MSC Cruises Explora Journeys – A Culinary Journey Onboard Explora I

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When I stepped on board the new Explora Journeys cruise ship Explora I, I felt my relaxed vacation had started. The public areas’ neutral colour tones and flow were calming and inviting. As a food and travel writer, food is as important as the destination, and I was eager to give the restaurants a try.

The lobby bar, with its high ceiling and impressive bottle wall, was the meeting place before dinner. Guests ordered from the all-inclusive beverage menu, which included well-known brands. One evening, I ordered an Irish coffee with the whipping crème shaken by hand, which fashionably capped the drink.

The difficult decision was choosing a restaurant. There is no main dining room; instead, six distinct restaurants emphasize the “travelling the world” experience onboard Explora I.

1. Anthology: showcases refined Italian cuisine
2. Sakura: immersive, authentic dining experience offering the finest Pan-Asian cuisine
3. Marble & Co. Grill: a European steakhouse experience
4. Med Yacht Club: relaxed ambience serving la dolce vita of the Mediterranean
5. Emporium Marketplace: all-day dining serving international flavours
6. Fil Rouge: French-inspired international cuisine

Sakura

Sakura, a Pan-Asian restaurant, captured my attention as I gazed at the décor of hanging cherry blossom trees, transporting me to Asia. Gyoza filled with Galician cod and tiger prawns with a chilli mayonnaise finish was a delicious way to begin the evening.

I returned to Sakura another day at noontime and sat at the sushi bar. The sashimi platter was served quickly and spot on for freshness.

Explora I – Emporium Marketplace

My favourite restaurant onboard the Explora I was the Emporium Marketplace, which served crusty bread and pizza fresh from the oven. Food stations offered many selections, including seafood, charcuterie, salads, and luscious desserts. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the casual eatery. And I’ll admit to the restaurant staff bringing me extra butter throughout the meals.

Med Yacht Club

The dessert of my dreams was served in the Med Yacht Club. A signature item of the cruise line, Sweet Caprese was a stunning plated dessert of cherry tomato confit, strawberries, and pistou with fresh bufala mozzarella sitting in all its glory. I would have never thought of this combination of flavours being so elegant and satisfying.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Buffalo mozzarella, or mozzarella di bufala in Italian, is made with milk from water buffalo for a tangier and sweeter flavour.

Fil Rouge

Caviar is served freely in all Explora I restaurants, and at Fil Rouge, one breakfast, I ordered the Signature, which was like a benedict, with toasted brioche, spinach, a poached egg dripping with hollandaise, and a mound of Baeri caviar on top.

Marble & Co. Grill

Feeling a need for meat, Marble & Co. Grill had me with an aged rib-eye steak. Grilled to perfection – each bite juicy and cooked as I had requested. I balanced the meal with an appetizer of beets roasted in a salt crust, Sainte-Maure goat cheese and apricot balsamic.

My food exploration onboard was complete, and when I returned home, I began searching for future cruises on which to eat again on Explora Journeys.

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About MSC Cruises Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is a new venture by MSC Cruises that aims to provide luxury cruising experiences focusing on sustainability and exploration. Here are some key features and aspects of Explora Journeys:

1. Luxury Experience: Explora Journeys offers luxurious accommodations and services onboard, catering to travellers looking for high-end cruising experiences.
2. Small Ship Concept: Unlike traditional large cruise ships, Explora Journeys operates with smaller, more intimate vessels designed to access smaller ports and offer a more personalized experience. The Explora I ship, for example, contains only 461 suites within a ship that measures 248 metres in length and 63,621 GT Tonnage.
3. Sustainability: MSC Cruises emphasizes sustainability in its operations, and Explora Journeys continues this commitment by focusing on environmentally friendly practices and reducing its ecological footprint.
4. Destinations: Explora Journeys’ itineraries are crafted to include unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing travellers to explore lesser-known places and experience local cultures.
5. Service and Amenities: Expect premium service standards and a range of amenities onboard, including gourmet dining options, wellness facilities, and entertainment tailored to luxury travellers. The Explora I ship, for example, features six restaurants, five pools, and a 1.25:1 guest-to-host ratio.
6. Experiential Travel: The cruise line aims to offer enriching experiences beyond traditional cruising, with activities such as cultural immersion, adventure excursions, and expert-led enrichment programs.

Overall, Explora Journeys represents MSC Cruises’ expansion into the luxury travel market, combining upscale accommodations and services with a commitment to sustainability and exploration. Explora I is the first ship to launch, with Explora II scheduled for 2024, Explora III planned for 2026, Explora IV and Explora V scheduled for 2027, and Explora VI planned for 2028.

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