Explora I and II Complete Dining Guide (inc interview with Head of Culinary for Explora Journeys!)

#cruiseship #explorajourneys #explora1
Does this ship have the 'finest cuisine at sea'? Does it have the best restaurants in luxury cruising? Explora Journeys' Explora I can certainly claim it is up there with the best. Let's give you a full dining guide showing you all the food and all the menus and you can see why they might just pull it off!
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VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE:
We were invited on board as guests of Explora Journeys as Ambassadors of Panache Cruises, the UK luxury cruise provider. We paid for our own transport to the ship and received no fees or remuneration for producing media during and after this voyage from either of the aforementioned companies. Any resulting videos have been produced without influence or expectation from Explora Journeys or Panache and we had complete editorial and artistic freedom. Neither Explora Journeys or Panache have had prior preview of this content and are watching for the first time along with you. All our videos contain our personal and unbiased opinion. Please ask us if you want to know more or visit www.asa.org.uk for more information on blogger/vlogger disclosure requirements. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the content as much as we did creating it. Rich and Helen x
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[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much for watching! It really does mean the world to us! Please give this video a THUMBS UP, please SUBSCRIBE and please leave us a comment too as that's extremely important to us (and it also encourages KZbin to suggest it with other viewers who might be interested), and also we’d LOVE to hear from you. R&H x

[@BethandDavidCruise]

What an extensive guide!! Looks unbelievable food and great interview at the end, very interesting! Can only dream of going on this ship 😍

[@visitwithus]

One day you shall, Padawan. One day you shall... :)

[@GregCurtin45]

The restaurant and food parts are always my favourite of your videos. Appreciate the detailed, close up pictures of the each part of the meal and mentioning what each plate is. I do have a request... I really cannot read your menus. Is it possible to post them full screen? I might be the only one with this problem but perhaps you could pose the question for all viewers to comment on? Thank you again for video tour and may you both have a safe, helathy, and well traveled 2024.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for your kind feedback. Sorry you can’t read the menus. They were in 4K from the original Explora PDFs. If you’re watching from a phone they might be too small. 🙂

[@theapprentice2298]

Excellent information Richard. Well presented as usual . The food looks devine . Now added to my shortlist :)

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 😊

[@patrikandersson8054]

At 11:00, on the menu from Marble&Co, there is an item listed as "Sweden, Swami". What the hell is "Swami"? I am from Sweden, and I have never heard of such a thing. I googled it and the only thing I could find was some kind of title within hinduism. Are they perhaps referring to Sami, the indigenous people of northern Sweden? But that doesn't make any sense either, because they are (traditionally) a reindeer raising people, and the item in question is a beef sirloin. Yes, I know, it's such a minor detail, but I just found it curious. I enjoyed the video. Great work.

[@visitwithus]

How interesting, we hadn’t noticed that. Curious indeed. Don’t have an answer for you I’m afraid. Thank you for watching 👍

[@KVDC2008]

Great content on Explora restaurant venues! By the way, I was trying to find the video of the excursions you guys did on this trip, was there a video covering that aspect of this trip? Thanks!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to do any of the shore excursions on this trip. We do have other Explora content ⬇️ though which you might find useful. kzbin.info/aero/PLR7WpaSLH3dMBjOaFzg9c7uyF_YmiwX2l&si=cTcfGwfuT4CrNF2B

[@davidbach7003]

I am curious what the evening dress code would be

[@visitwithus]

It’s quite relaxed compared to some of the other cruise lines. Though like many other luxury lines guests did tend to ‘dress for dinner’. Thanks for watching 👍

[@susanssi2012]

Oh boy, it certainly was a good idea to watch this video during my lunch hour, as I otherwise would’ve been starving by the end of it!!! Looked fantastic, thanks so much for yet another excellent video!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Susan ☺️ The food was as amazing as it looked 😋

[@randyharbour8633]

The frequently heard comment, including from James Cole, is that this is one of the best meals they have had ‘at sea.’ There always seem to be that qualifier. How does it compare to meals had ‘on land?’ That being asked, I look forward to sailing on an Europa and having the experience!

[@visitwithus]

Generally we found the food on Explora to be very good indeed. Anthology was a cut above all of the other restaurants on the ship but the upcharge reflects this. Thanks for watching 👍

[@LuckyPasstSchon]

Great video as always, I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next dining guide, they are by far my favourite.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you ☺️ Hopefully they’ll be plenty more this year 👍

[@anthonyblake9125]

Absolutely superb review - literally cannot wait till 19th January Do you by any chance have a list of the better wines to purchase?

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Anthony. Sorry but no we didn’t record or take any pics of them. Tbf we were really happy with the drinks so didn’t even give it a second thought. Hope you have a great time on her, not long now 👍❤️

[@Podgey25]

So every restaurant included? Except the Anthology?

[@visitwithus]

Yes, all the restaurants are included except for Anthology.

[@ManWhoLovesTheMary]

Any ship that features the delights and grandeurs of the ocean liners of the past is a ship I can get aboard. That Andrea Doria model is a nice touch, as was the chef interview. But all the restaurants are beautifully themed and appetizing in themselves.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you 🤩

[@kymcalderwood9717]

Fabulous. Have you posted the Regent Splendour dining guide yet? Can't see it. Thank you.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you. No sorry, the Regent one isn’t up yet. We are still hoping to get on the Grandeur in the next few months and will release it after that so we can make sure that the info can be applied to the Splendor and the Grandeur 👍

[@kymcalderwood9717]

@@visitwithus Perfect, we're booked on Grandeur in 2026! Just loved you EJ dining guide it swung it for us. We're waiting for them to expand their Journey offerings. Happy New Year and thanks for all your fabulous videos.

[@kayangove443]

Always look forward to your in-depth dining reviews, this was another great one

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed this one. 😊🥂

[@dorischwaiger6643]

Hello, I have been following you for quite sometime. We are frequent Regent & Silversea guest. This cruise line looks interesting and very lovely. Can you comment on why they are only rated a 5.5 ?

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for supporting our channel. That’s an interesting question - tbh we didn’t know they were rated 5.5. Maybe it’s because of their size or their ‘newness’ 🤷

[@howardhdavidson]

It looks like I’m in the minority as all I noticed was lots of cakes plenty of sweets the usual sushi and more sweet crepes.I have done over a 100 cruises mainly on luxury lines dating back from the 50s I’d really love to do a cruise that the only restaurant that might suit me I can only be guaranteed a table once in a voyage.With these small restaurants that hold a small amount of tables are all well and good unless everyone wants a table in the same restaurant.I also hate having to book restaurants as I don’t know in advance what I might fancy.The dishes are the usual modern tiny portions of Nuevo Cuisine type dishes that I can’t stand.The ship looks lovely but that you get used to quickly and then it’s down to the food and service.For me I would only travel on Regent now as they have a proper dining room with a regular steward with a regular table and possibly do a couple of meals in their alternative restaurants which are about three.I just returned from a 3 week trip on the Silver Nova and that also has what I call the BS food and menus.I don’t want tapas and pizzas and tiny tasting menus.Or do I want to speak to a chef or watch the food being cooked.This is not for me personally.It’s for the new inexperienced cruisers.Hope it keeps fine for them , the competition is really increasing and the prices are too .Less for more is todays way .

[@visitwithus]

Everyone’s different and thankfully there’s usually a cruise line to suit most needs 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@Andrea-sl3ey]

The food looks sublime but I am still too nervous of MSC’s reputation to risk booking with Explora Journeys

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching. Based on our experience, you really don’t have to worry about the MSC connection. Explora Journeys is to MSC what Seabourn is to Carnival. Totally different quality and experience. 🙂

[@happyhappyjoyjoy9847]

Thank you for this indepth review. We are currently looking at booking a journey on Explora II over Oceania. From everything I have seen and read about the food aboard Explora I, it seems they might have Oceania beat in the food department. Explora also had an itinerary that is better aligned with where we are looking to travel.

[@visitwithus]

The Head of Culinary has come over from many years at Oceania and in our opinion the food on Explora is as good if not better (definitely better in the ‘buffet’) If the price is right then definitely give Explora a try 👍

[@Yframk]

Thank you for sharing. My husband and I are scheduled to sail on Explora 1 in February. So excited and look forward to our experience.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching ☺️ We hope you enjoy your cruise on her as much as we did. Keep an eye out for our full experience review which will hopefully be out before you go 👍

[@callingallports]

Thanks for another great dining guide. We'll be on Explora I and II later this year. We have a long time to wait, but are looking forward to sampling all that amazing food!

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching guys. It will be worth the wait 😍

[@kittieswinemovies]

Hi Rich and Helen - I recently found your channel and I am obsessed. Thank you for the care and sophistication you obviously take with your videos. The quality of your videos and the thoughtful information is educational and entertaining. I loved this video, in particular, because of the interview with the Executive Chef of Explora Journeys. Wow - what a huge job he has! However, it sounds like he and his staff have nailed it. I salivated the entire video. I would have been camped out at the seafood station at the Marketplace for fresh oysters every day. What a great idea! The next time I cruise (which will likely be to Alaska), I will definitely contact Panache and let them know it is because of you! Happy New Year!!

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, chef was so engaging and interesting we couldn’t leave the interview out. And the oysters every evening are sublime. There are also seared scallops and tuna available to be freshly cooked in the marketplace every day, it’s honestly the best buffet style restaurant ever 👍 Please let us know if you book anything and how you get on. Thanks again for your support ☺️

[@cruiseforever1281]

Absolutely an amazing culinary journey. I’d sail with Explora Journeys just for the gastronomic delights. You created a beautiful overview. Well done.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much 😊

[@mysavescgf2640]

Do you really think the extra 190£ per head is worth it for that specialty restaurant???

[@visitwithus]

Good question. It is very expensive but it does seem to be across the board that generally the cost of specialty dining seems to be increasing. It was an excellent meal and we love the idea that every few months a new guest chef will design a new menu. But whilst they might be a Michelin star chef the restaurant doesn’t have a star so 🤷‍♂️ I suppose time will tell if they manage to sustain it and if guests are prepared to pay it?

[@live-work-retire]

Thank you for sharing, the ship looks amazing and the food is the icing on the ship… Happy New Year!

[@visitwithus]

Happy New Year to you too Norma. Thanks for watching and for your support over the last year ☺️

[@sherryleary7972]

The interview with the chef was great. His philosophy really made me excited to try a voyage to ANYWHERE just to try the food!

[@visitwithus]

He was so engaging and passionate. Exactly what you need to see from the top chef of any cruise line! 😍🔥

[@BrummieNik]

Another great video. Food looks fantastic. The add-on interview between James and Franck was also very interesting and informative. The only mistake I made was to watch this whilst having a lunchtime cheese and pickle sandwich. I had a severe case of food envy !

[@visitwithus]

Thanks Nik 😊 And yes, we loved the interview too - such an engaging guy 👍

[@chipmunk6097]

Your ship and food guides are the finest.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you so much. 😊❤️

[@sharonblairs2875]

An amazing ship and total experience. I would recommend this ship having sailed in November.

[@visitwithus]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@sharonblairs2875]

I watch all your stuff. Love it!@@visitwithus

[@jenserikjohansson6228]

Happy new year and thanks for all vlogs and all the best

[@visitwithus]

Thank you and Happy New Year to you too! 😊

[@christinethys7977]

as usual a great video. The end interview was fascinating

[@visitwithus]

Thank you Christine. He was such an interesting guy we just had to include it 👍

[@cruisa]

Mmm, all that food looks gorgeous 😋

[@visitwithus]

It was 😁👍 Thanks for watching.

[@Podgey25]

Lovely video. Having been on MSCS Yacht Club, I'm wanting to go on an Explora journey cruise for my 50th!🎉 the food looks on another level ❤

[@visitwithus]

We would highly recommend it, think you’ll find it a step up from Yacht Club 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@Podgey25]

@@visitwithus Excited!

[@MrScottEddy]

So beautiful

[@visitwithus]

Thank you ☺️

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

I'm a sucker for your dining guides and I've been waiting, patiently, for the Regent Seven Seas Splendor version. Should I wait or is gthat now off the agenda?

[@visitwithus]

Haha! Thank you. Fear not, the Regent Dining Guide will be bigger and better than this! It’s being edited but I’m waiting for Grandeur so I combine the two into a Regent SUPER guide. 😊

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

@@visitwithus ah, excited! We’re on Grandeur late March. Looking forward to that. Just off Voyager in December and I watched your video of that ship many times pre cruise

[@peterfriedrich9642]

What a wonderful and beautifully made video - thank you - at first I was very excited but as a regular Seabourn cruiser, I got less excited as I found it was was similar to other luxury lines, but just packaged differently. I especially say this, as I have some food allergies and saw I could not eat much of the food as it relies on sauces and chocolate so much - in fact, there was not one meal I could eat at Anthology - I am not happy with Seabourn food, but at this stage I am not sure this will tempt me even though so many things looked so good,.

[@visitwithus]

Thank you for watching na commenting Peter. With regard to allergies and intolerances, rest assured that they would accommodate these. We were travelling with someone with quite a few intolerances and they were quietly accommodated at every meal, just let them know when you book your cruise. They even ate in Anthology and each course was adapted to suit them (they are gluten and lactose intolerant and don’t eat meat as well as a few other intolerances). I’m not sure if you saw the interview with the Head of Culinary at the end of the video (if you didn’t please go back and take a look, he’s a very engaging and interesting guy) but he does talk a little about how they accommodate allergies etc in that 👍 In fact the only issue we had with regard to intolerances was the lack of labelling on the food in the marketplace which we told him and is hopefully something they will address in the near future 👍

[@2CraftySeniors]

I always enjoy watching your restaurant videos but the end of this one... the interview with the chef... that was so interesting to watch. Thank you.

[@visitwithus]

Glad you enjoyed it! Isn’t he engaging? Thanks for watching and for your support this last year 👍