Explora Journeys has shared details of its food and beverage offering onboard its first ship, Explora 1, which will make its inaugural journey in May 2023.

The yet-to-launch cruise line said the upcoming vessel will feature 18 restaurants, bars and lounges as part of its ‘ocean state of mind’ philosophy. These will comprise six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, eight of which will be outside and four of which will be indoor.

Restaurants will include Anthology (pictured)where global guest chefs will curate menus showcasing the ship’s journey and its destinations, including unique wine pairings. 

Sakura will offer Pan-Asian cuisine, celebrating Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine, and feature ocean views, Japanese-inspired design and Asian-influenced beverages and a Sake sommelier.

European steakhouse Marble & Co. Grill will serve sustainably farmed cuts of beef alongside an in-house dry ager and a cellar featuring a selection of wine wines. 

The flavours of Italy, Spain, Greece and France will be on offer at Med Yacht Club, which was inspired by beachside restaurants in the Mediterranean. Wines will showcase the vineyards of the region and fresh juices and cocktails will honour regional ingredients. 

All-day dining venue Emporium Marketplace will feature 18 separate cooking stations offering cuisine from across the world, including sushi, fresh seafood, a daily rotisserie, pasta cooked to order, freshly baked pizza and bread and sandwiches. There will also be stations specialising in charcuterie, fromagerie, boulangerie and patisserie as well as a selection of wines, champagne and beverages.

The final restaurant is Fil Rouge, an “intimate” restaurant serving French-inspired international dishes, desserts and a wine selection showcasing the best of the Old and New World vineyards.

There will also be in-suite dining available 24 hours a day and a chef’s kitchen experience held in an ocean-front private kitchen setting for 12 guests, where a team of culinary experts will guide guests through ingredients, flavours and food cultures from around the world. 

“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 Journeys. 

“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. 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.”

Bars and lounges will include the Lobby Bar, a central gathering social bar and lounge; Explora Lounge, offering 270-degree ocean views; and Malt Whiskey Bar, which features some of the rarest whiskies as well as a walk-in humidor, cigar expert and dedicated cigar smoking terrace.

There will also be a Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory offering French and Italian treats and a European-inspired Crema Café serving coffees, teas, cold-pressed juices as well as pastries, cakes and desserts.

Astern Lounge will be the “social hub” of the ship, the line said, hosting live music, DJ sessions and “enrichment insights”, while poolside lounge Astern Pool & Bar will feature "chilled beach club vibes" for both day and night.

Spaces for cocktails and pre-dinner drinks will include panoramic outdoor lounge Sky Bar on 14, set on the ship’s highest point; Helios Pool & Bar, an intimate pool at the aft of the ship on deck 10; and The Conservatory Pool & Bar, a weather-protected, all-day poolside lounge which by night will offer a cinema experience under the stars. 

Explora Journeys said more details would be revealed about its Journeys Lounge, a day-to-night space designed for “enrichment and entertainment”.

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

Guests wishing to the elevate their experience or celebrate a special occasion can opt in for an “ultra-exquisite” selection of wines, spirits and liqueurs for an additional fee. 

The line said wine selections will reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, with sommeliers sourcing boutique wine labels “to build an inspiring menu with truly interesting selections”.

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 also be held onboard alongside wine-themed destination experiences ashore. 

“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 Briançon, senior lead of food and beverage services for Explora Journeys.

“This will ensure our mixologists and sommeliers provide unique experiences for our discerning travellers.”