Stepping aboard Explora I or its sister ships, you’ll find a culinary jewel nestled seaside: the Chef’s Kitchen—an intimate, 12‑seat cooking atelier designed for immersive creativity rather than passivity.Guided by world-class chefs such as Franck Garanger, Jérôme Toumelin, Frederic Godineau, and Christophe Sapy, this culinary retreat brings together technique and storytelling—across lands and palettes.
Explora’s Hands-On Culinary Classes
An Immersive, Region‑Inspired Experience
Every Chef’s Kitchen session is curated around the regions your voyage sails through. There’s no fixed menu—it’s all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients discovered by the team during daily market visits onshore. Whether plucking Sicilian zucchini blossoms or fresh shrimp, each class is responsive to what’s available that day. It’s less a demonstration, more a food‑forged memory: you cook, create, and connect.
A Hands‑On Culinary Theatre
In this ocean‑front studio, up to a dozen guests join in, wearing aprons alongside chefs, rolling dough, seasoning, plating, and tasting—all within an open, social environment. The experience culminates in a cozy private dining room where guests, chefs, and sommeliers savor the dishes over wine pairings—what began as instruction evolves into celebration.
Anchored by Sustainability & Quality
Explora’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the classroom:
Top-tier ingredients: Franck Garanger ensures only premium supplies—such as flour from Moulin Viron—are stocked onboard globally.
Local sourcing: Daily embarkations bring fresh seafood, produce, and regional delicacies to your plate—celebrating authenticity and sustainability.
Culinary Moments on Shore
The Chef’s Kitchen isn’t just about what happens onboard—it’s a continuation of the stories that unfold in every port. Explora Journeys invites you to follow your taste buds ashore, with immersive culinary moments shaped by the day’s destination.
Menus are crafted using ingredients sourced directly from local markets and trusted regional producers. One day, it might be hand-picked herbs from a Mediterranean hillside; the next, line-caught seafood or artisan cheese discovered during a morning visit to a village market.
Depending on the voyage, your class might be influenced by:
- Sicilian citrus and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for vibrant southern Italian sauces
- Provençal seafood and olives, inspiring rustic Riviera-style dishes
- Cold-pressed olive oils from the Greek isles, infused with oregano and fig
- Fragrant lemons from coastal groves, ideal for finishing pastas or crafting desserts
No two classes are ever the same—each is a culinary postcard, guided by what’s fresh, local, and in season.
Craving a hands‑on culinary journey at sea?
Call us now at 888-717-5074 to book your Explora Journeys cruise. Our luxury cruise specialists are ready to tailor your voyage—culinary experiences included.
Book Your Explora Journeys Cruise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Chef’s Kitchen require a surcharge?
A: Yes. It’s a premium experience with separate fees and must be booked in advance.
Q: Can any cooking level participate?
A: Absolutely. The program welcomes enthusiasts at all experience levels.
Q: Will we receive recipes after class?
A: Yes, guests get a curated printed (and digital) copy of recipes and techniques.
Q: Is market access included?
A: Chef’s Kitchen classes are informed by onshore market or producer visits.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Reservations open roughly 90 days before departure.
