If you haven’t yet heard of the new Explora Journeys luxury cruise line, there is no better time than the present to discover the world’s oceans and dramatic landscapes. Explora Journeys combines a centuries-old seafaring experience with superlative European refinement and a bold new vision for luxury ocean travel.

The company’s story starts in 1940s Sorrento with a Neapolitan ferry captain, Gianluigi Aponte, who, together with the Swiss sweetheart he met when she was a passenger on one of his crossings, went on to create MSC, a global shipping operation and the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company. Now this Italian seafaring family are fulfilling their life-long dream and launching Explora Journeys, a modern luxury cruise experience.

Explora Journeys is poised to transform ocean travel through a synergy of the chicest ships and the most immersive itineraries — allowing guests to discover further, travel deeper, and linger longer at each destination. On sailings between seven and 44 nights long, guests will venture both on and off the beaten path, with the Inaugural Journeys Collection covering the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland, USA and Canada, the Caribbean, South America, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Whether looking for sea-to-fork cuisine, a gin crafted with seaweed algae, or a refined European steakhouse experience at sea, Explora Journeys offers it all, and then some. After recently announcing a unique culinary and beverage “journey of discovery” across a total of 18 distinct venues, when Explora Journeys welcomes guests on board EXPLORA I for its inaugural May 2023 journey, epicurean adventure awaits.

A celebration of global culinary talents, cultures, and passions, EXPLORA I’s elevated offerings showcase 11 culinary experiences across six vibrant restaurants. Guests will also experience in-suite dining as well as 12 bars and lounges (eight indoor and four outdoor) and a chef’s kitchen celebrating diverse global flavors inspired by Explora Journeys’ “Ocean State of Mind” programming.

Wine and spirits lovers will be just as satiated: Wine selections reflect the regional areas where the ship sails, while offering favorite grape varietals. What’s more, a curated mixology program includes a signature “Ocean State of Mind” cocktail using gin made with seaweed algae. Exclusive wine pairings, whiskey and spirit tastings, cocktail-making masterclasses, and “Meet the Winemaker” events will be held onboard, in addition to wine-themed destination experiences ashore. Here’s a sneak peek of EXPLORA I’s culinary offerings.

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

• Anthology. Defined as a collection of selected works of art or music, Anthology serves as a culinary stage for guest chefs to curate menus showcasing global cuisines.
• Sakura. An immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine, representing Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian. Expect a Sake sommelier combined with seamless service and modern Asian music.
• Marble & Co. Grill. A redefined European steakhouse experience 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 of fine wines.
• Med Yacht Club. A relaxed celebration of the flavors, ambience, and 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 and infusing tastes and textures of Italy, Spain, Greece, and France.
• Emporium Marketplace. Effortless all-day dining, with global culinary talent offering diverse cuisines with a focus on quality produce, inspired by local destinations. Bathed in natural bright light, 18 separate cooking stations evolve throughout the day with cuisines representing every corner of the globe.
• Fil Rouge. A common red thread that unites international flavors with a French influence. An elegant dessert cart tempts with the freshest creations served tableside, while the wine selection showcases the best of both the Old and New World vineyards.

In addition to:

• In-Suite Dining. Available 24 hours, guests can enjoy refined dining in the comfort of their suite or private terrace.
• Chef’s Kitchen. The Chef’s Kitchen is an immersive experience held in an ocean-front private kitchen setting for 12 guests. A team of culinary experts guides guests through a journey of discovering new ingredients, flavors, textures, and cultures, regardless of cooking skills level.

• Lobby Bar. A central gathering social bar and lounge — the ideal spot to enjoy refreshments both day and night.
• Malt Whiskey Bar. A refined tour of global whiskey regions, including some of the rarest whiskies, complete with a walk-in humidor, cigar expert, and dedicated cigar smoking terrace.
• Journeys Lounge. Explora Journeys’ lounge — a full entertainment and enrichment program.
• Explora Lounge. A luminous lounge with 270-degree views of the ocean — a spectacular backdrop to informal drinking and dining to soothing jazz.
• Gelateria & Creperie at The Conservatory. Authentic French and Italian indulgencies served in a relaxed, weather-protected poolside environment within The Conservatory.
• Crema Café. A bustling, all-day European style café. Coffee is chosen by selected connoisseurs who have traveled the world exploring fair-trade coffee origin, character, and strength. Discover the refined methods of brewing coffee from skilled baristas, taste high-quality loose-leaf teas, enjoy refreshing cold-pressed juices, and taste pastries, cakes, and desserts.
• Astern Lounge. Astern Lounge is the social hub of the journey, with a collection of events and rituals suited to every taste. Expect live music, DJ sessions, and enrichment insights. Savor an aperitivo through a ritual of celebrating the golden sunset hour, complemented by live entertainment.
• 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 DJs 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 cocktails and 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.