Cruise ships sell gastronomy
Explora Journeys is promoting nine onboard culinary experiences, unlimited beverages and thermal‑spa programming across ships EXPLORA I and II—positioning “gastronomy at sea” as a travel‑food draw. (x.com) The campaign ties luxury cruise comforts to exploratory food programming for travelers who want high‑end dining plus destination stops. (x.com)
Explora’s published dining roster names Anthology, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge, Emporium Marketplace and in‑suite dining among the shipboard venues, and the line credits Head of Culinary Franck Garanger with crafting the menus. (explorajourneys.com) Anthology is described by the line as its signature fine‑dining venue and is consistently listed by reviewers as the only extra‑fee “specialty” restaurant on board; published guest reports and reviews put tasting‑menu prices roughly between €140 and €165 with wine‑pairing supplements in the roughly €60–€70 range. (travelagewest.com) Explora’s official inclusions material specifies an in‑suite welcome bottle of champagne plus a complimentary bottle of wine and a bottle of spirits on arrival, and its suite‑category disclosures name specific champagnes (Veuve Clicquot in Ocean Suites, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2015 in Ocean Penthouses and Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 in Ocean Residences). (explorajourneys.com) EXPLORA I was delivered on 20 July 2023 and began maiden sailings in August 2023, while EXPLORA II was delivered on 12 September 2024 with maiden voyages beginning 16 September 2024, and both vessels are being marketed on Mediterranean and other itineraries that foreground onboard and ashore culinary experiences. (explorajourneys.com) The line also highlights experiential programming around food and drink — including curated tastings, wine‑pairing events, cocktail masterclasses and “meet the winemaker” style sessions — positioning those shipboard events as complements to destination‑focused food excursions. (cruiselowdown.com)
