Explora Journeys Anthology Review – Is the €165 Dinner Worth It?

Anthology's New Menu on all ships since september 2026

Anthology is Explora Journeys’ only restaurant with an additional charge. At €165 per person for the seven-course tasting menu, it is also one of the most talked-about dining experiences onboard. Add the optional wine pairing at €70 per person, and a couple pays €470 in total.

Having experienced Anthology aboard EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II and EXPLORA III, we think the answer depends on what you want from dinner. Anthology is not necessary to eat very well on Explora Journeys.

It is, however, a slower, more theatrical and detailed fine-dining experience for guests who want to make dinner the main event of the evening.

https://youtu.be/7mWZXaZ7nj8

https://youtu.be/7mWZXaZ7nj8

Chef Franck Garanger with Rexhell Cruise & Travel

What Is Anthology on Explora Journeys?

Anthology is Explora Journeys’ signature specialty restaurant and the only dining venue in the fleet with an additional charge. It presents a multi-course tasting menu built around contemporary Italian cuisine, combining familiar references with premium ingredients, detailed presentation and a more formal style of service.

Anthology is not intended to replace the included restaurants. Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge and Emporium Marketplace already offer plenty of variety, and it is entirely possible to eat very well throughout a sailing without paying extra.

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How Much Does Anthology Cost?

The seven-course Anthology tasting menu costs €165 per person. The optional wine pairing costs €70 per person. Two guests choosing both pay €470 in total.

At €165, Anthology is expensive. The question is whether the additional time, service, ingredients and presentation justify the price for you.

A New Anthology Menu Debuting on EXPLORA III

The latest Anthology menu debuted aboard EXPLORA III. It was created by Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary at Explora Journeys, who was present in the restaurant during our dinner aboard EXPLORA III.

The menu feels like a confident continuation of the concept, rather than a complete departure from it.

How Does the Seven-Course Anthology Dinner Work?

The official menu consists of seven courses: First Course; Second Course; Pasta & Risotto; Palate Cleanser; Main Course; Pre-Dessert; and Dessert.

Most courses offer a choice. Amuse-bouches arrive before the official menu, and Piccole Delizie, a selection of Italian mignardises, concludes the meal. The pacing is deliberately slow.

DOWNLOAD THE NEW ANTHOLOGY MENU HERE

Anthology_ExploraIII.pdf

Download PDF • 43.83MB

The Full New Anthology Menu

Course — Choices

First Course —

Ricordo del Mare: Oscietra Royal caviar, lobster, green apple and sweet & sour vinaigrette; Gambero Rosso di Mazara del Vallo: Sicilian red prawns, burrata foam, green peas and white peach;

Panzanella: tomato tartare, cucumber, bell pepper, olives and rustic Tuscan bread.

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Second Course —

Vitello Tonnato: veal loin, Albacore tuna espuma, caperberries, gremolata and Lessatini olives;

Astice al Burro e Acqua Pazza: butter-poached lobster, Datterino tomato nage, braised fennel and Taggiasca olives;

La Mia Primavera: cauliflower and Sicilian Avola almond panna cotta with morel ragout.

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Pasta & Risotto —

Caramelle Ripiene di Granchio Reale: king crab caramelle, zucchini, lemon caviar and a tomato, lobster and sea urchin broth;

Risotto delle Colline Venete: Acquerello Carnaroli rice, Treviso radicchio, goat cheese and 25-year-aged traditional balsamic vinegar “Extravecchio”; Calamarata di Sogliola: Pietro Massi calamarata pasta, Dover sole, saffron broth, Amalfi lemon butter and confit Datterino tomatoes.

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Palate Cleanser —

Granita alla Grappa di Bolgheri Sassicaia, based around Bolgheri Sassicaia grappa.

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Main Course —

La Montagna: A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, Amarone sauce, potato-truffle millefoglie and vegetable bouquetière;

Il Mare: Mediterranean sea bass in potato scales with DOP Contratto vermouth and Sicilian blood orange sauce, plus baby zucchini;

La Campagna: plant-based braised celeriac prepared “osso buco” style with thyme flower, almond foam and tonka bean.

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  Anthology La Campagna

Pre-Dessert —

Fior di Latte Gelato: milk ice cream, rosé Champagne granita and Ligurian pesto.

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Dessert —

Millefoglie: caramelised crispy puff pastry, vanilla cream and fresh raspberries;

Arancia & Espresso: mascarpone cream, orange and smoked Chantilly;

Euforia di Cioccolato: 85% dark chocolate and silken tofu with amaretto and toasted almond.

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After Dinner —

Piccole Delizie: a selection of Italian mignardises.

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Before the Seven Courses Even Begin

Before the official menu started, we were served sea urchin and langoustine tartare, fried pizza prepared à la minute with Parmesan cream, arugula pesto and Taggiasca olive, a foie gras bite infused with Marsala, and rustic tomato bread. The fried pizza was particularly memorable: refined, but relaxed and recognisably Italian.

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The Food – What Is the New Menu Actually Like?

The menu is built around recognisable Italian references such as Panzanella, Vitello Tonnato, risotto, pasta, sea bass and Millefoglie, but they are reconstructed through a fine-dining format.

Gambero Rosso di Mazara del Vallo was delicate and fresh, while La Mia Primavera brought cauliflower, Sicilian Avola almond and morel ragout together in an earthy, creamy course.

Caramelle Ripiene di Granchio Reale combined king crab pasta with zucchini, lemon caviar and tomato, lobster and sea urchin broth. Calamarata di Sogliola paired Pietro Massi pasta with Dover sole, saffron, Amalfi lemon butter and confit Datterino tomatoes.

The risotto used Acquerello Carnaroli rice, Treviso radicchio, goat cheese and 25-year-aged balsamic vinegar, creating a dish with plenty of contrast.

The Most Playful Course Might Be the Palate Cleanser

The granita combined crushed ice, lime, sugar and popping candy around Bolgheri Sassicaia grappa. In the formal setting of Anthology, it brought a welcome sense of fun and gave the meal a playful side.

La Montagna – A5 Wagyu as the Centrepiece

La Montagna features A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, Amarone sauce, potato-truffle millefoglie and vegetable bouquetière.

It is visually impressive and naturally works as the hero image or central dish in a review. Il Mare offers Mediterranean sea bass, potato scales, DOP Contratto vermouth, Sicilian blood orange and baby zucchini.

La Campagna is a plant-based option featuring braised celeriac prepared in an osso buco style with thyme flower, almond foam and tonka bean.

Do Not Underestimate the Pre-Dessert

Fior di Latte Gelato combines milk ice cream, rosé Champagne granita and Ligurian pesto. It sounds unusual on paper, but works as a good example of Anthology’s creative style.

Desserts include Millefoglie, Arancia & Espresso and Euforia di Cioccolato, followed by Piccole Delizie.

The €70 Anthology Wine Pairing

The wine pairing is an important part of the complete experience, but it is not essential.

During our dinner, the wines included Contratto Millesimato Alta Langa DOCG Pas Dosé 2022; Allucià Grillo Sicilia DOC 2025 from Tenute Navarra; Pennisi Etneide Etna Bianco; Fior di Rovere Gavi del Comune di Gavi DOCG from I Moncalvi; Ronchedone 2023 from Ca’ dei Frati; and La Morandina Moscato d’Asti.

The pairing moves through different Italian regions, grape varieties and styles. The pours during our dinner were generous. Personally, we might choose a bottle next time instead of the full pairing.

Wine selections can change, so this list applies specifically to the dinner reviewed.

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Is Anthology Worth €165?

No, you do not need Anthology in order to eat very well on Explora Journeys. The included restaurants Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge and Emporium Marketplace provide plenty of choice.

First-time guests with only a few evenings onboard may want to prioritise these restaurants first.

Yes, Anthology can be worth the money if you want a complete tasting-menu evening with a slower pace, more presentation, storytelling, service and wine.

It offers a more complete fine-dining experience, rather than simply better food than everything included onboard.

Who Should Book Anthology?

Anthology is likely to appeal to food-focused travellers, guests who enjoy long tasting menus, couples celebrating an anniversary or birthday, returning Explora guests who have already experienced the included restaurants, and guests who want dinner itself to become the main event of the evening.

It may not suit guests on a short first journey who have not yet experienced the included restaurants, people who dislike long dinners or detailed presentations, guests uninterested in wine pairings, or travellers who mainly prefer relaxed and quick dining.

Our Verdict After Anthology on EXPLORA I, II and III

Anthology does not need to rescue Explora Journeys’ dining offering. The included food is already very good. Anthology instead offers a separate and more advanced evening, and the new menu feels like a confident continuation of the concept.

The luxurious ingredients matter, but details such as the fried pizza, granita, presentations, wine and pacing also make the experience memorable.

We recommend Anthology for the right type of guest, but would not describe it as essential. It can be very good value for guests who appreciate tasting menus, wine, service and presentation.

Watch Our Complete Anthology Dinner

Watch: Explora Journeys’ NEW Anthology Menu – Now on All Three Ships: Is It Worth €165? This video, filmed aboard EXPLORA III, shows the complete Anthology experience course by course, including the wine pairing.

Earlier footage from EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II is used where necessary to show every dish on the current menu.

https://youtu.be/7mWZXaZ7nj8

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anthology included on Explora Journeys?

No. It is an additional fine-dining experience. The price is €165 per person.

How much is the Anthology wine pairing?

€70 per person.

How many courses are served at Anthology?

The official menu consists of seven courses, but amuse-bouches and mignardises make the experience feel more extensive.

Who created the Anthology menu?

Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary at Explora Journeys.

Is Anthology available on EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II and EXPLORA III?

Anthology is available across Explora Journeys’ current fleet. The latest menu debuted aboard EXPLORA III and is being progressively introduced across the fleet.

Do you need to book Anthology in advance?

Reservations in beforehand are recommended, particularly if dining at Anthology is an important part of your journey.

Do you need the €70 wine pairing?

No. It adds another dimension, but a bottle may be a better choice for some guests.

Is Anthology worth it?

Yes, for guests looking for a special fine-dining evening who appreciate tasting menus, service, presentation and wine. No, if the main goal is simply to find better food than what is already included onboard.

More Explora Dining

Emporium Marketplace Dining Guide Here

The Utimate Dining Guide - All Explora Restaurants

More Explora Reviews

Explora III Review

Explora II Review

Explora I Review

More Explora Videos

https://youtu.be/DcaV2nSew8s

https://youtu.be/Y7ay5oOEQ0c

Explora III Ocean Terrace Suite Review

Balcony OT3 Suites 8040 & 8099

We have now stayed in Ocean Terrace Suites several times across Explora Journeys, and on EXPLORA III we had an unusually good opportunity to look a little closer.

During our journey, we stayed in two Ocean Terrace 3 (OT3) Suites: 8040 and 8099.

At first glance, they were essentially the same suite. The same layout, the same living space, the same terrace and the same overall design.

But there was one important difference.

Suite 8040 had a bathtub with shower. Suite 8099 had a walk-in shower.

Having lived in both during the same journey gave us a chance to compare the two configurations properly — and it also reinforced something we have felt for quite some time.

Ocean Terrace may not be the most spectacular accommodation Explora offers.

But for the way we travel, it may still be the one that makes the most sense. Wanna read our full Explora III review - Click Here!

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Latest Explora News

Explora Journeys is planning a new fleet of luxury river ships.

Read what we know so far →

Is an Ocean Terrace Really a Suite?

Explora Journeys calls all of its accommodation suites, including Ocean Terrace.

If you are expecting a traditional hotel-style suite with a separate bedroom and living room, though, Ocean Terrace might initially feel a little different.

It is essentially one large, beautifully designed space with a sleeping area, sitting area, dressing room, bathroom and private terrace.

We don't necessarily walk into an Ocean Terrace and think:

“Wow, what an enormous suite.”

But several days later, we usually walk out thinking:

“That was incredibly easy to live in.”

And that is probably the best way we can describe it.

The storage works. The lighting works. The dressing area works. The bed is comfortable. The minibar is properly integrated. The terrace is useful.

Nothing feels particularly complicated.

https://youtu.be/fikXHNAiBhA

Suites 8040 and 8099 – Almost Identical, But Not Quite

Both of our suites were Ocean Terrace 3 suites and had the same basic interior configuration.

They were also both marked T on the deck plan.

That is worth understanding when choosing a suite.

The T does not refer to the bathroom and it does not mean that the sofa converts into a bed.

It refers to the bed configuration.

In both 8040 and 8099, the bed was made up of:

2 × 90 × 200 cm beds

During our stay they were positioned together as one large sleeping surface.

Neither 8040 nor 8099 was marked with a sofa-bed symbol on the deck plan.

The important difference between our two suites was instead in the bathroom:

8040 – bathtub with shower

8099 – walk-in shower

And after using both, we definitely had a preference.

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8099 – The Walk-In Shower

Suite 8099 had the bathroom configuration we preferred.

The walk-in shower included both a large overhead rainfall shower and a hand shower.

Temperature could be adjusted separately, and we could also control the water flow.

Most importantly, the shower pressure was very good.

It was simple, spacious enough for everyday use and very easy to step into.

There is nothing particularly dramatic about that, but this is exactly the type of detail that becomes important after several days onboard.

For us, 8099's walk-in shower was easily the better configuration.

8040 – Bathtub With Shower

Suite 8040 was different.

Instead of the walk-in shower, it had a bathtub with a shower above it.

There are separate controls for the bath spout, hand shower and overhead shower, together with temperature control.

If you enjoy taking baths, this may actually be the configuration you prefer.

For us, however, it was less practical.

When showering, you need to stand inside the bathtub and step over the side to get in and out.

We also found the shower pressure noticeably weaker than in 8099, and we couldn't adjust the flow in quite the same way.

The bathtub edge is also worth considering for guests who have difficulty stepping in and out of a bath.

It isn't necessarily a major issue — but if you shower every day and rarely take a bath, the walk-in configuration is simply easier.

Which Would We Choose?

8099, without hesitation.

Not because there was anything fundamentally wrong with 8040, but because the walk-in shower was more practical for us every single day.

It also highlights something worth checking when choosing an Ocean Terrace Suite.

Two suites in the same category can look almost identical on paper yet still have details that affect how you experience them.

If bathtub versus walk-in shower matters to you, it is worth checking your specific suite before travelling.

The Bathroom – Small Details That Matter

Aside from the bathtub versus shower difference, the bathrooms were very similar.

One feature we continue to appreciate is the heated bathroom floor.

There is a separate control for the heating, and particularly in the morning it is one of those small luxuries that quickly becomes normal.

There is also plenty of space around the basin for toiletries, good lighting and integrated low-level night lighting.

But there is still one thing we would like Explora to improve.

The mirror fogs up very quickly after a shower.

It is a small complaint, but considering how well thought out so much of the suite is, an effective anti-fog section in the mirror would make sense.

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The Dressing Room Is Better Than It Looks in Photos

Close to the entrance is a dedicated wardrobe and dressing area.

This is one of the parts of Ocean Terrace that doesn't necessarily photograph particularly dramatically, but becomes increasingly useful once you actually live in the suite.

There are two hanging areas, drawers, a very well-lit vanity area, an illuminated magnifying mirror and additional electrical outlets.

We travel with normal luggage plus quite a lot of camera equipment, and we have never felt that storage was a serious problem in an Ocean Terrace.

If you need additional hangers, you can also ask your Suite Host.

EXPLORA III also adds something we appreciated immediately:

a garment steamer.

We tested it and it worked extremely well.

For clothes that have been packed into a suitcase — particularly evening wear — it is a genuinely useful addition.

A Dyson hair dryer is also provided.

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The Bed – Comfortable, But Know What You're Booking

As mentioned earlier, both 8040 and 8099 were T-designated suites.

The sleeping setup therefore consisted of:

2 × 90 × 200 cm beds

joined together during our stay.

We found the bed itself very comfortable.

During filming we actually removed the bedding to look more closely at the mattress system, which was from Italian manufacturer Dorelan and consisted of a main mattress together with a separate topper.

Explora also offers a pillow menu.

The standard pillows were a little too large and firm for Christopher, so he asked for a feather pillow instead.

That made a surprisingly big difference.

It is a simple tip, but worth remembering:

If the standard pillow isn't right for you, ask your Suite Host for another one.

You don't need to spend a week trying to convince yourself that you'll eventually get used to it.

One of Our Favourite Features Happens at Night

There are small motion-sensitive lights beneath the bedside area.

When you get out of bed during the night, they automatically illuminate the floor.

It means you can walk towards the bathroom without switching on the main cabin lights.

We loved this feature on the earlier Explora ships and still love it here.

EXPLORA III also has improved low-level lighting inside the bathroom itself, integrated more neatly than the solution we remember from Explora I and II.

Again, these are tiny details.

But good cabins are often defined by tiny details.

Bedside Power and Ship's Time

The two sides of the bed don't have exactly the same connections.

Across the bedside areas we found USB-A, USB-C, wireless charging and conventional power outlets, although the exact socket arrangement differs between the two sides.

There is also a bedside clock showing ship's time.

This may sound completely insignificant.

It isn't.

We have previously looked at our phones, forgotten that the ship and phone were showing different times and nearly missed onboard activities.

When onboard:

Trust the ship clock.

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Living Area

An open shelving unit creates a visual separation between the sleeping and living areas without actually dividing the room.

That helps Ocean Terrace feel more spacious than it might if a solid wall or partition were used.

The shelves contain books, artwork and decorative objects, while the sofa sits opposite the television.

The sofa in our suites comfortably seated two people.

Neither 8040 nor 8099 was designated as having a sofa bed.

Above the sofa, there is also one of those little Explora design details that is easy to miss.

The artwork depicts book spines, and if you actually stop and read the titles, there is a small story hidden within them.

It is completely unnecessary.

Which is probably why we like it.

Television, HDMI and Connections

The television can swivel, allowing you to position it towards either the bed or the sitting area.

More importantly for people travelling with laptops, cameras or other equipment, Explora hasn't hidden all of the connections somewhere impossible to reach.

Behind the television we found:

• 2 × USB-A

• LAN/Ethernet

• 3 × HDMI

There are also two European power outlets beneath the television area.

Again, not glamorous.

But very useful.

Storage and Safe

Storage continues beneath the main console, with several concealed drawers.

One contains the safe.

The overall storage design is one of the reasons Ocean Terrace works so well in practice.

There is storage almost everywhere, but the room never feels as though it is dominated by cupboards.

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Coffee, Tea and Minibar

The refreshment area contains a coffee machine, kettle, proper cups and glassware, tea and a fully stocked minibar.

During our journey we had Palais des Thés tea available.

The minibar included water, soft drinks and beer, and preferences can be adjusted through your Suite Host.

Welcome drinks and small treats were also waiting for us when we arrived.

The exact brands and selections can change, so we would treat these as part of our experience rather than a guarantee of what will be onboard every sailing.

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Your Suite Host

Your Suite Host is one of those elements that gradually becomes part of the experience rather than something you necessarily notice immediately.

Information about your host is waiting inside the suite, and our experience with requests has been consistently good.

Need another pillow?

More hangers?

A minibar preference changed?

It has generally been very easy to arrange.

There is also a telephone with direct access to services such as Guest Services and in-suite dining.

Binoculars in the Suite

Explora provides binoculars for use during the journey.

They are there to use onboard and while looking out from the terrace — not as a complimentary item to take home afterwards.

They are another good example of Explora putting something in the suite that makes sense once you are actually travelling.

The Ocean Terrace

And then there is the terrace itself.

The regular Ocean Terrace isn't enormous.

But for us, it is enough.

There is a table with two chairs plus a separate lounging/daybed-style seat.

We use the terrace for morning coffee, breakfast, reading, watching the ship arrive or depart and simply sitting outside looking at the ocean.

For us, the terrace complements the room.

It doesn't need to become the main destination.

And that distinction is important when deciding whether to pay more for a larger terrace.

Ocean Terrace vs Ocean Grand Terrace

We previously stayed in an Ocean Grand Terrace on Explora I.

Inside, the experience was very similar for our purposes.

The major difference was outside.

The Grand Terrace gave us significantly more private outdoor space.

Was it nice?

Absolutely.

Would we personally pay extra for it again?

Probably not.

We simply didn't use the additional terrace space enough to justify it for the way we travel.

There was also something about our particular Grand Terrace location that we liked less: parts of the terrace could be overlooked from above.

That will depend on the specific suite and location, so we wouldn't suggest every Grand Terrace has exactly the same issue.

But for us, it reinforced the feeling that the regular Ocean Terrace already gives us what we need.

If you spend a large amount of time on your private terrace, you could reach a completely different conclusion.

Why Don't We Normally Upgrade to a Penthouse?

This is perhaps the more interesting question.

We have seen several of Explora's Penthouses and Residences.

Some are spectacular.

There is no question that moving up through the categories gives you more space, more separation and, at the very top, something closer to a private apartment at sea.

We would obviously be very happy to stay in one.

But when we are spending our own money, we struggle to justify the additional cost for the way we travel.

And the reason is actually quite simple.

We don't travel to recreate home.

At home, we already appreciate having space, large windows and private amenities.

When we travel, we want something different.

We want the ocean.

The destinations.

The restaurants.

The pools.

The ship.

The people.

The atmosphere.

The experience of being somewhere else.

So if the choice is between spending significantly more on a larger suite or putting that money towards another journey, something ashore or simply travelling more often, we usually choose the journey.

That doesn't mean a Penthouse or Residence isn't worth it.

Someone who spends much more time in their suite, values maximum privacy, entertains other guests or simply loves having a private-residence experience onboard may find the upgrade completely worthwhile.

It simply isn't how we normally travel.

What's New in the Suite on EXPLORA III?

Much of Ocean Terrace feels immediately familiar if you have sailed on Explora I or II, but there are a few small changes.

One is incredibly simple:

there is now a doorbell.

On Explora I and II, someone outside would knock.

That sounds perfectly adequate until you realise how surprisingly easy it can be to miss a knock from inside the suite.

The doorbell is a tiny improvement, but a sensible one.

The garment steamer is another addition we really liked, and the bathroom night lighting feels more neatly integrated than on the earlier ships.

None of these changes transform the suite.

They simply make something that was already very functional a little better.

Room Temperature

During our Mediterranean sailing, when outside temperatures were extremely high, we generally managed to get the suite down to around 19–20°C.

Christopher still found it slightly warm during some nights.

We wouldn't take that as proof that every Ocean Terrace on EXPLORA III has the same temperature range — this was simply our experience during an exceptionally hot journey.

But if you are someone who likes sleeping in a very cold room, it is something worth being aware of.

What We Liked

After living in both 8040 and 8099, the things that stood out most were not necessarily the most spectacular features.

They were the things that made the room easy to use.

Excellent storage.

A very practical dressing area.

Comfortable beds.

Pillow alternatives.

Good lighting.

Motion-sensitive night lights.

A genuinely useful private terrace.

A well-stocked refreshment area.

Accessible HDMI and power connections.

Heated bathroom floors.

The garment steamer.

And, in 8099, a very good walk-in shower.

What Could Be Better

There aren't many major complaints.

But we would still like to see a better anti-fog solution for the bathroom mirror.

We much preferred the shower configuration to the bathtub configuration.

Shower pressure in 8040 also felt weaker than in 8099.

And because the bathroom configuration made a meaningful difference to us, we would appreciate it being particularly easy for guests to identify exactly which configuration they are booking.

Our Verdict

Ocean Terrace isn't necessarily the suite that creates the biggest first impression on EXPLORA III.

There are bigger suites.

More dramatic suites.

And some genuinely spectacular Residences.

But Ocean Terrace remains extremely well thought out.

After staying in both bathroom configurations, previously trying the larger Ocean Grand Terrace and seeing many of Explora's higher categories, we still come back to the same conclusion.

If we were booking another Explora journey tomorrow, we would most likely choose a regular Ocean Terrace again.

Our priorities would be:

a good location and our preferred bathroom configuration.

And given the choice, we would take the walk-in shower.

Then we would put the difference in price towards the journey itself.

For the way we travel, that gives us more value than simply having more square metres behind our suite door.

FAQ

What is an Ocean Terrace Suite on EXPLORA III?

Ocean Terrace is Explora Journeys' core suite category, combining a sleeping area, sitting area, dressing space, bathroom and private ocean terrace in one open-plan layout.

What was the difference between suites 8040 and 8099?

Both were OT3 Ocean Terrace Suites with essentially the same interior layout. The key difference during our stay was the bathroom: 8040 had a bathtub with shower, while 8099 had a walk-in shower.

What does T mean on an Explora deck plan?

For our suites, the T designation referred to the twin-bed configuration. Our bed was made up of two 90 × 200 cm beds, positioned together during our stay.

Did 8040 or 8099 have a sofa bed?

Neither suite was marked with a sofa-bed designation on the deck plan.

Which did we prefer: bathtub or walk-in shower?

Definitely the walk-in shower in 8099. We found it more practical and also experienced better water pressure.

Does an Ocean Terrace Suite have a Dyson hair dryer?

A Dyson hair dryer was provided in both of our OT3 suites during our EXPLORA III journey.

Does EXPLORA III have heated bathroom floors?

Yes. Both of the Ocean Terrace Suites we stayed in had adjustable heated bathroom floors.

Is there enough storage in an Ocean Terrace Suite?

For us, yes. Even travelling with normal luggage plus significant camera equipment, we found the combination of wardrobe space, drawers and concealed storage very practical.

Is Ocean Grand Terrace worth the upgrade?

For us, probably not. We appreciated the extra outside space when we stayed in an Ocean Grand Terrace on Explora I, but we didn't use it enough to justify prioritising it again.

For someone who spends a lot of time on their private terrace, the answer may be very different.

Is an Explora Penthouse worth upgrading to?

That depends heavily on how you travel. Explora's Penthouses offer more space and separation, but for our travel style we would normally rather allocate the price difference to other parts of the journey — or another journey entirely.

More Explora assets for planning

Explora bars and drink finder - interactive search!

Explora III daily planners - Plan your day onboard

https://youtu.be/DcaV2nSew8s

The People Behind the Explora Journeys Experience

From a memorable coffee at Crema Café to meeting Franck Garanger during dinner at Anthology, some of our most interesting discoveries onboard have come through conversation.

By Christopher & Emmelie | Rexhell Cruise & Travel

Chris with Alban Gjoka of Explora Journeys

A conversation with Alban Gjoka gave us a deeper appreciation of the thinking behind dining at Explora Journeys.

Over the past year, and most recently aboard EXPLORA III, we have been fortunate enough to meet quite a few of the people behind the Explora Journeys experience.

We usually spend our time showing you the ships: the restaurants, the suites, the spaces where we enjoy spending an afternoon, and the details that work particularly well or could be better.

But behind those experiences are people making decisions about how life onboard should actually feel.

Getting to know a little more about their thinking has become almost as interesting as exploring the ships themselves.

What has stayed with us is not simply who we have met. It is their willingness to communicate, share their enthusiasm and listen to our perspective.

And in one particular case, it all started with a cup of coffee.

A Coffee at Crema Café That Changed How I Think About Dining

Alban Gjoka invited me, Chris, to sit down with him at Crema Café for what became one of the most memorable and interesting cups of coffee I have ever had.

And that had much more to do with the conversation than the coffee itself.

As Senior Vice President, Luxury and Premium Food & Beverage Division, Alban works on the broader culinary direction, dining concepts and the role food and drink play in the overall Explora Journeys experience.

But sitting across from him, it was the person behind that responsibility who made the conversation so fascinating.

His passion, the plans and ambitions he shared, and the way he connected them with his own background, experiences and personal opinions gave me a different perspective on dining.

We spend a lot of time thinking about food in terms of the finished result. Did we enjoy the dish? Was the service good? Would we choose that restaurant again?

Those questions still matter. But this conversation made me think more deeply about everything that comes before the guest sits down.

I came away with a greater appreciation of dining as a whole experience, rather than simply a menu and the food that arrives on the plate.

“It was a conversation that changed how I think about dining.” Chris, Rexhell Cruise & Travel

That is a fairly significant thing to take away from a coffee. Since that coffee, I find myself looking at dining differently. I still care about whether the food tastes good, but I now think much more about everything behind the plate: the concept, the ingredients, the consistency, the service and the intention behind the restaurant itself. It has made me more curious about why a dish is there, why a menu is structured the way it is, and whether the experience at the table truly reflects what the people behind it were trying to create.

Meeting Franck Garanger During Our Evening at Anthology

Another particularly special moment came during our dinner at Anthology, when we had the opportunity to meet Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary at Explora Journeys.

Franck has been central to shaping the brand’s culinary identity, including its approach to ingredients, menus and the dining experiences themselves.

Meeting him that evening was a real honour.

His passion for ingredients and the artistry of cooking came through so clearly in our conversation. There was something especially meaningful about hearing him talk about his craft while we were enjoying a dining experience he has helped shape.

It brought another dimension to the evening: a connection between the person, the ideas and what we were experiencing at the table.

His connection to Sweden made the conversation feel a little more personal for us, too.

And yes, he even speaks a little Swedish!

Meeting Franck Garanger during our evening at Anthology added a personal dimension to the experience.

A moment from our dinner at Anthology, where the conversation gave us more to appreciate beyond the plate.

The Team Bringing Those Ideas to the Table for a perfect Explora Journeys experience

We have also had the opportunity to meet Frédéric Godineau and Gianluca Mazza, who are part of the team bringing Explora’s culinary thinking into the everyday onboard experience.

These encounters remind us that dining is not the work of one person. There is a connection between the overall direction, the development of a menu and the teams preparing and serving it.

As guests, we experience the result. Meeting some of the people involved gives us a greater appreciation of the work behind it.

With Gianluca Mazza & Frédéric Godineau, part of the team behind Explora’s onboard culinary experience.

For our perspective on what actually reaches the table, explore our EXPLORA III review and dining guide, including the restaurants we tried and the details that stood out to us.

https://youtu.be/Y7ay5oOEQ0c

The Bigger Picture Behind the Ships

Our conversations have extended well beyond dining.

We have met Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, and talked about the brand and where it is heading. Her responsibilities encompass the wider direction of Explora, beyond any individual ship or sailing.

With Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, whose perspective extends beyond an individual ship to the future of the brand

As returning guests, that perspective interests us. We notice changes between ships, develop our own preferences and wonder how the experience will evolve while retaining the things we already enjoy.

Meeting the people thinking about that bigger picture gives us more context for those observations.

Then there is Captain Serena Melani, whose connection with Explora stretches back to the beginning. She has helped bring EXPLORA I, EXPLORA II and EXPLORA III into service, giving her a perspective across the first three ships.

With Captain Serena Melani, whose connection with Explora spans its first three ships

There is something particularly meaningful about that continuity. We discover a ship when we step aboard. She has been part of the process of bringing it to life.

Where the Vision Becomes Everyday Hospitality

Of course, the direction of a brand only becomes meaningful to guests through what happens onboard.

We have also met Koray Savas, Vice President of Hotel Operations, whose work connects the wider ambitions of Explora Journeys with the hotel experience aboard its ships.

Neven Zdunic, General Manager onboard, works where those ambitions need to become a consistent, day-to-day reality for guests and the teams looking after them.

And Leandro Roldan Iglesias brings another perspective through his work across guest services, hotel operations and the development of the guest experience across the fleet.

These are different responsibilities, but from our side they lead back to the same question: how does everything come together for the person taking the journey?

A beautiful restaurant or lounge makes an immediate impression. How welcome we feel there, how naturally service works and how a question or request is handled are what shape our experience over time.

That is why we find these conversations valuable. They help us look beyond the visible features of a ship and better understand the work behind them.

With Koray Savas, whose hotel-operations responsibilities connect the wider vision with life onboard.

General Manager Neven Zdunic and Alban Gjoka with Rexhell Cruise & Travel

With Leandro Roldan Iglesias, whose work focuses on guest services, hotel operations and the guest experience

Professional Does Not Have to Mean Distant

Across these encounters, there is a combination we have particularly appreciated: professionalism without distance.

The people we have met carry significant responsibilities. Yet our conversations have felt approachable and open, with genuine enthusiasm for discussing the experience they are creating.

Not simply explaining what is offered, but helping us understand why. Why a restaurant works a certain way. Why a menu evolves. How the organisation of service can influence the atmosphere guests feel.

And, just as importantly, being willing to hear how it feels from our side.

We appreciate being able to share our own observations, including where our preferences differ. Being listened to does not mean expecting every suggestion to become a change.

Sometimes, understanding the reasoning behind a decision is valuable in itself.

Our impression has been of people who care deeply about their work and want to stay connected to the experience of those onboard.

What Would You Ask the Explora Journeys Team?

These conversations often leave us with more questions than we arrived with. We would love to know which subject interests you most.

If you could sit down with the Explora Journeys team, what would you most like to discuss?

• The ingredients, menus and ideas behind the dining.
• Service and how guest feedback is used.
• Ship design and the differences between ships.
• Where the brand is heading next.

Have a particular question in mind? Leave it in the comments below.

What These Conversations Mean for Our Reviews, and for You

Meeting the people behind a brand does not replace experiencing it for ourselves. It helps us ask better questions about what we experience.

Our reviews still begin with what happens onboard: what we enjoy, what works less well for us and which details might matter differently to someone else.

These were our own encounters, rather than something we would suggest every guest should expect on every sailing. And the story certainly does not stop with management. The hosts looking after guests each day are the people through whom much of that work is ultimately felt.

For us at Rexhell Cruise & Travel, the purpose remains the same:

To show you how it actually is, so you can decide whether the experience is right for you.

The more we understand, the better we can explain.

That is the real value we take from these meetings, beyond the photographs.

So yes, there have been a lot of questions.

And there will probably be quite a few more.

Explore the Experience Beyond the Conversations

What does all of this feel like when you are actually onboard?

Our Explora Journeys reviews and guides bring together our own experiences of the ships, dining and daily life, including what we liked and what we would approach differently.

Explore our Explora Journeys reviews and guides →

Explora III Review Explora II Review Explora I Review

https://youtu.be/DcaV2nSew8s

https://youtu.be/ram17VHCWqY