My experience onboard the Fabulous Explora 1 Cruise Ship

Sailing in Style On Board The Explora I Voyage from Athens to Bari

In June, I embarked on a voyage that felt more like stepping aboard a private superyacht than a cruise ship. Explora I—the first of its class in the Explora Journeys fleet—set sail from Athens to Bari, offering a journey steeped in elegance, intimacy, and world-class luxury.

Carrying just 900 guests in 461 oceanfront suites, the ship offers a scale that feels exclusive and personal, creating the sense of being on a private yacht rather than a floating city.

A Floating Boutique: Intimate Spaces & Refined Furnishings

Wandering through the ship’s lounges and decks brought a sense of cosy elegance. The décor—modern European with Swiss precision—felt like a luxury resort afloat, with intimate seating areas that invited quiet conversation and elegant social moments. Rich, contemporary furnishings combined with thoughtful lighting created spaces where every detail felt intentional, from art-lined hallways to outdoor terraces designed for lingering over a glass of wine.

Unmatched Suite Comfort: Spacious, Thoughtful Luxuries

My suite felt like a serene sanctuary. Highlights included:

A spacious furnished balcony, perfect for morning coffee

Heated bathroom floors—a luxurious, unexpected touch.

A walk-in wardrobe, ideal for unpacking fully and keeping everything organised, including a Dyson hairdryer.

Dining in Style: A World of Flavours at Sea

With six standout restaurants (plus casual cafés and lounges), dining aboard felt like a curated journey around the globe—each venue intimate, distinct, and without the bustle of a single main dining hall.

Emporium Marketplace: All-day dining with fresh pasta, sushi, rotisserie meats, baked goods, and a dessert bar, all served with a smile and sweeping ocean views.

Fil Rouge: French-inspired elegance, from escargot to veal Wellington, ending with a classic dessert trolley.

Med Yacht Club: A tribute to Mediterranean flavours—Italian, Provençal, and Greek—featuring dishes like grilled octopus with San Marzano tomato sauce.

Marble & Co. Grill: My personal favourite. The atmosphere was warm and refined, but it was the perfectly cooked steak with peppercorn sauce that stole my heart—flavorful, tender, and memorable.

Sakura: A lively Pan-Asian escape with sushi, dumplings, and tender slow-cooked short rib. One unforgettable evening, I dined outside at Sakura’s Pakura terrace, savouring delicious dishes as the sun dipped into the horizon—a magical combination of food and scenery.

Anthology: The culinary pinnacle—an exclusive tasting menu crafted by acclaimed chefs, pairing Wagyu, caviar, and truffle with exceptional wines. This venue carries a supplement, but for those who love a fine dining experience, it’s well worth the splurge.

Complementing these were Crema Café for light bites and pastries, a Gelateria & Crêperie for sweet indulgences, and 24/7 in-suite dining that turned balcony breakfasts into a daily highlight.

Dining Highlights at a Glance

• Steak at Marble & Co. Grill – Perfectly cooked, topped with rich peppercorn sauce.
• Sunset at Pakura – Outdoor table at Sakura with Pan-Asian flavours and an unforgettable view.
• Mediterranean Plate at Med Yacht Club – Fresh grilled octopus with San Marzano tomato sauce.
• French Classics at Fil Rouge – Escargot and veal Wellington in an elegant setting.
• Dessert Trolley at Fil Rouge – A decadent way to finish the evening.

Fabulous Shopping at Sea

Explora’s onboard boutiques offered a curated shopping experience worthy of a luxury high street. Designer clothing, fine jewellery, watches, fragrances, and chic resort wear filled the airy spaces, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the perfect piece, whether a glamorous evening dress or a keepsake to remember the voyage. It was easy to lose track of time while browsing, as the displays felt more like an upscale fashion house than a ship store.

Entertainment: Relaxed, Refined & Varied

Evenings on Explora offered a choice of sophisticated entertainment rather than large-scale productions. Live jazz in the lounge, acoustic guitar sets under the stars, and intimate performances created a relaxed atmosphere. Some nights brought upbeat DJ sessions, while other guests enjoyed fine wines during curated tastings or joined enrichment talks. Whether you wanted to sip cocktails to soft piano music or dance to a lively beat, there was always something to suit the mood.

My favourite was the DJ playing some fabulous music on one of the outside decks pre-dinner.

The Journey: From Athens to Bari

We began in Athens, and check-in was super efficient and smooth. We were very soon on board, so we could enjoy the cruise immediately. Katakolon was our first stop, a charming port that opens onto Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. We found some lovely boutiques and stopped for a Mythos beer, enjoying the view of our ship, which was docked very close by and a short stroll to the town. Next came Kefalonia, with its dramatic coastline, jewel-toned waters, and pastel-hued villages. We took a private tour of the island, taking in Myrtos beach and Argostoli. The ship docks in Fiskardo, and it‘s worth just spending the day there, taking in the lovely little shops and little eateries dotted along the harbour.

Finally, we arrived in Bari, a sun-drenched Italian port with twisting old streets, Romanesque churches, and the irresistible scent of freshly baked focaccia. The shopping here is very good, from designer to local boutiques, and the prices are reasonable too. We headed to the old town where the nonnas make the fresh pasta in the street, which you can buy. We then ate in someone‘s house, which was turned into a little trattoria. All the food they bought out was fresh and homemade. We asked them just to bring out whatever they wanted. It did not disappoint!

While my journey ended here, Explora, I continued—sailing north to the stunning coastlines of Croatia before concluding in romantic Venice.

5 Reasons to Sail Explora I

• Yacht-Like Exclusivity – Just 900 guests and 461 suites mean more space, privacy, and personal service.
• Suite Perfection – Spacious balcony, heated bathroom floor, Dyson hairdryer, and a walk-in wardrobe.
• Culinary Excellence – Six fine dining venues, plus casual spots and round-the-clock in-suite dining.
• Refined Atmosphere – Intimate lounges, stunning design, and an ambience that’s elegant yet relaxed.
• Curated Itineraries – Unique ports like Kefalonia and Katakolon, paired with longer stays in each destination.