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June 5, 2026

The new ship from Explora Journeys, EXPLORA III, will debut in August 2026 with a distinctive gastronomic offering centered on personalization, quality, and discovery. From curated wine selections and tailor-made culinary experiences to Mediterranean cuisine and the fleet’s signature restaurants, every concept is designed to transform the journey into an authentic and refined taste experience.

Aboard EXPLORA III, the concept of dining takes on a dimension that goes far beyond the simple act of eating. The goal is to create opportunities for connection, discovery, and sharing, where food and wine become tools for telling the stories of different regions, traditions, and cultures.

This philosophy reflects the growing focus within luxury tourism on more immersive and personalized experiences, capable of engaging guests on both a sensory and emotional level.

One of the most significant elements of the new gastronomic offering is The Cellar by Explora Journeys, a space entirely dedicated to the world of wine. Designed as an intimate and welcoming environment, The Cellar stands out for its selection of nearly 350 labels sourced from some of the world’s most renowned wine regions.

More than a simple wine bar, it is conceived as a place for exploration and learning, where tasting becomes a guided journey through different styles, terroirs, and winemaking traditions.

The uniqueness of the collection lies precisely in its ability to combine major names in international winemaking with lesser-known yet equally compelling producers.

Alongside iconic and universally recognized labels, guests will find wines from emerging or rarely represented regions in traditional wine lists, including Lebanon, England, Hungary, Romania, Japan, and China. This choice reflects the desire to offer guests not only prestigious products but also opportunities for discovery and deeper understanding.

The role of the Cellar Masters is therefore of central importance. Through personalized guidance, these professionals assist guests in selecting wines that best suit their preferences, recommending tasting journeys and pairings tailored to individual tastes. The experience is not conceived as a simple display of bottles, but as an ongoing dialogue between expertise, curiosity, and the pleasure of discovery.

The gastronomic offering associated with The Cellar follows the same philosophy. Tastings are accompanied by a selection of premium products ranging from caviar and lobster to aged cheeses and handcrafted chocolate truffles.

Particularly evocative is the presence of the traditional Berkel slicer used to serve premium cured meats directly at the table. A detail that recalls European craftsmanship and gastronomic culture while adding a theatrical element to the experience.

Among the most exclusive highlights are several labels from Il Palagio, the Tuscan estate owned by Sting and Trudie Styler. Available in extremely limited quantities and personally signed by the artist, they represent yet another distinctive feature of a collection designed to impress even the most experienced wine enthusiasts.

If The Cellar represents the ship’s wine-focused heart, The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys embodies the ultimate expression of gastronomic personalization. In a landscape where many onboard restaurants offer predefined tasting menus, this concept takes a different approach by placing the dialogue between guest and culinary team at its core.

The experience takes shape from the personal preferences of each participant. A favorite ingredient, a memory linked to a journey, a childhood flavor, or a destination visited during the cruise can become the starting point for the creation of the entire culinary journey.

The chefs work closely with guests to define not only the dishes, but also the pairings, the pacing of the dinner, and the overall atmosphere of the event. The result is an offering in which every detail is shaped around individual expectations, making each experience unique.

More than a dinner, The Chef’s Table presents itself as a culinary story built around the guest, an approach that reflects one of the most important trends in contemporary hospitality: the shift from standardized offerings to personalized experiences.

Alongside its most exclusive experiences, EXPLORA III also places great emphasis on informal moments of conviviality. This is the case with Shore Club on 11 at The Conservatory, the new venue located beside the pool and inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of Mediterranean coastal destinations.

The idea is to recreate the slow rhythm of summers spent along the Riviera, where lunch naturally extends into the afternoon and social interaction becomes an integral part of the gastronomic experience.

The menu highlights fresh ingredients and light preparations, featuring colorful salads, made-to-order grilled dishes, sweet and savory crêpes, artisanal ice cream, and wellness-oriented options.

The beverage program complements this vision with creative cocktails and a rich selection of non-alcoholic alternatives, increasingly sought after by an international clientele attentive to balanced lifestyles.

Together, these elements create a dynamic and contemporary space where the pleasure of fine dining blends seamlessly with relaxation and ocean views.

The evolution of EXPLORA III’s gastronomic offering also involves several concepts already present and highly appreciated aboard the fleet’s previous ships. Among these is Anthology, the restaurant dedicated to fine Italian cuisine, which will introduce a new menu developed around the celebration of regional traditions and the storytelling of local territories.

Italian cuisine continues to represent one of the pillars of Explora Journeys’ gastronomic identity. Through carefully selected ingredients, reinterpreted recipes, and a strong focus on seasonality, Anthology aims to offer a contemporary perspective on Italian culinary culture while maintaining a strong connection to its roots.

Crema Café is also preparing to expand its offering with new experiences dedicated to the world of coffee. In recent years, coffee culture has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a simple daily ritual into a true gastronomic experience. The new concepts embrace this trend by emphasizing brewing methods, ingredient quality, and aromatic exploration.

At the same time, the In-Suite Dining service is being enhanced, taking on an increasingly important role within the luxury segment. The opportunity to enjoy high-quality cuisine in the privacy of one’s suite meets the expectations of guests who consider freedom of choice and flexibility essential components of the travel experience.

EXPLORA III’s gastronomic approach reflects a broader vision of contemporary hospitality, where dining is no longer confined to specific moments of the day but accompanies guests throughout their time on board.

Each venue is designed to offer a distinct identity that complements the others, allowing guests to alternate between sophisticated experiences, informal moments, and opportunities for wine discovery.

This attention to detail is part of a philosophy that views the ship not merely as a means of transportation, but as a destination in itself. Gastronomy therefore becomes one of the primary tools through which the character of the journey is shaped, helping to create memories, emotions, and moments of shared enjoyment.

In an increasingly competitive sector, where luxury is measured above all by the quality of the experience, EXPLORA III chooses to focus on authenticity, personalization, and innovation.

From the richness of its wine cellar to the creative freedom of The Chef’s Table, from the Mediterranean conviviality of Shore Club to the evolution of its iconic restaurants, the ship’s gastronomic offering conveys a clear vision of hospitality: one in which the journey is experienced through taste as much as through destination.

And while for many travelers the destination remains the primary reason for departure, aboard EXPLORA III the feeling is that an important part of the experience begins long before arriving in port, taking shape each day around a carefully set table, a thoughtfully selected glass of wine, and the opportunity to transform every meal into a memorable occasion.

Don’t miss further information, updates, and exclusive offers from Explora Journeys on our website, Cruising Journal.

Mara Di Dio

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