The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí’s majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain’s second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona’s vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.
Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today’s Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain’s daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks’ handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d’Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.
On one of the best stretches of the Mediterranean, this classic luxury destination is one of the most sought-after addresses in the world. With all the high-rise towers you have to look hard to find the Belle Époque grace of yesteryear. But if you head to the town’s great 1864 landmark Hôtel de Paris—still a veritable crossroads of the buffed and befurred Euro-gentry—or enjoy a grand bouffe at its famous Louis XV restaurant, or attend the opera, or visit the ballrooms of the casino, you may still be able to conjure up Monaco’s elegant past. Prince Albert II, a political science graduate from Amherst College, traces his ancestry to Otto Canella, who was born in 1070. The Grimaldi dynasty began with Otto’s great-great-great-grandson, Francesco Grimaldi, also known as Frank the Rogue. Expelled from Genoa, Frank and his cronies disguised themselves as monks and in 1297 seized the fortified medieval town known today as Le Rocher (the Rock). Except for a short break under Napoléon, the Grimaldis have been here ever since, which makes them the oldest reigning family in Europe. In the 1850s a Grimaldi named Charles III made a decision that turned the Rock into a giant blue chip. Needing revenue but not wanting to impose additional taxes on his subjects, he contracted with a company to open a gambling facility. The first spin of the roulette wheel was on December 14, 1856. There was no easy way to reach Monaco then—no carriage roads or railroads—so no one came. Between March 15 and March 20, 1857, one person entered the casino—and won two francs. In 1868, however, the railroad reached Monaco, and it was filled with Englishmen who came to escape the London fog. The effects were immediate. Profits were so great that Charles eventually abolished all direct taxes. Almost overnight, a threadbare principality became an elegant watering hole for European society. Dukes (and their mistresses) and duchesses (and their gigolos) danced and dined their way through a world of spinning roulette wheels and bubbling champagne—preening themselves for nights at the opera, where such artists as Vaslav Nijinsky, Sarah Bernhardt, and Enrico Caruso came to perform. Along with the tax system, its sensational position on a broad, steep peninsula that bulges into the Mediterranean—its harbor sparkling with luxury cruisers, its posh mansions angling awnings toward the nearly perpetual sun—continues to draw the rich and famous. One of the latest French celebrities to declare himself “Monégasque,” thus giving up his French passport, is superchef Alain Ducasse, who said that he made the choice out of affection for Monaco rather than tax reasons. Pleasure boats vie with luxury cruisers in their brash beauty and Titanic scale, and teams of handsome young men—themselves dyed blond and tanned to match—scour and polish every gleaming surface. As you might expect, all this glitz doesn’t come cheap. Eating is expensive, and even the most modest hotels cost more here than in nearby Nice or Menton. As for taxis, they don’t even have meters so you are completely at the driver’s mercy (with prices skyrocketing during events such as the Grand Prix). For the frugal, Monaco is the ultimate day-trip, although parking is as coveted as a room with a view. At the very least you can afford a coffee at Starbucks. The harbor district, known as La Condamine, connects the new quarter, officially known as Monte Carlo with Monaco-Ville (or Le Rocher), a medieval town on the Rock, topped by the palace, the cathedral, and the Oceanography Museum. Have no fear that you’ll need to climb countless steps to get to Monaco-Ville, as there are plenty of elevators and escalators climbing the steep cliffs. But shuttling between the lovely casino grounds of Monte Carlo and Old Monaco, separated by a vast port, is a daunting proposition for ordinary mortals without wings, so hop on the No. 1 bus from Saint Roman, or No. 2 from the Jardin Exotique – Both stop at Place du Casino and come up to Monaco Ville.
Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history. In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa. In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it. Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map. After Ferdinando I de’ Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here. The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this. (The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port. In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours. Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed. Much of the town’s architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it’s somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before. Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it’s become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno’s artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren’t all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists. Livorno’s most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage. Sadly, there’s no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it’s still worth strolling around the city. The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish. Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color. The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.
Italy’s vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully. For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here. Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness. Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de’ Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
Considered Corsica’s primary commercial and cultural hub, the largest city and regional capital of Ajaccio is situated on the west coast of the island, approximately 644 km (400 miles) southeast of Marseille, France. Founded in 1492, vestiges of ancient Corsica in this ville impériale revolve around the city’s most famous son, Napoléon Bonaparte, whose family home—now the national museum Maison Bonaparte—pays tribute to the emperor’s historical influence.Remnants from what was originally a 12th-century Genoese colony are still visible around the Old Town near the imposing citadel and watchtower. Perfect for exploring, the luminous seaside city surrounded by snowcapped mountains and pretty beaches offers numerous sites, eateries, side streets, and a popular harbor, where sailboats and fishing vessels moor in the picturesque Tino Rossi port lined with well-established restaurants and cafés serving fresh local fare.
Valencia, Spain’s third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia’s history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it.The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you’re in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.
The infinite variety of street life, the nooks and crannies of the medieval Barri Gòtic, the ceramic tile and stained glass of Art Nouveau facades, the art and music, the throb of street life, the food (ah, the food!)—one way or another, Barcelona will find a way to get your full attention. The capital of Catalonia is a banquet for the senses, with its beguiling mix of ancient and modern architecture, tempting cafés and markets, and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. A stroll along La Rambla and through waterfront Barceloneta, as well as a tour of Gaudí’s majestic Sagrada Famíliaand his other unique creations, are part of a visit to Spain’s second-largest city. Modern art museums and chic shops call for attention, too. Barcelona’s vibe stays lively well into the night, when you can linger over regional wine and cuisine at buzzing tapas bars.
Breathe in the cultural heart of Catalan; an elegant blend of high energy and undisturbed tradition. Muse over the origins of captivating Gaudi architecture within the enchanting labyrinth that is the Gothic Quarter. Savour the flavours of fresh tapas and crisp cava in breezy plazas, tranquil terraces and coveted cafés, or glide down to a shimmering beach club to unwind. Imagine a visit to peaceful Passeig de Gracia, where modernist buildings merge to showcase iconic global labels. And, as dusk falls, prepare for urban action and swing by the lively bohemian bars to fiesta on the leafy stretch of La Rambla. If you’re serious about style, this colourful city provides plenty to celebrate.
The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest living space on-board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind.
Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your private outdoor terrace – extending over the full ship’s width – with a spacious infinity whirlpool, and enjoy intuitive, intelligent, dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager.
Every aspect of the design of our Owner’s Residence reflects the meticulous curation of all details, conscious at all times of our commitment to sustainability.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our luxurious Retreat Residences offer oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a spacious sun terrace with a private whirlpool, whilst a Residence Host providing butler services is on hand for our guests’ every whim, as well as a dining area for up to four guests, a separate living area and calm workspace.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of the Cove Residences.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Abundant in space and light, the elegant Serenity Residences offer a large living area, a dining area for six, an adept desk area, a luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower, and a Residence Host providing butler services.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our Cocoon Residences are amongst the most spacious of our residences, with an expansive sun terrace on the ship’s coveted aft deck.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
The most spacious of our penthouses, the Grand Penthouses offer elegant spaces with a separate stylish living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four, whilst the private sun terraces allow guests to unwind and savour the ocean, in the company of friends or one another.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Some suites feature bathtubs and accessible facilities:
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*Features may vary by suite.
Please inform your Travel Advisor or the Explora Experience Centre Ambassador of your requirements when reserving your journey.
These light-filled, luxurious Premier Penthouses are designed for withdrawing in style or entertaining other guests – at a dining table laid for four, in the stylish living area and on the private sun terrace with a second seating area and daybeds or sunbeds overlooking the ocean.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling oversized windows, the Deluxe Penthouses offer elegant accommodation and a stylish living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four.
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* Some suites feature bathtubs
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Each of our Penthouses offers a spacious living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four, allowing guests to entertain others or retreat in style as they see fit.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our Ocean Grand Terrace Suites offer a more spacious private sun terrace, allowing guests to savour the ocean from the comfort of their daybed.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space and light.
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*All images are a combination of photography and artist renderings.
The artist representations and interior decorations, finishes, and furnishings are provided for illustrative purposes only.
Some suites feature bathtubs and accessible facilities:
Ocean Terrace Suite Accessibility Features
Stats
*Features may vary by suite.
Please inform your Travel Advisor or the Explora Experience Centre Ambassador of your requirements when reserving your journey.
A Gastronomic Adventure
As our signature fine-dining experience, Anthology elevates Italian cuisine, offering an unparalleled gastronomic adventure.
On the menu, created by our esteemed Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger, each dish is a celebration of Italy’s finest regional ingredients and flavours.
From the renowned flavours of Piedmont’s truffle-rich countryside in the North, to the famed specialities of Italy’s South, each plate celebrates the local produce and time-honoured techniques of every region in Italy.
The menu is an ingenious display of creativity – a vibrant tapestry of regional flavours and authentic ingredients which invites guests to immerse themselves in the different styles and tastes of Italy’s universally loved cuisine.
Contemporary, Refined Elegance
With the opportunity to dine outdoors, Anthology offers an intimate yet elevated dining atmosphere with flawless, attentive service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A global tasting tour to 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.
Private dining and culinary classes.
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.
Authentic French and Italian indulgences in a relaxed weather-protected poolside environment.
Set in the relaxed, weather-protected poolside Conservatory, this is the place to treat yourself to authentic French and Italian indulgencies.
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.
Soul-stirring experiences that touch the impossible, from the thrill of supersonic speed to the deepest fathoms of ocean trenches.
Whether you seek the thrill of supersonic speed, the silence of polar mountain peaks, the deepest fathoms of ocean trenches, the sense of awe from meeting world-leading intellects and artisans, these experiences are more than one-off wonderments, they are soul-stirring achievements that will forever influence your perspective of the world and your role within it.
The travel equivalent of haute couture, our Tailored Experiences are tailor-made for those who seek truly customised arrangements that are both personal and without compromise.
We are pleased to curate your requests for singular, customised arrangements that can be as off-the-beaten-path or utterly indulgent as you wish. Whether yours is an intimate group of two or a larger gathering of family and friends, we can help you adapt a featured destination experience or totally tailor an arrangement that delivers exactly where and what you prefer.
The Enchanting Explorations are the definition of distinction for bespoke groups seeking peerless experiences.
Meticulously designed to usher in next-level exclusivity for small, agile groups seeking peerless experiences, and to witness moments that are off limits to most. You may find yourself in a silent Sistine Chapel after it closes to the public. Perhaps you will sail along the coastline of enchanting Mykonos on a relaxing and captivating catamaran cruise of the south coast, home to some of the island’s best beaches. Or indulge in top-line dinner reservations to a restaurant with a 2-year wait list.
Let our Explora Experience Ambassadors ease you into your travel experience by taking care of essential arrangements before and after your journey.
GUIDING EVERY STEP OF YOUR JOURNEY
Whether on ship or on shore, Explora Journeys guides every step of your journey so you enjoy the same level of personalised service from beginning to end.
SEAMLESS TRANSFERS
Travel with total peace-of-mind, with organised transfers. Float effortlessly through the stresses of travel with airports, hotels, vehicles, and luggage handling all looked after.
LUXURY HOTEL STAYS
Should you wish to explore a destination before or after your journey, our comprehensive hotel programme is the perfect option.
Traversing beyond the bounds of the ocean, we take you deeper into the culture of the countries we visit with immersive all-inclusive excursions.
Designed as three- or more- day overland experiences, our In-Country Immersions are all-inclusive and available to intimately sized groups starting before or after your sailing. All you have to do is let go-and let us immerse you in the extraordinary that lies further afield. Our In-Country Immersions whisk you sunward via private jets or hot-air balloons, nimble ATVs or sure-footed horses to chase nearby marvels, events and wilderness treks both famously celebrated or deeply shrouded in mystery.
Our Destination Essentials offer must-do experiences in unbridled finesse, hidden wonders and little surprises.
Boutique in nature and bolder in adventure, our Destination Essentials expand must-do experiences with hidden wonders that let you see the world from a debonair perspective. It’s not enough to just go to Cairo’s Great Pyramids or Rio’s Christ the Redeemer; intimately feel the power of their presence, find yourself tingling with goosebumps and experience it in a way that quenches your thirst to do more than anyone else can experience.
Designed to enrich the soul, a programme of destination-inspired talks, courses and informal conversations that inspire exploration and discovery.
Creative’s Journey
Behind-the-scenes stories and iconic moments in theatre and cinema are discovered through exciting talks by our Luminaries, resident and guest artists and other prolific talents. Accomplished writers, directors, producers, actors, musicians, choreographers, costumiers, and set and lighting designers are among them.
The Book Club
Occasional journeys feature a particular book relating to the region in which the ship is journeying, culminating in a reading with the author.
Single Origin
Led by a world-class barista, get familiar with local coffee cultures through tastings relevant to the journey.
Dance the Day Away
Select journeys will offer an incredible afternoon of learning some of the region’s movement culture, accompanied by local dance music, against a LED backdrop that conjures a sense of the geographical context. Sessions are led by our local experts and resident Artistes.
Artisanal
Courses on destination-themed crafts representative of local heritage, from textiles and tapestries to baskets and chocolate making, all taught by local experts.
Solivagant Society
Solivagant Society activities are there to introduce our solo travellers to all our journeys have to offer.
Prism
Prism events are organised to celebrate the diversity of our guests onboard.
Club Soda
With Club Soda, we support and entertain those who enjoy an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Galleria d’Arte
Starting 19 June 2024, Galleria d’Arte – an immersive art space on board EXPLORA I – will feature a privately-owned collection of limited-edition prints from two legendary pop art masters: Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
On board featured artists
The art selection on board features a blend of renowned and emerging artists, alongside master artisans, creating an immersive art experience for guests throughout the ship. From the suites to the restaurants, and from the passing areas to the lounges and lobby, the artworks enhance every space.
Mixology, enrichment and entertainment continuously evolving throughout the day.
The most spacious onboard lounge features mixology specialists, enrichment activities and cabaret-style entertainment daily. This venue is designed to continuously evolve and transform throughout the day along with the ocean journey.
A luminous lounge offering spectacular 270-degree views of the ocean, a spectacular backdrop to informal drinking and dining.
Explora Lounge is a central meeting place bathed in natural bright light, where guests can watch the world sail by as they enjoy light meals, snacks, and traditional afternoon tea. Perfect for a quiet moment to read, work or sip a coffee, or simply admire the beautiful sea-facing views which instantly ease the mind into a calming space.
Cool and soothing background music during the day is transformed into a jazz and piano bar at night. This is the perfect soundtrack to your journey paired with a sunset aperitivo in hand.
Guests can enjoy light meals, snacks, traditional afternoon tea, along with inventive modern cocktails barista-made coffees, loose leaf teas, smoothies, and fresh pressed juices.
An all-day pool and lounge setting for a seaside escape.
An all-day lounge next to the infinity pool, ideal 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.
Outdoor dining is available from nearby Sakura restaurant in bento boxes, conveniently served seated at a table, a lounger or a poolside sunbed.
All-day lounge for a seaside escape opening up to the Astern Pool.
Astern Lounge is the social hub of the journey, with a collection of events and rituals suited to every taste.
Effortlessly transitioning throughout the day, Astern Lounge hosts live music, DJ sessions and enrichment insights. Coming to life from sundown, the lounge perfects the aperitivo through a ritual of celebrating the golden hour, complemented by live entertainment.
A weather-protected all-day poolside lounge
The Conservatory is a weather-protected poolside lounge by day. By night, it turns into a cinema experience under the stars. A relaxed, calming venue to unwind and enjoy cocktails, with light, lively background music playing throughout the day.
A centrally-located social bar and lounge.
A central gathering social bar and lounge, amongst high-end boutiques, provides the ideal spot to enjoy refreshments throughout the day and night.
A refined tour of the global whisky regions.
Set within the Explora Lounge, Malt offers a refined tour of the global whisky regions, including some of the rarest whiskies. Complete with a walk-in humidor, cigar expert and a dedicated outdoor cigar-smoking terrace.
A menu with an emphasis on dark brown spirits
Features an outdoor smoking area for guests to enjoy their hand-rolled cigars*, selected with the guidance of our cigar expert
Signature whiskey-based cocktails curated exclusively for Explora Journeys
Low jazz background music
Bustling European all-day café culture brought to the oceans of the world.
A thick luxurious layer of crema nods to the freshness of an espresso and aptly lends authenticity and sophistication to a café at the centre of life on board.
Inspired by modern European café culture, Crema Café has unpretentiously stylish interiors with comfortable lounge seating, featuring sophisticated reading material and art set against uninterrupted views of the sea. A place designed to meet, discuss, unwind, taste and indulge, where like-minded guests gather to mingle and converse.
Coffee is chosen by selected connoisseurs who have travelled 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 with an on-hand tea expert, or enjoy refreshing cold-pressed juices. A jewellery-shop-like display showcases pastries, cakes, desserts and dry sweets including madeleine, cannelés, biscotti, navette sandwiches as well as gelato flavours that evolve throughout the day.
An intimate pool with a chilled vibe throughout the day.
Here, guests can enjoy the sun, sea and serenity along with sunny, sparkling and colourful drinks.
A panoramic adults-only pool and lounge experience.
Inspired by the Ancient Greek god of the sun, and also literally meaning “sun” in Greek, this adults-only area is indeed the sunniest venue onboard, panoramically facing forward on deck 12. Enjoy lying by the pool or lounging throughout the day as you watch the ship sail through the sea.
A panoramic outdoor lounge setting, ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views.
Set on the ship’s highest point, on deck 14, this panoramic outdoor lounge setting is ideal for soothing cocktails and infinite views.
Explora Journeys offers a diverse programme of enriching and delectable events. Designed to connect guests, hosts and luminaries.
Captain’s Log Secrets of the Sail
Guests will walk the Ship alongside the Captain or Bridge Officers. Discover how ancient seafaring methods have paved the way to the mind-boggling technology of today. Get to know the team who sail us safely around the globe.
Bal Mythos
At the stroke of midnight, guests will don handcrafted masks of local gods and goddesses. Now is the time to revel in a fully immersive club vibe as they dance to resident artists and singers.
Midnight Wayfinder
With dreamy guitar music and storytelling under the stars, guests learn how sailors have long relied on the sea, wind and sky to bring them safely to shore.
Inferno
An unforgettable nod to the glamour of Manhattan’s Studio 54, Soul Train, and Europe’s 1970s discos, where guests can let their hair down, enjoy cocktails from the era, and dance the night away.
Unique, curated, immersive and captivating, experiences provide unforgettable moments to be savoured.
Decadence
The themes of this fabulously indulgent experience switch from lounge to lounge, with live music, immersive performances and an air of lavishness that make The Great Gatsby look second-rate.
An Evening by Candlelight
An intimate and cosy part of every Journey, guest artists, musicians and vocalists perform in the main lounges softly lit by candlelight. Experiences range from classical to movie soundtracks.
Le Jazz
Guests enjoying journeys that take in France can let go in a Parisian jazz club experience, accompanied by French martinis and canapés.
Let the Good Times Roll
Jiving to New Orleans jazz cabaret is an essential part of a Caribbean journey, with a Creole menu, absinthe cocktails and dazzling musicianship
Explore the intimate, elegant space of The Casino and its diverse gaming offerings: from thrilling poker and blackjack tables to the excitement of American roulette, baccarat elegance, and the chance to hit it big with progressive slot machines.
Inspired by the Ocean State of Mind and influenced by the destinations we visit, The Journey redefines the shopping experience at sea.
Our Inspiration
Every item available is a celebration of creativity, passion, and the power of discovery, each with its own magical story to tell.
Discovery
We celebrate a passion for small, luxury brands with unique stories and local influences, inviting our guests on a journey of discovery to explore diverse regional cultures, techniques, flavours, and artisanal skills.
Consciousness
We are dedicated to partnering with brands that prioritize sustainability, using regenerative, recycled, and natural materials at the heart of the production process; supporting slow fashion, waste reduction and environmental impact.
Provenance and Craftmanship
Our products are a celebration of the artisan: skilled craftspeople, artists, smaller suppliers, and designers who pour their passion and creativity into every detail, with a focus on quality of materials and finishing.
Our Bespoke Fragrance
Introducing Mandala Blue by Explora Journeys, the scent of the ship, curated with master perfumer Alberto Morillas.
A fragrance that relaxes, connects, awakens your senses and ultimately transforms you.
Cue notes that express the sea and enhancing freshness, as well as more dominant woody and spicy signatures.
Available to purchase from The Journey.
Brand selection criteria
We’re committed to partnering with brands who reflect our own commitment to sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. It is why we are the first retail offer at sea which actively looks for partners with relevant certifications, ensuring a positive approach to their production practices.
B-Corp certified partners
Ensuring that they meet the highest standards in social and environmental performance
Positive Luxury – Brands to trust
The Butterfly Mark certification is an independent, globally respected trust mark awarded to luxury brands, retailers and suppliers that meet the highest standards of verified ESG+ performance
A calming space designed to reconnect guests to themselves – influenced at every level by the calming presence of the ocean.
The spa is where the pressures of daily life dissipate to insignificance amidst a sensory journey to the Ocean State of Mind.
Facilities
* Spa treatments, including massages and facials, require a minimum age of 12 years old, with parental supervision. Access to our Wellness Area and thermal facilities is reserved for our guests aged 16 years old and above.
11 Treatment Rooms in total of which
* Spa treatments cannot be booked until 60 days prior to the journey.
The Spa Facilities:
We believe inner wellness should radiate in outer beauty and confidence. Our beauty spaces are dedicated to this philosophy, allowing you to feel at one with the natural beauty of your surroundings.
The Beauty Studio is a flowing space, to ensure all your beauty needs are catered for in one space, ranging from hair rituals, barber treatments to rejuvenating hand and foot treatments.
Seize the benefits of sleep, accompanied by the soothing soundtrack of the ocean.
The Fitness Centre features different areas for cardio, strength, and functional training. Guests can train with high-end cardio equipment from the Technogym Artis Line, a unique collection designed to the highest standards to maximise the efficiency of a workout and optimise results. Among the many options, guests can elevate their indoor running experience and enjoy engaging content and workouts with Run Artis, or train in a fun and effective way on the elliptical Artis Synchro.
In the strength training area guests can work on their lower body with high-quality solutions such as the Artis Leg Press and Artis Leg Curl, or train their upper body with innovative products such as the Artis Chest Press and the Artis Shoulder Press.
For strength workout sessions, Explora Journeys also offers guests the Technogym Bench, the innovative, functional and strength training station with sleek design and enclosed tools that enables guests to perform over 200 exercise options, and fitness tools such as Urethane Dumbbells, which allow guests to be precise in their workouts and recruit more muscles more efficiently.
Located within the Fitness Centre, the Fitness Studio allows guests to take part in yoga classes with the Technogym training mats, which offer extra-large size and maximum comfort, or enjoy functional workouts with the Technogym Bench, Technogym Skill tools and the Technogym Case Kit, a practical and spacious bag with a QR code on the hangtag, that allows for direct access to a digital library of video exercises and guided routines focused on their needs.
Additionally, our Fitness Studio offers Pilates Reformers classes for improved balance through the strengthening of the core muscles.
On the outdoor deck, guests can train in the open air, with direct ocean views. The Open Air Fitness area provides guests with the latest fitness equipment such as:
Guests can use Skillrow, Group Cycle bikes and also Technogym Case in the way they most prefer: they can choose to train individually, receive support from a qualified personal trainer, or participate in exciting and engaging fitness classes.
More exercise options in the open air include:
Enjoy the all-inclusive functional training kit that empowers you to perform myriads of total body workouts, with the guidance of the Technogym virtual coach.
A dedicated space for various activities, such as touch tennis, half basketball and yoga ritual experiences.
The use of the space is complimentary for all guests and the equipment such as balls, rackets and other will be provided on board free of charge.
A series of consistent events for guests to find entertainment, serenity, solace and structure in beautiful practices that set a grounding framework for each journey.
Sundial Salutation
This twice-daily, movement-based wellness ritual invigorates guests as they begin each new day, then calms them as sunset slides into nightfall.
Ocean Meditation
Simple daily guided meditations against a backdrop of sky and ocean, a welcome to each new day. A blend of local cultural practices and soothing stories about the day’s destination.
Sunset Aperitivo
Signature drinks and appetizing bites inspired by the various destinations of call are offered in the bars and lounges, each with its own unique flavour.
Moonrise
Every 28 days, guests gather to honour the full moon at a magical soirée, sipping signature cocktails and dancing under a starlit sky to live music.
Midday Melodies
Each and every day the Lobby comes alive with acoustic music to mark the passing of the morning into the afternoon as another day onboard unfolds before guests.
We don’t have a dress code onboard but we suggest an elegant resort casual style.
Please consider the following in our restaurants, and indoor bars and lounges:
Explora Journeys respects the needs and desires of all guests and we have considered carefully the subject of those who smoke and those who do not. In compliance with global standards, smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor locations. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the suites and the suite terraces.
Smoking will be only allowed in the following outside areas onboard:
If you have a service animal to assist you, please let us know when placing your booking.
There are accessible suites onboard Explora Journeys.
Any guests in need of special services during their journey, or needing to travel with medical apparatus, including wheelchairs, motorised scooters or oxygen therapy are asked to please notify us in writing prior to final payment becoming due.
Certain Destination Experiences are wheelchair-accessible and there will be an icon to highlight these experiences. Depending on what the guest’s requirements are, experiences may be subject to availability as wheelchair-accessible transport has to be pre-requested. It is recommended that guests advise their preferred Travel Advisor or an Explora Journeys Ambassador of their requirements at time of booking.
We offer a self-service guest laundry as well as a laundry service (charges apply).
There is a medical centre onboard equipped for first aid and minor conditions only. The medical centre is not equipped as a land-based hospital and the doctor is not a specialist.
Medical consultations onboard are fee-based therefore we strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel health insurance covering medical treatment, repatriation costs and expenses.
Our adults-only areas onboard are the Whiskey bar within the Observation Lounge (where smoking will be allowed), and the Forward Pool area on deck 12. The use of the Fitness Centre and the Spa Facilities are reserved for guests aged 16 years and older. Following Public Health Authorities requirements, children in diapers, swim diapers, pull-ups, or who are not completely toilet trained are not allowed in the swimming pools and whirlpools.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in suites and public areas for unlimited web browsing, emails, social media, messengers, and voice and video calls. Please note that the Wi-Fi connection on board depends on the satellite positioning and, at times, can be unstable or discontinued depending on the weather conditions, navigation area, or other technical restrictions beyond our control.
You will be asked during the booking process to add any allergies, dietary restrictions and special requests. Please make sure to inform us prior to your journey about special dietary restrictions
Explora Journeys does not have any single use plastic onboard its ships and ashore.
We ban single-use plastic from our ships, also packaging of deliveries will be reduced to a minimum. Offering fresh and locally-sourced food gives us the possibility to be more respectful with the planet and the destinations we visit.
Additionally, we offer environmentally conscious Destination Experiences as well as recycling and refillable bottles onboard.
We are working with tour operators that offer sustainable experiences with no single-use-plastic also ashore. Our Destination Experiences are planned to put a spotlight on local talents, craftsmanship, culture, gastronomy and traditions.
Our advanced wastewater treatment systems onboard process wastewater to near tap water quality. We discharge our ballast water exclusively on land while we are in the port. We have adopted strict treatment regimes to remove threats of species transportation through ballast water.
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: