When it comes to luxury cruising, it’s not just about where you’re going — it’s how you’re dining. With Explora Journeys, cuisine isn’t an afterthought. It’s a key pillar of the onboard experience. And whether you follow a gluten-free, vegan, kosher, halal, or allergy-sensitive diet, Explora delivers indulgent, inclusive culinary journeys with the same care and creativity you’d expect from the world’s top restaurants.
Let’s explore how Explora Journeys anticipates and exceeds expectations for travelers with special diets — ensuring that your wellness never comes at the cost of taste.
Explora Journeys’ Culinary Philosophy
Explora Journeys’ dining concept is rooted in a deep respect for local flavor, seasonal produce, and global inspiration. Each voyage features dishes that reflect the regions you’re exploring, whether you’re cruising the Greek Isles, discovering Barcelona, or sailing the coasts of Southern Italy.
But what sets Explora apart is how this philosophy extends to personal dietary preferences. You’re not treated as a special case — you’re simply part of the culinary story. The chefs work behind the scenes to make sure each guest feels both accommodated and indulged, regardless of food restrictions.
Onboard Dining Venues with Flexibility Built-In.
Explora Journeys ships, including Explora I and Explora II, feature up to nine distinct culinary experiences, all tailored to cater to a wide range of dietary needs.
Key Restaurants & Dietary Accommodation Highlights
Emporium Marketplace: A refined take on a global food hall, featuring sushi, pasta, charcuterie, seafood, and more — perfect for guests seeking variety and control over ingredients. Many stations prepare items à la minute, allowing for customisation.
Fil Rouge: French-inspired fine dining with an international twist. Expect sophisticated dishes where vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-conscious substitutions are gracefully integrated when requested.
Sakura: An elegant Asian fusion venue that draws from Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese traditions. Menus are built with flexibility in mind, and many dishes are naturally gluten-free or adaptable to plant-based diets.
Marble & Co. Grill: Explora’s signature European steakhouse with a refined menu. Even here, plant-based alternatives and creative side dishes ensure special diets are more than an afterthought.
Med Yacht Club: Inspired by the coasts of the Mediterranean, the menu leans into olive oil-based cooking, grilled seafood, and fresh produce — making it ideal for guests seeking light, clean eating.
Crema Café & Gelateria: For casual light bites, dairy-free milk options, and house-made sorbets, this is a haven for those with dairy or nut sensitivities.
Chef’s Kitchen: An exclusive culinary studio offering interactive classes and tastings — fully customizable to suit dietary needs. A rare opportunity to experience luxury dining your way, behind the scenes.
In-Suite Dining: Available 24/7 and fully adaptable to your personal dietary profile. It draws from the same kitchen as the restaurants, ensuring quality, consistency, and elegance — even at midnight.
How to Arrange Dietary Accommodations with Explora Journeys
Before You Sail
At booking, you’ll be prompted to provide details on your dietary needs. Be specific — mention if you’re:
- Gluten-intolerant or celiac
- Vegan or vegetarian
- Allergic to shellfish, nuts, soy, dairy
- Observing halal or kosher diets
- Following low-sodium, diabetic, or other medical diets
The more detailed your note, the more tailored your culinary experience will be.
Onboard Coordination
Upon embarkation, you’ll have the opportunity to confirm dietary preferences with your Journey Host or restaurant staff. You can also request daily briefings with chefs for clarity or customization.
Menu Visibility
Menus across all venues clearly mark vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-sensitive dishes — and staff are trained to offer thoughtful guidance.
Why Explora’s Culinary Approach Stands Out
- Destination-driven menus: Flavors evolve with the voyage
- Customization-first service: From sauces to sides, everything can be adapted
- Pairings that work: Wine and non-alcoholic options matched to your dietary choices
- Open dialogue with chefs: Ask questions, make suggestions — they’ll deliver
- Consistency across the ship: No compromises, no “just salad” meals
Whether you’re avoiding gluten, embracing a plant-based lifestyle, or observing cultural food customs, Explora Journeys proves that dining at sea can be both luxurious and mindful. With world-class chefs, adaptable menus, and unwavering attention to detail, your wellness and your tastebuds can travel in harmony.
Call us now at 888-717-5074 to reserve your Explora Journey. Let us ensure your next cruise is as delicious as it is unforgettable.
Book Your Explora Journeys Cruise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:Do I need to notify Explora Journeys in advance about my dietary needs?
A:Yes. It’s highly recommended to notify your travel advisor or the cruise line at booking.
Q:Does Explora offer gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian meals?
A:Absolutely. Every restaurant has clearly marked options and can modify others as needed.
Q:Are kosher or halal meals available?
A:Explora can provide halal and kosher meals with advance notice, though a fully kosher kitchen is not onboard.
Q:Is in-suite dining also flexible for special diets?
A:Yes! It offers the same level of customization and quality as the restaurant menus.
