A week aboard Explora Journeys ' Explora II , sailing through Greek islands and stopping in Italy.
The Mediterranean has an extraordinary capacity to surprise even those who travel it frequently. There's always a new hidden cove, a lesser-known port, or a different light reflecting on the sea. My recent voyage aboard Explora II reminded me precisely of this: that traveling the Mediterranean remains a truly moving experience when carefully selected destinations, an exceptional ship, and the time needed to savor both are combined.
For seven nights, embarking and disembarking in Athens (Piraeus), we sailed around some of Greece's most captivating islands before crossing to the Italian coast of Apulia. The itinerary included stops in Mykonos, Katapola (Amorgos), Pylos, Nidri, and Bari, as well as a full day at sea. The journey alternated between some of the Aegean's most iconic landscapes and lesser-known, far more authentic destinations, many of them accessible thanks to anchorages that allowed the ship to approach locations rarely reached by larger vessels.
From the outset, it was clear that Explora Journeys has chosen its own path within the luxury segment. It doesn't strive for grandeur or ostentation. Its approach is based on contemporary elegance, spaciousness, a connection with the sea, and a naturally flowing hospitality. Everything revolves around a concept that the company has made its hallmark: the Ocean State of Mind. This way of traveling invites you to slow down, enjoy the journey, and let the sea set the rhythm of your days.
From the moment you step aboard, Explora II's design conveys this philosophy. The interiors are bright and serene, dominated by fine materials, carefully selected works of art, and a color palette inspired by the ocean itself. Every space seems designed to promote well-being and contemplation, deliberately avoiding any excess.
My accommodation during the voyage was an Ocean Penthouse, a suite that perfectly embodies the residential concept that characterizes the brand. Spacious, elegant, and exceptionally comfortable, it became a true private sanctuary. The generous and perfectly equipped terrace was probably my favorite spot on the ship. Many mornings began there, watching the silhouette of a new Greek island appear on the horizon, and many nights ended there, contemplating only the darkness of the sea and the reflection of the stars on the water. It's difficult to distinguish the furniture on a balcony, but Explora decided to include a chaise lounge where you could practically live gazing at the sea—and I mean that right, it's not a sun lounger, it's a plush chaise lounge.
The feeling of well-being is perfectly complemented by outstanding service. Some companies aspire to offer impeccable service; Explora Journeys seems to pursue something more complex: attention so natural it's barely noticeable. The staff anticipates guests' needs without ever being intrusive. Everything flows smoothly, from suite maintenance to service in the restaurants and public areas. It's elegant, discreet, and profoundly professional hospitality.
Gastronomy is another fundamental pillar of the experience. Explora II doesn't aim to impress with a sheer number of options, but rather with the personality and quality of each one. Throughout the week, I felt like I was visiting different restaurants in a major international culinary capital without ever leaving the ship.
Fil Rouge embodies the culinary essence of Explora Journeys. Its international, French-inspired menu stands out for the quality of its ingredients and a refined execution that avoids unnecessary artifice. Every dinner there conveys a pleasant sense of relaxed sophistication.
At Med Yacht Club, the Mediterranean takes center stage. Its menu pays homage to the culinary traditions of the coasts we discovered during our voyage: Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and North Africa. Dining there while sailing among the Greek islands added a special dimension to the experience, as if the journey itself continued at the table.
One of the restaurants that surprised me most was Sakura. Its pan-Asian menu combines Japanese, Thai, and Southeast Asian influences with impeccable execution. The quality of the sushi and sashimi is excellent, but the hot dishes also stand out, full of nuances, aromas, and perfectly balanced contrasts, all served in an open kitchen that adds a touch of sophistication to a truly enjoyable evening.
For those who enjoy cuisine focused on quality ingredients, Marble & Co. Grill offers an equally memorable experience. Selected meats, excellent seafood, and a carefully curated wine list combine to create an elegant and contemporary menu that has become a favorite among many passengers.
Anthology takes the dining experience to the next level. Conceived as the ship's most exclusive restaurant, it offers tasting menus where creativity and haute cuisine take center stage. I wasn't able to enjoy it this time, but I'm saving it for future Explorations, and we'll see many more coming in the next few years.
Even Emporium Marketplace, which could be described as the ship's buffet, completely breaks with the usual standards of the industry. Its multiple culinary stations offer dishes prepared to order and a quality that hardly fits with the traditional image associated with this type of space.
Between meals, excursions, and moments of relaxation, the Ocean Wellness Spa became one of my favorite spots. Spacious, elegant, and perfectly integrated into the ship's philosophy, it offers thermal areas, a sauna, treatments, and relaxation spaces where time seems to stand still.
The same applies to the luxury boutiques, which at Explora II are not just accessories; they have been carefully selected to enhance the premium travel experience with a range of fashion, handbags, accessories, watches and jewelry that match the surroundings, not forgetting my favorites, the perfumes, both designer and niche.
But just as important as the ship itself were the destinations.
The first stop was Mykonos, an island that has managed to maintain its magnetism despite decades of international popularity. Its whitewashed streets, bougainvillea-covered balconies, windmills dominating the horizon, and the intense Aegean light continue to create one of the most recognizable images of the Mediterranean. Beyond its cosmopolitan image, it still preserves corners where the Cycladic essence remains intact.
The arrival in Katapola, on the island of Amorgos, offered a fascinating contrast. Here, the large crowds of tourists disappear, giving way to a more authentic and tranquil Greece. The mountains seem to rise directly from the sea, white villages cling to the hillsides, and time passes with an almost forgotten slowness. The boat at anchor, the walk to some of the emerald beaches, the visit to the spectacular monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, perched on a cliff overlooking the endless blue of the Aegean, and a meal in a Greek taverna are just some of the highlights of the trip. Few places convey so intensely the historical and spiritual connection between the Greeks and the sea.
Our next stop was Pylos, in the Peloponnese. Elegant and tranquil, this town has a very different character from the Greek islands. Its beautiful central square, shaded by centuries-old trees, invites you to sit and observe local life at a leisurely pace. Nearby lies Navarino Bay, the site of one of the most decisive naval battles in European history. It is a place where natural beauty and the weight of history coexist harmoniously.
Nidri, on the Ionian island of Lefkada, revealed a completely different side of Greece. In contrast to the arid landscapes of the Cyclades, here green hills, lush vegetation, and turquoise waters more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean predominate. Sailing among the small islands dotting this region is highly recommended in Nidri, as it allows you to understand why the Ionian Islands have captivated sailors and travelers for centuries. Numerous excursions make this journey, taking you to incredible coves perfect for a peaceful swim. Nearby lies the island of Skorpios, where you can see the private jetty and the small house that Onassis gifted to Jackie on a beach as secluded as the island itself.
The only Italian stop on our itinerary was Bari, gateway to one of Italy's most fascinating regions. From there, we headed to Alberobello. Rarely does a place so faithfully live up to the image one has of it before arriving; I visited many years ago and had only a vague memory. The famous trulli, with their distinctive conical stone roofs, create a cityscape unlike any other in the world. Strolling through its streets is like stepping into a history of centuries-old traditions, vernacular architecture, and a deeply rooted cultural identity. It's easy to see why this unique ensemble was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many of these stops were made at anchor, a feature that added a special charm to the voyage. Seeing Explora II anchored offshore, perfectly integrated into the landscape, reinforced the feeling of being aboard a ship designed to take its guests to authentic places far from the beaten track.
And then came the day at sea. On other cruises, a nonstop day might seem like just a brief interval between ports. On Explora II, it's an essential part of the experience. It was the perfect time to fully enjoy the ship, without schedules or commitments. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea from your suite's terrace, stroll the exterior decks in near silence, relax in the spa, discover new culinary gems, or simply sit and gaze at the horizon.
It was precisely then that I understood the true meaning of Ocean State of Mind. It's not just about traveling in comfort or enjoying exceptional service. It's about rediscovering a more conscious, more leisurely way of traveling, one that's more connected to the environment. It's a way of remembering that luxury isn't always about doing more things, but about having the time to fully enjoy each one.
When we returned to Athens a week later, I left with memories of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean, outstanding cuisine, and impeccable service. But above all, I left with the feeling of having experienced a different way of sailing. A journey where the sea once again occupies the central place it should always have held, and where every stop, every meal, and every moment on board forms part of a cohesive, elegant, and profoundly inspiring experience.
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