Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, announced that Chef Alban Gjoka was recently inducted into the prestigious Académie Culinaire de France, at an event at the French Consulate in New York.
Gjoka, VP Food and Beverage, Explora Journeys, received the honour on February 2, 2024 at a ceremony led by Sebastien Baud, President Delegue of Académie Culinaire de France.
Baud said: “Alban’s dedication and contribution to the culinary arts have earned him a well-deserved place among the members of the Académie Culinaire de France.
“With an exceptional career in the culinary world, he has displayed unparalleled skill, creativity, and a commitment to elevating the dining experience for more than two decades. He continues to redefine gastronomy and set new standards within the industry”.
Gjoka joined Explora Journeys at the beginning of 2022 as Senior Lead Culinary Operation from the Apollo Group where he worked for 15 years, most recently as Senior Executive Chef and Culinary Manager for a luxury cruise line where he oversaw large-scale international food and beverage operations.
Gjoka was previously employed for five years by another leading luxury cruise company in a range of food and beverage roles, lastly as Culinary Director, where he was involved in leading the food and beverage strategy.