Dining Aboard Explora I, One of the Most Luxurious Ships at Sea

Embarking on MSC's Explora I isn’t just a voyage across the ocean—it’s a luxurious culinary adventure that rivals the finest dining experiences around the world. This elegant cruise ship redefines onboard dining with an exceptional array of restaurants, each offering distinctive flavors and ambiance, all set against the stunning backdrop of the open sea.

On a recent Caribbean sailing aboard Explora I, Marvelous Mouse Travel Agents had the opportunity to savor the diverse dining aboard Explora I. Upon embarkation, we made reservations for each restaurant with ease. While only one pre-arrival reservation per restaurant is available through the app, additional reservations can be made once onboard—subject to availability.

A Taste of Excellence: The Six Signature Restaurants

Emporium Marketplace

This is no ordinary buffet—Emporium offers a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere where dishes are prepared to order. From made-to-order omelets at breakfast to fresh pasta, sushi, ceviche, and decadent desserts throughout the day, there's something for everyone. A highlight? The evening raw bar featuring crab claws and oysters.

Fil Rouge

Inspired by French cuisine, this refined venue serves elegant dishes like Burgundy escargot and veal Wellington. It also offers a sit-down, cooked-to-order breakfast—perfect for starting the day in style.

Med Yacht Club

This restaurant transports you to the Mediterranean with cuisine reminiscent of the South of France and the Italian Riviera. Signature dishes such as lobster ravioli in seafood bisque showcase the venue’s fresh, coastal flavors. If you order Caesar Salad, it will be prepared tableside!

Marble & Co. Grill

An evening-only steakhouse, Marble & Co. Grill serves premium European-sourced steaks and exquisite seafood dishes like jumbo lump crab meat salad. Guests are allowed one pre-cruise reservation here, with the possibility of securing additional seatings once onboard.

Sakura (MY FAVORITE!) 

This beautifully decorated pan-Asian restaurant features cherry blossom accents and serves everything from sushi and dim sum to showstopping entrées like 72-hour slow-cooked short rib beef Panang. Don’t miss the fan-favorite Lobster Pad Thai! At lunch, Sakura also offers bento boxes—perfect to take outside and enjoy with an ocean view.

Anthology (Additional Cost)

The ship’s exclusive fine dining venue presents a seven-course Italian tasting menu curated by renowned Chef Franck Garanger. With ingredients like Oscietra Royal caviar and Wagyu beef, it’s a luxurious experience for food lovers. We didn’t dine here ourselves—simply because the included options were already beyond exceptional. Each restaurant features an open kitchen concept, allowing guests to interact with the chefs—a personal touch that enhances dining aboard Explora I.

Casual Bites & Anytime Cravings

Beyond the formal restaurants, Explora I offers plenty of casual dining options to suit any schedule: 

Crema Café 

A charming European-style café, Crema is ideal for specialty coffees and light bites. It’s a cozy spot to relax with friends or unwind with a good book.

Gelateria & Creperie

Craving something sweet? Head here for a delicious selection of gelato, sorbets, and freshly made crepes—available whenever that sugar craving strikes.

In-Suite Dining

Available 24/7, in-suite dining lets you enjoy a full menu from the comfort of your suite. One night, we ordered steak and fries and watched a movie—pure bliss! From smoked salmon and poached eggs at breakfast to plant-based lentil burgers at lunch, there’s something for every taste and dietary preference.

A Wine Program Worth Savoring

Complementing the extraordinary dining is Explora I’s exceptional wine program, curated by sommelier Thibaut Briançon. The collection includes rare, hard-to-source wines and aged vintages. Guests can even take part in wine classes hosted by Master of Wine Rod Smith—an enriching way to deepen your appreciation for the selections onboard.

Drinks Included—Always

All beverages, including fine wines, premium spirits, craft cocktails, specialty teas, and coffees, are included in your cruise fare. Whether you’re sipping champagne in the lounge or enjoying a latte in your suite, everything is covered—adding even more value to this luxury experience.

From elevated fine dining to indulgent casual eats, MSC’s Explora I delivers a gourmet journey at sea unlike any other. Whether you're indulging in sushi at Sakura, enjoying a tender steak at Marble & Co., or exploring fresh flavors at Emporium Marketplace, each meal becomes a highlight of your voyage.

Unparalleled Service at Sea

The dining aboard Explora I was undeniably exceptional—but what truly elevated the experience was the impeccable service. At times, we had up to four different crew members attending to us, each anticipating our needs before we even had to ask. From the warm, personalized greetings to the thoughtful attention at every meal, the level of care and hospitality was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s clear that service is not just a standard aboard Explora I—it’s a signature.

Ready to set sail on a culinary adventure?

When you book with a travel advisor from Marvelous Mouse Travels for Explora Journeys, you’re not just securing a luxurious cruise—you’re gaining a personal guide to help navigate the entire process. From selecting the best itinerary to assisting with restaurant reservations and ensuring every detail runs smoothly, your travel agent is there to make your journey effortless from start to finish. 

Contact a travel expert at All In Vacay today and let us help you experience the exquisite flavors, world-class service, and unforgettable luxury of Explora Journeys.