Cruise file

There is no shortage of opulence. The earthy scent of the best leather furniture, and all shades of suede-upholstered armchairs, lounges and seatbacks yearn to be stroked. The atrium and lobby resemble that of any top-tier hotel with timepiece stores and elite craftsmanship brands. Think of the likes of: Rolex, Piaget, Cartier and Panerai outlets that flank the portside, and 30 artisanal brands spanning fragrances, skincare, homeware and ready-to-wear brands such as Caran d’Ache, Pink Maharani and Dr. Levy, on the starboard side. On the upper level, one of the three Steinway handcrafted grand pianos on board is perched overlooking the atrium and brought to life by a resident Steinway Artist, its rich resolution welcoming guests for a predinner cocktail.

Time to dine

Cuisine at the six restaurants is just as varied as it is extravagant. Emporium is the buffet that is not a buffet, and it is splendid. The selection is huge and caters for all tastes – pasta, pizza, seafood, sushi, burgers and steaks are cooked to order. Elsewhere, try the crispy langoustine roll with spicy aioli in brick foil at Sakura, grilled octopus with San Marzano tomato sauce and Taggiasca olives at Med Yacht Club, Marble & Co’s 45-day ‘Ferme des Belles Robes’ grilled sirloin steak cooked to perfection, but do not go past the coconut souffle at Fil Rouge.

For the best in-house, the optional dining experience at Anthology shouldn’t be missed. Current guest chef, twoMichelin-starred Emma Bengtsson has devised a genius seven-course sampling menu with paired wines. From chef’s ‘Aquavit’ restaurant in New York, she has created signature dishes that are inspired by traditional Nordic-style cooking. The Lobster bisque, Jersiaise beef, and smoked venison carpaccio are exquisite, but the Arctic Birds Nest is a work of art. This ensemble of frozen goodness is based on a goat cheese parfait egg with buckthorn curd, perched in a honey tule nest, surrounded by chocolate branches with a dusting of yogurt snow.

When it’s time to retire for the evening, Suite 9011 on Deck 9 is a sanctuary to be excited to which to return. The carpet is still crisp and crinkly at the edges underfoot. At 35 square metres, my abode is the largest in its category at sea and features heated flooring in an oversized bathroom with rainhead shower and is accessed off a walk-in robe with its own hair and make-up table, complete with Dyson hair dryer. My sleeping and living spaces are split by an unobtrusive seethrough shelving unit running floor to ceiling with fixed art pieces. The terrace has enough space for a daybed facing the sea, and an outdoor dining area. But it’s the finest Frette bed linen that wins the show here. Heads down.

will be joined by her carbon-copy sister ship in mid-2024. Both ships will sail through the Mediterranean and Europe next summer. explorajourneys.com

“Designed by Europeans, every detail is considered and intended. There is no shortage of opulence”.