Take Off Go Founder Ivona Siniarska may have visited Africa close to 40 times, but when she set sail as a first-time cruiser, she admits to trepidation – but Explora Journeys completely changed her view of cruise. Read her exclusive review for Karryon here.
I will admit it, I boarded Explora I in Athens with a fair bit of scepticism. My mental image of going on a cruise was all about giant floating cities with 4,000 passengers, buffets, water slides, and nowhere to hide. As a first-time cruiser, I was prepared to endure rather than enjoy.
However, within minutes, I knew this was different. With only 461 suites, Explora I feels like a luxury boutique resort that just happens to move. Every suite has an ocean view and private terrace, the design is sleek and spacious, and the vibe is refined yet relaxed.
The pools never felt crowded, the lounges were full of cosy nooks, and the whole ship radiated a kind of residential warmth. And then there was the Lobby Bar. Honestly, I still cannot believe this was not an ultra-luxury hotel on land.
From the marble bar to the perfectly chilled champagne glasses, it was effortlessly elegant and welcoming. Let’s just say I stopped by more than once; it became my daily pre-dinner ritual, purely for research, of course.
The suite
My Ocean Terrace Suite blew me away. It was so comfortable and thoughtfully designed that it felt like my own stylish apartment for the week. The king-sized bed was ridiculously comfortable, and I lost count of the number of afternoon naps I took.
The storage situation was comical in the best way. There was so much space that when it came time to pack, I had a mini panic attack, opening every drawer, cupboard, and secret nook to make sure I hadn’t left anything behind.
A chic sitting area was separated from the bedroom by an open bookcase filled with curated art pieces. Little touches like wireless charging nightstands made a big difference, and the quality throughout was exceptional from the fabrics to the balcony furniture.
Despite being at sea, it was so smooth I often forgot we were moving and enjoyed a few moments of sitting on my lounger, book in hand, and drifting from reading to being mesmerised by the sea.
Wine and dine
Food on Explora I was exceptional and varied enough to keep every meal exciting.
Sakura became my lunch go-to, with beautiful sushi and sashimi. Dinner here was a completely different menu but equally delicious. Sakura and Marble & Co. Grill are the two specialty restaurants on board, and each guest can book one dinner at each during a week-long sailing.
My first Marble & Co was my own booking. That was the night I discovered the burger. Hands down, the best burger I have ever had. Perfectly cooked, rich, and indulgent. When I returned to experience again via an invitation from a fellow solo traveller, I thought I would go classic with a steak. The steak was excellent, but we still ended up sharing another burger.
I only made it to Med Yacht Club once, enjoying a beautifully presented grilled octopus that was unfortunately a little on the firm side but delicious and fresh nonetheless. Fil Rouge was a favourite for its French-inspired elegance. Breakfast here was à la carte, with their eggs benedict topped with caviar being a standout.
The Emporium Marketplace was probably the closest to what I imagined in my mind a cruise may offer, though there were no tongs or buffet-style plates. It has multiple live cooking stations serving everything from breakfast to dinner, and it felt more like a collection of stylish food counters than a buffet.
I also made the most of in-suite dining, which was fresh, delicious, and perfect on embarkation day when the public areas felt a little busy before cabins were ready. Sitting on my balcony with champagne and a tuna tataki bowl while Athens slipped into the distance was the perfect way to settle in.
The service was warm and genuine, the wine list was excellent, and the cocktails were spot-on. I still think about the perfectly balanced Negroni I had while sailing away from Mykonos, and that’s not to mention the Old Fashioned nightcap at the whiskey bar – game changer.
Wellness
The spa was a haven with a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, salt inhalation room, and therapists who tailored treatments perfectly. I didn’t partake in any treatments but spoke to many guests who enjoyed them. I did find them a bit on the pricey side, though, if you have spare on board credit, why not?
There was also an outdoor fitness deck, yoga sessions, and a gym with everything you could want. But my favourite wellness moment was watching the sunrise with a coffee in hand as we sailed through the Dardanelles into the port of Istanbul with the call to prayer heard off in the distance. Pure magic.
Out and about
Our route took us from Athens to Mykonos, Patmos, Volos, Thessaloniki, Kavala, and finally Istanbul, with a day at sea through the Dardanelles.
From Volos, I joined an organised day tour to see the Meteora hanging monasteries, a UNESCO Heritage-listed site I have always wanted to visit. It was a two-hour drive each way and a classic “follow-the-flag” group tour, but given the distance, it was the only realistic way to see it. Standing at the foot of those impossibly perched monasteries was worth every minute.
In the other ports, I explored on my own. Mykonos and Thessaloniki were for aimless wandering. Kavala was my surprise favourite. The dock was just 200 metres from a beautiful swim spot and close to ancient ruins and the 19th-century residence of Mohammed Ali, former ruler of Egypt. I hiked up, took in the views, and rewarded myself with another swim before heading back on board.
The best part was having the flexibility to linger where I wanted or head back early to my sanctuary at sea. Lunch by the pool, a book in hand, and the gentle sound of the ocean – bliss.
The verdict
Explora I completely changed my view of cruising. This was not about rushing from port to port or queueing for buffets. It was about travelling slowly, enjoying the ship as much as the destinations, and finding moments of real peace.
For anyone who has avoided cruising because they think it is all crowds and chaos, trust me, there is another way. I stepped on board as a sceptic and disembarked already planning my next voyage for August 2026.
Suite: Ocean Terrace Suite
Itinerary: Athens to Istanbul
Dates: 19 to 26 July 2025
Rates: From approx. A$9,000 pp for seven nights all-inclusive
For more information, visit Explora Journeys.
