Chef Emma Bengtsson is acclaimed for her creative interpretations of classic dishes and an innovative culinary approach that incorporates influences from Scandinavia as well as the vibrant flavours of New York City, while showcasing her focus on sustainability and a deep respect for local ingredients. A trailblazer for women in fine dining, Bengtsson is the first female Swedish chef and the second female chef based in the US at the helm of a two star Michelin restaurant. Her distinctive style of simplicity and sustainability seamlessly aligns with Explora Journeys’ ethos of sustainable, locally sourced dining experiences that create a culinary ‘Ocean State of Mind’ and will be showcased at Anthology, one of EXPLORA I’s 11 culinary on board venues.

Explora Journeys continues to redefine luxury ocean travel, and the partnership with Aquavit NYC and Chef Bengtsson is just another step towards providing guests with an exceptional immersive experience, reflecting both the essence of each destination visited, as well as the brand’s cosmopolitan and vibrant European luxury. Set in sophisticated, refined elegance, with the opportunity to dine al fresco, lower light levels, and flawless service create an intimate yet elevated atmosphere. Dining at Anthology is a singularly special experience available to EXPLORA I’s guests at an additional fee of US$210 per person. Chef Bengtsson created a menu that represents the culinary essence of her cuisine at restaurant, Aquavit. Using only the freshest and finest ingredients sourced primarily from local producers and applying the unique Scandinavian flavours produced by smoking, pickling, fermenting and curing – all of which are her staples at Aquavit – she has created a distinctively different dining experience for this very special occasion. Wine pairing is available at US$82 per person.

You can enjoy Chef’s Bengtsson’s culinary creations when you sail on board EXPLORA I to the Caribbean this winter. Venture into long-held yachtsmen’s coves, French and British outposts and the opal waters of Ocean Cay Marine Reserve. Ascend through rain forests, summit emerald peaks and dive into blue lagoons where baby seahorses run wild. Limited space is even available for either the Christmas or New Year’s journeys (or both, if you have the time). Take your holiday memories to the next level while enjoying sumptuous feasts, colourful parties, dancing, live music, Champagne toasts and midnight countdown. Rested and renewed, wake up the first day of 2024 to the view of a warm and welcoming sea as you sail to St. Martin. Explore your holiday options below:

White-Sand Wonderlands for the Holidays
7-nights Miami to San Juan
December 22 – December 29, 2023

A Sensational New Year Celebration
7-nights San Juan to Miami
December 29, 2023 – January 5, 2024

An Extended Holiday Journey into White-Sand Wonderlands
14-nights Miami Roundtrip
December 22, 2023 – January 5, 2024

All Journeys Include
-    In-suite welcome bottle of Champagne on arrival
-    Unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits
-    Speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks
-    Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
-    Well-being and fitness programmes on board and at the destinations
-    Access to the spa thermal area
-    Shuttle service from port to city centre
-    All on-board gratuities

Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, created at the heart of Swiss luxury hospitality. The brand stems from the long-held vision to redefine the ocean experience for a new generation of discerning luxury travellers, drawing on the Aponte family's 300 years of maritime heritage. Its aspiration is to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and like-minded others, while remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms.

EXPLORA I offers 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences designed to be ‘Homes at Sea’ for her guests, all with sweeping ocean views, private terrace, a choice of 11 distinct culinary experiences across 6 vibrant restaurants plus in-suite dining, 12 bars and lounges (8 indoor and 4 outdoor), Chef’s Kitchen, 4 swimming pools, extensive outdoor decks with 64 private cabanas, wellness facilities, and refined entertainment. Inspired by the company’s European heritage, Explora Journeys provides guests with an immersive ocean experience and respectful and intuitive hospitality.

A fleet of 6 ships is planned to be launched from 2023 to 2028, starting with EXPLORA I’s delivery which took place on 24 July 2023. EXPLORA II is currently under construction and will come into service in August 2024. Last month, the brand celebrated two milestones, the float out of EXPLORA II and the steel cutting of EXPLORA III. The float out is a traditional maritime event that represents a significant moment in the construction of a new ship as it is the first time that the ship will touch water and will then enter the final phases of construction to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings.
EXPLORA III will come into service in 2026 and will be the first of the Explora Journeys fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest maritime fuel available. She will be followed by EXPLORA IV in 2027. Explora V and Explora VI will be hydrogen-powered with 6 MW fuel cell and virtually zero emissions in port, and will launch in 2027 & 2028, respectively.