Explora Journeys - My Experience

Explora I — A Luxurious Voyage: Days 1–3

Day 1: First Impressions of Pure Luxury

Stepping aboard Explora I for the first time felt like walking into a dream. This ship is next-level gorgeous — every angle, every detail, every finish feels designed for comfort and indulgence.

From our balcony, the ocean stretched endlessly, a sparkling backdrop to our first moments at sea. Inside the cabin, the thoughtful touches — luxe bedding, elegant décor, and little conveniences — made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a cruise ship stateroom.

Dinner at Fil Rouge set the tone for the journey ahead. The restaurant’s refined atmosphere, exquisite flavours, and perfectly paired wines were a feast for both the palate and the eyes. It was the kind of dining experience where every bite feels like a special occasion.

By the end of Day 1, we already felt spoiled — and this was just the beginning.

Day 2: Sea Day Serenity

Our first full sea day was pure bliss. With no ports to rush to and no excursions on the agenda, we could fully embrace the ship itself.

Lunch at Emporium Marketplace

Forget everything you know about cruise ship buffets — the Emporium Marketplace is in a league of its own. Instead of self-service chaos, chefs plate each dish for you, creating a calm, refined dining experience. The selection was incredible: fresh sushi, grilled fish, carved meats, vibrant salads, and even gyros. We could have happily grazed all afternoon.

Afternoon at the Infinity Pool

After lunch, we retreated to the adults-only infinity pool at the aft of Deck 5. With 16 double cabanas and its bar, this space felt like a private resort. The soundtrack? Just the gentle lap of waves and a light sea breeze, best enjoyed with a chilled cocktail in hand.

Pre-Dinner Drinks at the Sky Bar

As the sun began to dip, we made our way to Deck 14’s Sky Bar. A live DJ spun chilled beats while the horizon blushed with sunset. Stylish, relaxed, and perfectly timed before dinner — this quickly became a favourite spot.

Dinner at Sakura

That evening, we dined at Sakura, an elegant Asian-inspired venue where every plate was a work of art. The flavours were as refined as the presentation, adding yet another highlight to Explora I’s impressive culinary line-up.

Highlight of the Day: Lounging in a private cabana by the aft infinity pool — though cocktails at the Sky Bar came in a very close second.

Day 3: Discovering Katakolon

We awoke to find Explora I docked in Katakolon, a charming port that serves as the gateway to the ancient city of Olympia, just 35 minutes away.

For those skipping a ship excursion, taxis are easy to find at the port (around €80). But Katakolon itself is worth exploring. A short stroll from the ship brings you into the heart of the village, with its mix of boutiques, souvenir shops, and tavernas lining the harbour. We couldn’t resist settling in with a cold Mythos beer and a plate of gyros by the sea.

The Katakolon Tourist Train

A fun, local way to see more of the area is the tourist train, which departs from the main plaza at the end of the shopping street. The 30-minute guided ride makes two stops — one at a local winery and another at a beach — with departures every half hour.

Whether you venture into ancient Olympia or enjoy a slow day in the village, Katakolon’s charm lies in its mix of history, scenery, and warm Greek hospitality.

Evening Highlight: Dinner at the Yacht Club, rounding off the day with a relaxed, elegant atmosphere and another round of flawless cuisine.

Final Thoughts (So Far)

Three days in, and Explora I has exceeded every expectation. From the spacious staterooms and world-class dining to the serene pool decks and vibrant nightlife, this is luxury travel at its finest.

Every day feels both indulgent and unhurried — the perfect balance for a journey designed to be savoured.