Launching this August, EXPLORA III sets a bold new benchmark for luxury cruising with an extraordinary culinary vision, nearly 350 wine labels, and bespoke dining experiences unlike anything else at sea.
Explora Journeys has long redefined what it means to live well at sea. With the arrival of EXPLORA III this August, the line takes that vision further still — introducing a richly layered culinary and lifestyle programme that transforms the ship from a vessel into a destination in its own right.
Building on the acclaimed food and beverage philosophy established aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, EXPLORA III introduces a more expressive approach to epicurean excellence — one shaped by curiosity, personalisation and genuine emotional connection.
The Cellar by Explora Journeys: The Most Extensive Wine Collection at Sea
Central to the EXPLORA III experience is The Cellar by Explora Journeys, an intimate wine space that houses nearly 350 labels — arguably the most thoughtfully curated wine collection afloat.
Rather than defaulting to a predictable canon of classic bottles, the selection balances legendary names such as Pétrus, Château Le Pin, Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle with discoveries from emerging regions including Lebanon, England, Hungary, Romania, Japan and China. Around a third of the collection represents the New World, bringing freshness and a genuinely global perspective to the experience.
Dedicated Cellar Masters guide guests through the collection with instinctive, personalised expertise, while refined accompaniments — caviar, lobster, fine cheeses, hand-crafted chocolate truffles and rare cured meats sliced tableside on a traditional Berkel machine — elevate every pour into an occasion.
Among the most coveted additions: three exclusive labels from Il Palagio, the Tuscan estate of Sting and Trudie Styler. Just 100 bottles of each label are available on board, personally signed by Sting.
The Chef’s Table: Dining as Dialogue
EXPLORA III also introduces The Chef’s Table by Explora Journeys, a bespoke dining concept built entirely around co-creation. Guests work directly with the culinary team to shape every element of the evening — from the menu and wine pairings to the atmosphere and narrative behind each course. A favourite ingredient, a cherished memory or a local market discovery made during the voyage may each serve as inspiration. The result is one of the most individualised fine dining experiences at sea: no two evenings are ever designed to feel the same.
Shore Club on 11 and Signature Dining Evolutions
Positioned beside the Conservatory Pool, Shore Club on 11 at The Conservatory channels the unhurried spirit of a Mediterranean summer with made-to-order cuisine, artisanal gelato, crafted cocktails and a thoughtful selection of alcohol-free creations.
Across EXPLORA III‘s signature restaurants, fresh chapters are also being written: Anthology debuts a new regional Italian menu rooted in culinary storytelling; Crema Café introduces contemporary café-inspired beverages; and In-Suite Dining is refreshed to further elevate the art of private dining at sea.
With EXPLORA III, Explora Journeys cements its position at the very pinnacle of ocean hospitality. This summer, the most compelling destination may well be the journey itself.
