Dining Guide for Explora I
Explora I elevates the dining experience for cruisers by forgoing a traditional main dining room in favor of an array of six unique standalone restaurants. This approach integrates a diverse selection of cuisines including Mediterranean, French, steak and seafood, pan-Asian, and modern European, offering an inclusive culinary adventure that rivals upscale resort dining around the globe. Five of these dining venues, along with a café, in-suite dining, and a gelateria and creperie, are complimentary with the cruise fare, while one fine-dining restaurant requires an additional fee. The availability of 24-hour in-suite dining further enhances the flexibility and convenience of dining options onboard, marking Explora I as a notable contender in its class for those seeking a refined dining experience at sea.
Emporium Marketplace
IncludedNestled on Deck 11, Emporium Marketplace transcends the typical cruise ship buffet with its elegant approach and ocean views. Its dining experience, complemented by waiter service and Moet top-offs, showcases an international array of made-to-order dishes, emphasizing the freshness of ingredients. Morning highlights include eggs benedict and omelets, while lunch and dinner boast stations of fresh pasta, sushi, a diverse salad bar, and a tempting dessert bar. The plant-based lentil burger is a signature dish not to be missed, embodying the venue's commitment to variety and quality. The alfresco seating option offers an inviting ambience for enjoying sunset views while indulging in seafood from the raw bar.
Fil Rouge
IncludedFil Rouge, elegantly situated on Deck 4, offers a French dining experience akin to the most sophisticated culinary venues. With its pristine white tablecloths and refined decor, it serves breakfast and dinner, featuring iconic dishes such as eggs benedict, Burgundy escargot, lobster, and the decadent cheese and dessert trolley. The rich, indulgent menu, highlighted by the veal wellington, provides a gourmet journey through France’s culinary traditions, ideal for celebratory or romantic dinners. It’s a venue where the ambiance matches the exquisite fare, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Med Yacht Club
IncludedDrawing its inspiration from the breezy, stylish eateries of the French Riviera and Italian coast, Med Yacht Club on Deck 4 provides a Mediterranean escape with its Provencal menu, open for lunch and dinner. The ambiance, reminiscent of a luxurious yacht, perfectly complements dishes like the lobster ravioli in a rich seafood bisque. It's an embodiment of Mediterranean dining culture, where the flavors are as vibrant and colorful as the regions they represent. Indulging in its signature dishes against the backdrop of sweeping sea views offers a dining escapade that rivals shore-based Mediterranean experiences.
Marble & Co. Grill
IncludedMarble & Co. Grill, a testament to top-notch European steakhouses, resides on Deck 5, welcoming guests to an ambiance that blends sophistication with a hint of masculinity. The focus on premium, marbled meats is evident through a selection that ranges across European to North American cuts, ensuring a taste of culinary excellence. Not-to-miss is the jumbo lump crab meat salad and the Swedish steak, perfectly paired with the signature crushed fingerling potatoes topped with Oscietra caviar. It’s a venue that champions high-quality ingredients and finesse in preparation, delivering memorable steak and seafood dining.
Sakura
IncludedSakura, perched on Deck 5, is Explora I’s vibrant nod to the diverse and rich flavors of Asia. This pan-Asian venue, adorned with cherry blossom decor, provides an authentic dining journey through its umami-packed menu, offering sushi platters, bento boxes, and a medley of dim sum, dumplings, and other regional specialties. The 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef Panang emerges as a standout dish, emphasizing the restaurant’s dedication to both taste and presentation. Guests are encouraged to embrace the shared dining concept, enhancing the experiential aspect of exploring a variety of dishes.
Crema Café
IncludedCrema Café, located on Deck 5, epitomizes the European café culture onboard Explora I. As an all-day retreat, it serves a plethora of hot and cold beverages, complemented by an assortment of light snacks including paninis, rolls, and inviting sweets like madeleines and pastel de nata. The café’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for casual meetings or a quiet reading nook, inviting guests to linger over a cup of finely brewed coffee while savoring a sweet treat, reflecting a slice of European lifestyle at sea.
Gelateria & Creperie
IncludedStrategically positioned between the Conservatory Pool and Emporium Marketplace on Deck 11, Gelateria & Creperie offers a delightful escape with its assortment of homemade gelato, sorbet, and crepes. This venue is more than just a place for a sweet treat; it's an experience, inviting guests to indulge in the flavors of Italy and France while enjoying the leisurely pace of ship life. Whether after a swim or a meal, the chocolate sorbet comes highly recommended, a testament to the Gelateria & Creperie’s commitment to quality and taste.
Anthology
Additional chargeAnthology, the extra-fee, fine-dining crown jewel of Exploara I located on Deck 5, is where culinary art meets the high seas. With an ever-changing menu crafted by rotating Michelin-starred chefs, it offers a 10-course tasting menu that's a journey through innovative and exquisite flavors. Currently under the watchful eye of chef Mauro Uliassi, Anthology exemplifies dining as an art form, suited for celebrating special occasions or for those who simply relish an unparalleled gastronomical experience. Though the price of admission is steep, the memorable dishes, paired with select wines, assure a dining event that’s well worth the splurge.
In-Suite Dining
IncludedExplora I redefines the luxury of convenience with its 24-hour in-suite dining service. Offering an extensive menu that caters to a variety of tastes and cravings, guests can savor a private meal in the comfort of their suite or on their balcony, overlooking the ocean. From the smoked salmon and poached eggs for breakfast to a decadent dinner selection, the service is efficient, discreet, and consistently maintains the high culinary standards found throughout the ship. For those who prefer dining in solitude or wish to indulge in a meal at any hour, in-suite dining on Explora I is a perfect blend of privacy and gourmet dining.