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On Board the Explora I: An Exceptional Mediterranean Cruise
Some journeys aren’t written in guidebooks, but inscribed with the senses. From vibrant Istanbul to the golden shores of Rhodes, across the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, passing through Tenedos and Bodrum, this five-day cruise unfolds in a symphony of gastronomic delights and cultural discoveries aboard the Explora I, a luxurious maritime gem from Explora Journeys that reimagines the art of sea travel.
Day 1 – Istanbul: Embarking Toward Elegance
The moment I set foot at Istanbul Airport, a sense of ease settles in. Everything is meticulously organized: a private van arranged by Explora Journeys awaits to take me to the Galataport cruise terminal. Recently renovated, this port embodies contemporary Turkish elegance. On the horizon, the Explora I comes into view, docked like a floating palace with a sculptural silhouette, promising a timeless voyage.
Boarding is unexpectedly calm, far from the usual lines. Everything feels hushed, intimate. After a personalized welcome and simplified formalities, I ease into the onboard experience with a stop at the Crema Café on Deck 5. In this chic, laid-back lounge, delicate snacks are offered pastries, savory bites, a variety of coffees, and fragrant teas, perfectly accompanying my first impressions.
Suite No. 9064, a Premier Penthouse, welcomes me into a haven of natural light. The generous space opens onto a private terrace where sky and sea merge into an infinite gradient. Inside, the living and dressing areas, modern Italian furnishings, refined materials, elegant lighting, Egyptian cotton linens, and luxurious bedding offer a setting worthy of the finest coastal hotels. Every detail is intentional: a pair of binoculars rests on the console, a welcome note, chilled champagne, refined sweets, and a cozy lounge area complete this moment of perfection.
The evening begins high up at the Sky Bar (Deck 14), where a welcome cocktail is served during golden hour. The sun slowly dips behind Istanbul’s domes, bathing the deck in warm, slanting light. The atmosphere is elegant and cosmopolitan, a subtle blend of understated glamour and discreet conviviality.
Dinner takes place at the Med Yacht Club, a temple of Mediterranean cuisine. Modern tapas such as grilled octopus and burrata with red fruits are shared, accompanied by Mediterranean wines. A marriage of simplicity and flavor. That night, I choose the fresh catch of the day with a velvety purée, enhanced by the soft murmur of the sea beyond the portholes. Aboard Explora I, every moment is crafted to celebrate the present, in a rare and precious tempo.
Day 2 – At Sea: Immersion in the Explora Universe
A gentle wake-up at sea with an infinite blue panorama. The Explora I glides silently across the Aegean in a fluid choreography. The day has no ports of call, fully devoted to exploring the ship and embracing life at sea.
The morning begins on Deck 11 at the heart of the Emporium Marketplace, where a cosmopolitan breakfast inspired by global flavors awaits. Fresh-pressed juices, crispy pastries worthy of a Parisian bakery, fresh-cut fruit, live cooking stations… all to be enjoyed facing the sea, on the terrace, in a soft and bright atmosphere. Here, even breakfast is a real feast, whatever your desires.
Late morning, a full tour of the ship reveals that Explora I is more than a cruise ship, It is a floating universe, designed like a contemporary five-star hotel. Every element of its subdued, elegant design reflects high standards: curated art, noble materials, refined architecture. The journey takes me from the Ocean Wellness spa to signature restaurants, from intimate lounges to light-filled suites. Outside, terrace pools and jacuzzis, open-air sports areas (basketball, paddle court) atop the deck, give the ship a resolutely modern spirit. The spacious, ultramodern fitness center sits next to an open-air gym facing the horizon. There’s also an intimate casino, a theater-style show lounge, and luxury boutiques.
For lunch, I return to the Emporium Marketplace, where I compose a light plate with fresh salads, sushi of the day, and crisp vegetables, enjoyed on the breezy outdoor terrace. The afternoon continues in delicious slow motion as I settle into a sunbed on Deck 5 by the aft pool.
Later, a special meeting awaits at the Explora Lounge, a quiet space with contemporary design. The captain greets me warmly, uniform impeccable. We chat about his maritime career, the intricacies of navigating Explora I, itinerary planning, and even a few sea anecdotes. A rare, enriching encounter that brings a human touch to the experience. His passion and pride for the ship are palpable.
Late in the afternoon, I head to the Ocean Wellness Spa, a true sanctuary of well-being. During a one-hour deep tissue massage with hot stones, a South African practitioner relieves my body of all its tension. Warm stones, deep movements, aromatic oils: all conspire to bring about a full reconnection.
At dusk, the Sky Bar becomes the golden hour stage. Cocktail in hand, passengers gather in a cinematic ochre light. Dinner follows at Marble & Co. Grill, a refined and bold reimagining of the European steakhouse. The signature starter, mashed rattes potatoes with Bordier butter, crème fraîche, Calvisius Oscietra caviar, chives, and gold leaf, whets the appetite. For the main, I choose a veal medallion topped with lobster tail, a perfectly executed land-and-sea pairing, served with velvety chef’s purée. Each bite pays homage to exceptional ingredients. The evening ends in a rare state of fullness. On Explora I, even a day at sea becomes a destination.
Day 3 – Tenedos: Authenticity Offshore
Wake-up call facing the island of Tenedos, also known by its Turkish name, Bozcaada. On the horizon, this little pearl of the Aegean Sea reveals its charm. Before heading ashore, I enjoy breakfast at Fil Rouge restaurant on Deck 4. In this bright and cozy room, I settle into my ritual: poached eggs with caviar, croissant, and freshly squeezed orange juice. A luxurious, comforting routine.
From one of the side hulls of the boat stopped in the open sea, off the island, a gangway discreetly opens, and I board a shuttle. Gliding across a calm sea, this short but striking journey brings me closer to the Turkish coast.
The island is tiny but full of soul. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, flower gardens, and suspended fishing nets: everything here evokes a preserved Mediterranean, far from the crowds. A local taxi takes me to a secluded beach for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. At noon, I lunch at Yovalo Restaurant, feet in the water, eyes on the ship in the distance. The table fills with seafood mezze: marinated anchovies, zucchini chips, rice-stuffed squash blossoms, silky hummus, marinated fish… a true delight.
Back on board, I savored the sunset from deck 5, at the rear of the boat. A suspended moment, one to treasure. Dinner at Sakura, an intimate and refined Asian restaurant, is a tribute to Japanese flavors: sashimi, wagyu tataki, and yuzu cocktails evoke a luxury sushi bar. Through the large windows, the waves roll silently by, creating a natural soundtrack to the meal. For the main course, I opt for black cod miso, followed by black sesame ice cream for a sweet, subtle note.
Day 4 – Bodrum: Ancient Ruins and Coastal Luxury
After a beautiful night’s sleep lulled by the silence of the sea, I wake up at 6:00 a.m. to witness the sunrise over the Aegean Sea. Seated on my terrace, I watch the sky blaze with orange hues in perfect silence. This suspended, intimate moment gives me the feeling of being alone in the world. On the upper decks, I catch the ship’s majestic arrival in Bodrum harbor. As always, breakfast at Fil Rouge grounds me in my ritual.
Around 10:00 a.m., I go ashore, heading for the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only ruins remain, the site’s grandeur is still palpable. I continue exploring through the vibrant local market, a colorful, aromatic, and lively souk. Stalls overflow with fruit, handmade soaps, and imitations of luxury brands, all displayed without hesitation. Between authenticity and fantasy, the whole thing creates a joyful jumble.
Later, a shuttle takes me to the legendary Scorpios Bodrum, an exclusive bohemian enclave perched on the edge of a turquoise bay. Shaded wooden terraces, lounge music, raw yet refined design… the space cultivates a sunny, refined aesthetic that blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature. For lunch, I share beautiful plates in the shade of the pergolas: tomato salad, caramelized feta, and a revisited kebab. For an afternoon, I dive into the crystal-clear waters and stretch out on large, soft sunbeds. Here, luxury lies in slowness.
Back on board, I enjoy a quiet moment in my suite before dressing for the evening. At 8:30 p.m., I return to Fil Rouge, where French gastronomy meets contemporary flair. Abstract artwork, brasserie-style furnishings, it’s an atmosphere of tasteful sophistication. For my starter, I choose a scallop ceviche, accompanied by a green apple tartare and a touch of caviar, both fresh and refined. For my main course, a sea bass en croute, accompanied by a creamy nutmeg purée, perfectly balances tradition and subtlety. The dessert trolley, centerpiece of the evening, offers fresh, elegant creations. A final indulgence before a brief visit to the casino to soak in the ambiance.
Back in my suite for the last night aboard, I fall asleep not to the sway of the ship (imperceptible), but to the serenity of a journey coming to an end, rich in memories, flavors, and landscapes.
Day 5 – Rhodes: A Luminous Farewell
The alarm rings early this morning. One last sunrise, but this time, on the opposite side of the ship, like a discreet wink. From my terrace, I can see the port of Rhodes, which we reached during the night. The sea is calm, meditative, as if softening the goodbye.
I enjoy a final breakfast at Le Fil Rouge, true to my habits. Familiar crew faces greet me with warm smiles and parting words, embodying the understated elegance of a well-choreographed stays. The goodbyes are gentle, unostentatious, like a whisper.
At 11:30 a.m., I disembark from the Explora I. In my suitcase, a few salt-creased outfits, but more importantly, the imprint of an inner journey shaped by light and sea. An itinerary etched in emotion, where one departs more slowly, filled with silence, flavor, and beauty.
Elegance and Service: The Discreet Luxury of Explora I
What I experienced aboard the Explora I goes far beyond a simple cruise. It’s a cosmopolitan, refined way of traveling, blending contemporary standards, chosen slowness, and intuitive elegance.
Each suite, designed like a private yacht apartment, offers spectacular ocean views, a private terrace, modern and calming decor, noble materials, heated bathroom floors, a curated minibar, a high-end coffee machine, and above all: silence. With a 1.25:1 host-to-guest ratio, service is personalized, discreet, and flawless, on par with the finest hotels on land.
The onboard all-inclusive offering spans nine diverse dining experiences, refined beverages, unlimited Ocean Wellness spa access, wellness and fitness programs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and shuttles to city centers at each port. Every moment is a choice: surrendering to the spa, swimming in stillness, discovering a rare vintage, or watching a sunrise with coffee in hand.
A Redefinition of Luxury Cruising
Explora Journeys redefines the very concept of cruising. Here, nothing is loud. Luxury is soft, fluid, and sensory. Gastronomy is diverse and exacting, ranging from umami-laced Asian bites to veal chops elevated by a perfect reduction. The beverages are carefully selected, and the workshops and experiences are tastefully designed: mixology classes, dawn meditations, private lectures, and more…
This five-day narrative reveals how Mediterranean cruising can rise to an art of living. Each stop becomes a shade, each meal an expression, each moment a moving canvas.
This travelogue was written by Cécile Fischer, founder of Stay Some Days, following a voyage aboard the Explora I from June 28 to July 2. A timeless cruise between Istanbul and Rhodes, where each day shaped the promise of a new kind of luxury at sea: discreet, sensory, and inspired. A true “Explora Jouneys” stretched across five days of serenity.
Images Courtesy Stay Some Days.
Article updated on July 3, 2025
