Explora Journeys
The one-week cruise to the Italian, Croatian and Greek coasts redefines luxury. Discover southern Europe with a floating five-star hotel.
Embarkation in Venice already promises dolce vita. It is a foretaste of what awaits us over the next week. We arrived three days early to explore the colorful lagoon islands: Murano with its glass-blowing workshops, the enchanting rainbow island of Burano and the sophisticated art deco center of Lido with its endless beach. Venice is like something from another world: a city on the water, criss-crossed by canals on which va poretti and gondolas glide between palaces, churches and squares. A fairytale setting, just a stone’s throw from Switzerland. We will definitely be back. But first we head to the port of Fusina on the outskirts of the city. The imposing Explora 1 with its 14 decks is moored there, unmissable and enticing. Anna, our concierge for the coming week, had already contacted us the day before and now she gives us a warm welcome. She shows us to our suite and informs us about the week’s program. The journey can begin.
Ravenna, Dubrovnik, Brindisi, Lefkada, Milos: reflections of everyday life
At each stopover, guests can choose from a wide range of excursions. The program is presented in detail the evening before in the amphitheatre. However, you do not necessarily have to join one of the guided tours, but can also set off on your own. All useful information can be obtained from the organizers or on the Internet, so that you can start your sightseeing well prepared. Each of the places we visit has its own charm. Ravenna welcomes us with a modern marina and long beaches. The old town is full of architectural and artistic treasures dating back to the 5th century. With its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Dante’s tomb, it looks like an open-air museum. As a melting pot of Venetian, Roman and Byzantine influences, the historic city reveals its quiet beauty as you stroll around.
Dubrovnik is a completely different story the next day. The Croatian coastal town is a lively tourist hotspot built spectacularly on cliffs. With its mixture of culture and nature, it captivates thousands and thousands of visitors and takes them on a journey through time. A walk along the city walls immerses you in its centuries-old history, while swimming in the small rocky bays allows you to experience the “Pearl of the Adriatic” up close. We will never forget the sunset over the fortified city, which we marveled at in the Sky Bar of the Explora 1. The route continues to the Italian Adriatic coast. On the third day, Brindisi and, for those who want to extend their exploration radius, Lecce and other places in the surrounding area are on the program. The old town of Brindisi is paved with white and black stones, palm trees line the quays of the former Roman port. In the Casale district, the Monumento al Marinaio, commissioned by Mussolini in memory of the Italian sailors who died in the First World War, rises prominently into the sky.
The anticipation of the next few days in Greece is great. Even at breakfast, we enjoy the view of the small islands and the bay of Nydri on Lefkada, where countless sailing boats are moored. The bustling little town is a great place to store. But you can just as easily sit down in a beach bar with a view of the green neighboring islands or take a cab to explore more remote corners. With your head full of new impressions, you go back on board and relax in five-star comfort. After a day at sea, the ship makes a stop on Milos on its last leg before Athens. For us, this is the absolute highlight of the trip. The cradle of Venus de Milo is incredibly diverse. 78 beaches, picturesque villages, white cliffs, black volcanic sand, a Roman theater made of marble and catacombs from the 1st century make the island a concentrate of the Cyclades, which can easily be explored in one day with a rental car.
Floating leisure paradise
Sailors know the exhilarating feeling of gliding across glittering seas and taking in the passing landscapes. On the Explora 1, this feeling is intensified – through vision, speed and comfort. You benefit from every conceivable amenity to sweeten this unique experience. Whirlpools, swimming pools, sun loungers and outstanding service invite you to relax on the multi-level outdoor decks with a total area of 6,200 square meters. The Helios Pool & Bar is “adults only”, but families also have their own areas. Everything is included on board, no matter what time of day. The wellness and fitness areas, including the jogging track on the upper deck, are in no way inferior to those of a luxury hotel. The same applies to the boutiques and the stylish lounges with panoramic views. Everything is designed to make your stay on board just as unforgettable as the shore excursions. Life on board begins at sunrise and ends late at night in the nightclub. Broadway artists perform in the evenings and the DJ at the Sky Bar provides musical highlights, especially when his sound accompanies the sunset. Then even the Martini Tiramisu tastes a little better.
Deus ex Cucina
Explora Journeys is the luxury brand of the Italian, Geneva-based family business MSC Cruises. As food is sacred in Italy, the cruise company’s gastronomic bar is set very high. The cuisine is excellent, the quality of the food and service impeccable and the variety of dishes fascinating. There are eleven dining concepts to choose from, including six restaurants. Only Anthology, where Michelin-starred chefs take turns demonstrating their high art, costs extra. In three other restaurants, French, Japanese and grill specialties are served in a small space. Reservations are required in all three reservations must be made. The culinary offer is completed by the Med Yacht Club and the Emporium Marketplace with buffet concept, our favorite. They are both freely accessible. Dining there is not only a treat for the palate, but also for the eyes thanks to the large window fronts. An impressive brigade looks after the stations, which are arranged by category. These range from fresh fruit, cheese and grilled vegetables to sushi, seafood (including lobster!), grilled dishes, patisserie and salads. Such a selection of fresh produce and delicious dishes makes every meal a culinary experience. The most exclusive suites have their own kitchen and a personal chef. And if you want to try your hand at cooking yourself, you can attend cooking classes on board.
A suite or nothing
Explora Journeys only offers suites, not cabins. The smallest measures 35 square meters, has a large glass front and a private terrace where a selection of culinary delights are served around the clock. The largest suite covers 280 square meters. All are furnished with designer beds and furniture and offer plenty of storage space and room to relax. The Italian-Swiss shipping company sees its ships as a second home at sea with ultimate luxury, five-star service and tailor-made experiences against a constantly changing backdrop. So it’s no wonder that we met several couples who had already spent a month on board and want to come back in winter. After all, you don’t treat yourself to anything else.
