase their best produce (coming from the Greek word emporion -  ἐμπόριον).

 

Emporium Marketplace is an effortless all-day dining restaurant, bringing the global culinary talent and produce to the fore to offer diverse cuisines with a focus on quality produce, inspired by local destinations, and allowing guests total flexibility in what they choose to eat, and when.

 

Bathed in natural bright light, several separate cooking stations evolve throughout the day. White marble and minimalist design take centre stage, allowing the freshest ingredients to make the food the true hero of this elegant relaxed space.

 

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 home-made sandwiches. The charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie stations enhance the experience. Fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls are provided during breakfast.

 

A selection of wines, champagne and beverages are available to complement meals throughout the day.

Signature Dishes at Emporium Marketplace

 

Handmade tortelloni, ricotta cheese, spinach, tomato-sage butter

It’s often the simplest dishes that take great skill – this classic is no exception. Tortelloni are ring-shaped, filled pasta ‘pockets’ that originate in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Made onboard from scratch every day in the authentic Italian way, it’s a process best described as art-meets-science. Carefully sourced flour is used to make dough that has the correct degree of elasticity;  this is essential to giving the tortelloni their mouth-watering light and silky texture before being filled with ricotta and spinach, then gently coated in tomato-sage butter. 

Plant based chia yoghurt

Our curated chia yoghurt is daily made from homemade cashew milk, creating a fusion of delicious creamy flavours for guests to enjoy each morning.

Indoor seating: 271

Outdoor seating: 70

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Located on Deck 11

In-Suite Dining

Refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace.

In-Suite Dining

In-Suite Dining

Refined dining in the comfort of your suite or private terrace

 

Our guests can enjoy an array of cuisines at any time, day or night, in the comfort of their suite or private terrace. Available 24 hours, the menu offers guests a taste of each of our unique dining destinations.

Available 24 hours

Fil Rouge

A global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine.

Fil Rouge

A global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine

A common red thread that unites international flavours with a French influence. Fil Rouge is a sophisticated and intimate restaurant, offering a global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine, where guests are encouraged to take their time to appreciate both the cuisine and the intimate ambience.

 

A universal, timeless dining experience, Fil Rouge is a visual articulation of the fundamentals of elegance. Intricate hexagons representing the simplest expression of perfection contrast with clean white walls adorned with inspiring works of art.

 

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.

Signature Dish at Fil Rouge

 

Tuna tataki, crispy tomato-olive tart, vegetables, vanilla white pepper

Sustainably raised and caught in the open Mediterranean Sea close to the Cartagena Bay, the Mediterranean bluefin tuna sourced by our chefs is some of the best grade to be found anywhere in the world for sashimi.

Indoor seating: 222

Open for breakfast and dinner

Located on Deck 4

Chef's Kitchen

Private dining and culinary classes

Chef's Kitchen

Private dining and culinary school

The Chef’s Kitchen is an immersive experience held in an ocean-front private kitchen setting for 12 guests. Our team of culinary experts guides our guests through a journey of discovering new ingredients, flavours, textures and cultures, regardless of their cooking skills level.

 

The experience continuously evolves around the regions visited by the ship, and will also extend ashore with visits to local markets and hand-picked producers. The adjacent private dining room is the perfect venue for guests to celebrate their new skills, savour the incredible dishes they created, paired with superb wines from our sommeliers. 

Indoor seating: 12   ·   An exclusive experience fee applies

* You can make reservations from 60 days before your departure.

All Journeys Include:

  • An in-suite welcome bottle of champagne and a bottle of spirit of the guests’ choice upon arrival.
  • Authentic, cultured and intuitive service from our team of hospitality experts
  • Nine distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining: Emporium Marketplace, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Crema Café, Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory, Explora Lounge, In-Suite Dining

For fine wine and spirits connoisseurs or those wishing to elevate their experience or celebrate a special occasion, an ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, will also be available for purchase.

Our Passionate Team of Experts

Worldly, sophisticated, and well-travelled, with European panache, our culinary and beverage experts bring together an abundance of experience and artistry to the curation of immersive dining experiences.

Franck Garanger

Franck Garanger

Head of Culinary

Franck’s pedigree in European luxury, combined with his passion for true cooking will shape an evolution of how dining at sea can be transformed. 

Jérôme Toumelin

Jérôme Toumelin

Corporate Executive Chef

Born and raised in the Loire Valley, France, Jérôme spent six years as Executive Chef at Market by Jean-Georges in Paris, and prior to that he was based in Saint Barthélemy, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh and London.

Frederic Godineau

Frederic Godineau

Senior Executive Chef

Frederic was born and raised in Chemille, France, and spent nineteen years in hospitality commencing at Hôtel de Crillon and Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, as well as other prestigious hotels across France.

Christophe Sapy

Christophe Sapy

Corporate Executive Pastry Chef

Christophe summons a wealth of experience having worked at some of the most revered hotels and restaurants  across the globe, from the Middle East to Asia and Europe, he has earned a reputation for turning desserts into works of art.

 

Franck Garanger

Head of Culinary

Franck’s pedigree in European luxury, combined with his passion for true cooking will shape an evolution of how dining at sea can be transformed. 

Jérôme Toumelin

Corporate Executive Chef

Born and raised in the Loire Valley, France, Jérôme spent six years as Executive Chef at Market by Jean-Georges in Paris, and prior to that he was based in Saint Barthélemy, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh and London.

Frederic Godineau

Senior Executive Chef

Frederic was born and raised in Chemille, France, and spent nineteen years in hospitality commencing at Hôtel de Crillon and Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, as well as other prestigious hotels across France.

Christophe Sapy

Corporate Executive Pastry Chef

Christophe summons a wealth of experience having worked at some of the most revered hotels and restaurants  across the globe, from the Middle East to Asia and Europe, he has earned a reputation for turning desserts into works of art.

 

Moët Hennessy Pairings

Together with Moët Hennessy we offer guests an unforgettable culinary experience.

Savour Mercier Brut champagne by the glass as part of our complimentary beverage selection.

Or, commemorate a special occasion through our curated selection of the most iconic and prestigious champagnes, wines and spirits.

Our Awards

Awarded

Best Dining (Luxury Category)

AWARDED

Overall Best
Cruise Cuisine