Arriving in August, EXPLORA III Promises a Bold Culinary Vision

EXPLORA III, the third in the Explora Journeys fleet of ultra-luxury cruise ships, will launch on August 3. The first of the fleet to be powered by LNG, the vessel promises distinctive culinary experiences, world-class wine discovery and thoughtfully curated lifestyle offerings that make it a destination in itself.

Building on the culinary vision of EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, EXPLORA III will introduce a more expressive approach to epicurean excellence — shaped by curiosity, personalization 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, the line’s Senior VP Food & Beverage. 

“From the highly personalized 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 wine experience designed around curiosity, conversation and genuine enjoyment. Featuring nearly 350 labels, it offers the most extensive and thoughtfully curated wine collection 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 recognized producers and indigenous grape varieties guests may encounter for the first time. 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.

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

EXPLORA III will introduce The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, a new dining concept centered 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. Deeply personal, it represents one of the most exclusive and individualized culinary experiences at sea, where no two evenings are ever 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 will introduce a poolside experience inspired by the convivial rhythm of Mediterranean summers. The venue will offer made-to-order Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, from vibrant salads and grilled favourites to savoury and sweet crêpes, artisanal gelato and wellness-led options. A beverage program 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

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.