Explora Iii Redefines Epicurean Excellence At Sea With New Culinary Concepts, World-Class Wine Discovery And Elevated Lifestyle Experiences

Explora Journeys unveils a new dimension of refined living at sea aboard EXPLORA III, launching on 3 August, where distinctive culinary experiences, world-class wine discovery and thoughtfully curated lifestyle offerings transform the ship into a destination in itself.

Building on the acclaimed culinary vision of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, EXPLORA III introduces a more expressive approach to epicurean excellence — shaped by curiosity, personalisation and emotional connection.

“This expansion of our culinary offering underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering truly world-class food and wine experiences at sea,” said Alban Gjoka, Senior VP Food & Beverage of Explora Journeys. “From the highly personalised menu at The Chef’s Table to the depth and discovery offered through The Cellar, we have created concepts that go beyond expectation and set a new standard. These are not simply dining venues, but immersive journeys in their own right—designed to offer something genuinely distinctive that sets us apart in the industry.”

A New World of Wine Discovery: The Cellar by Explora Journeys

At the heart of EXPLORA III’s culinary vision is The Cellar by Explora Journeys, an intimate and inviting wine experience designed around curiosity, conversation and genuine enjoyment. Featuring nearly 350 labels, it offers the most extensive and thoughtfully curated wine collections at sea, with a breadth and depth rarely found within the industry.

Rather than following a predictable collection of classic labels, the selection balances legendary icons such as Pétrus, Château Le Pin, Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle with unexpected discoveries from emerging and lesser-known wine regions including Lebanon, England, Hungary, Romania, Japan and China. The experience moves seamlessly between heritage and new frontiers, celebrating both globally recognised producers and indigenous grape varieties guests may encounter for the first time. Around one -third of the collection comes from the New World, bringing energy, freshness and a more curious global perspective to the experience. The Cellar Masters bring this world to life through instinctive, highly tailored guidance, helping guests discover the right bottle for the right moment.

The culinary offering has been designed as an elegant extension of the wine experience itself. Refined bites including caviar, lobster, fine cheeses and hand-crafted chocolate truffles accompany the collection, while rare, cured meats are sliced tableside on a traditional Berkel machine, adding a sense of craftsmanship and theatre to the experience.

 Among the more distinctive additions to the collection are three special labels from Il Palagio — the Tuscan winery of Sting and Trudie Styler — with just 100 bottles of each label available on board, each personally signed by Sting.

The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys: Dining Shaped Entirely Around the Guest

EXPLORA III introduces The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, a new dining concept centred entirely on co-creation and personal expression. Guests are invited to share their preferences and inspirations with the culinary team to shape every aspect of the evening, from the menu and pairings to the atmosphere and inspiration behind the moment itself. It may begin with a favourite flavour, a cherished memory, a destination visited during the Journey or ingredients sourced locally along the way. Designed for private celebrations, milestone moments or spontaneous shared evenings with fellow travellers, The Chef’s Table transforms dining into dialogue. Entirely bespoke and deeply personal, it represents one of the most exclusive and individualised culinary experiences at sea, where no two evenings are ever intended to feel the same.

Shore Club on 11 at The Conservatory: Riviera Spirit, Reimagined at Sea

Positioned beside the Conservatory Pool, Shore Club on 11 at The Conservatory introduces a poolside experience inspired by the convivial rhythm of Mediterranean summers. Designed for long, unhurried afternoons by the water, the venue offers made-to-order Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, from vibrant salads and grilled favourites to savoury and sweet crêpes, artisanal gelato and wellness-led options. A playful beverage programme featuring crafted cocktails and a wide selection of alcohol-free creations further reinforces the fresh, modern spirit of the experience.

A New Chapter Across Signature Dining Experiences

EXPLORA III will also debut a series of thoughtful culinary evolutions across its signature dining experiences, which will be progressively introduced across the fleet, bringing fresh layers of seasonality to the guest journey.

Anthology will unveil a new menu debuting aboard EXPLORA III, continuing its refined exploration of Italian fine dining through regional ingredients and culinary storytelling. Crema Café will introduce new lifestyle-led beverage additions inspired by contemporary café culture, while In-Suite Dining will evolve with a refreshed menu designed to further elevate the comfort and freedom of dining privately at sea.

Excellence at Sea: Elevated Retail and Iconic Craftsmanship

Reinforcing EXPLORA III’s position as a benchmark for excellence in ocean hospitality, the onboard lifestyle experience is further enhanced through curated luxury retail experiences bringing some of the world’s most iconic Maisons to the ocean, including Cartier, Piaget and, for the first time, Chopard.

Complementing the elevated retail landscape, Rolex will continue its presence on board with a dedicated boutique-at-sea concept. Building on the success of the brand’s debut retail experience aboard EXPLORA I, this dedicated space provides a premier destination for guests who appreciate purposeful design and meticulous artistry, once again aligning the legendary Swiss watchmaker’s quest for excellence with the sophisticated maritime luxury of Explora Journeys.

The Ocean as Her Address

With EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys continues to redefine the experience of luxury hospitality at sea through a seamless blend of culinary artistry, design, craftsmanship and emotional connection.

 More than a ship, EXPLORA III becomes a destination in itself — where exceptional gastronomy, contemporary European elegance and a deeper connection to the ocean come together in effortless harmony.

Maybe the most compelling destination this summer is the journey itself.