Explora I, ex Athens to Venice

8 Night Cruise sailing from Athens to Venice aboard Explora I.

Highlights of this cruise:

Athens
The port of Piraeus is one of the last old-style Mediterranean ports from where you can catch ferries to all of the Greek islands and travel a short distance to Greece’s capital city Athens.

In the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka district, with its honeycomb of streets, little shops – and tavernas that come alive at night. Situated on the north and east slopes of the Acropolis, it is rich with historic sites, such as ancient monuments and churches. Within Athens there are eight large hills, including the Acropolis, and on the outskirts, Mount Parnitha, Mount Pendeli and Mount Hymettos surround the city. A trip to Athens’ most famous tourist attraction, the impressive Parthenon built on the Acropolis around 2,500 years ago, will be memorable to say the least.

There are an extraordinary number of historic tourist sights in Athens and many of these are known world-wide. Some of the top Athens attractions include the Agora – a grand, ruined Roman building, Hadrian’s Arch – originally the city gate linking the Roman quarters with original town of Athens and the stunning Dionysos Theatre – the world’s oldest theatre where many great plays have been performed over the years.

Venice
The city of Venice sits at the top of the Adriatic Sea in the north east corner of Italy. It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city sits on 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon – a salt marsh. In the 12th century Venice became a city state and its location at the top of the Adriatic made it a key naval and commercial centre as well as a flourishing art centre.

Modern Venice is stunning and retains the wonderful history of this unique city. It is a city of museums, galleries, piazzas, palaces, churches and more. One visit isn’t enough to see all that Venice has to offer but visitors should try and see the Basilica San Marco and San Marco Square, the Doges Palace and the Gallerie dell’Accademia which houses some of Italy’s finest art treasures.

Your home at sea
Private terraces which are amongst the largest in the category. Large floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant interiors. Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

Environmental supporting technologies
Hybrid-ready energy solutions. Waste-management and energy-saving solutions. No single-plastic used on-board and ashore

Explora Journeys represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category.

This is a story that starts in Sorrento with a Neapolitan ferry captain, Gianluigi Aponte, who – together with the Swiss sweetheart he met when she was a passenger on one of his crossings – went on to create MSC, a global shipping operation and the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company. Now this Swiss-Italian seafaring family are fulfilling their life-long dream and launching Explora Journeys, an exquisite, modern luxury cruise experience like no other.

The Aponte family records date back to the 17th century from which 300 years of sea-faring expertise, alongside an inherent passion and respect for the sea has developed.

Indeed, the ocean and its influence on us as human beings sits at the very heart of the Explora Journeys brand.

The oceans connect you with yourself, people and the places around you. It relaxes you, and creates an energy in you that inspires inner and outer discovery, broadens horizons and triggers new connections.

All of this, creates an emotional connection that is powerful, transformative, yet universal.

We call it the Ocean State of Mind

A state of mind that has helped create Explora Journeys. A state of mind inspired by the blue waters of our seas and oceans. Characterised by calm, unity, elegance and joy, that encourages inner and outer exploration and discovery. One that appeals to our audience’s desire for mindful travel. A state of mind that embodies a consciousness of how guests go, not just where they go. This is what Explora Journeys will uniquely provide for our guests.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Explora I - Deck 3

Explora I - Deck 4

Explora I - Deck 5

Explora I - Deck 6

Explora I - Deck 7

Explora I - Deck 8

Explora I - Deck 9

Explora I - Deck 10

Explora I - Deck 11

Explora I - Deck 12

Explora I - Deck 14

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT3

Among the most spacious entry-level accommodations in the industry, 35 sqm (377 sq ft), Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft), our Ocean Terrace Suite invite guests to feel closer to the sea with luminous floor-to-ceiling doors opening onto a private sun terrace.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT4

Each of our sun-drenched Ocean Terrace Suite 35 sqm (377 sq ft), Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft), offers a private terrace with a seating area and sunbeds for relaxing at sea, whilst the elegant living area is amongst the largest in the industry.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT2

Flooded with light from the oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, each of our elegant Ocean Terrace Suites, 35 sqm (377 sq ft) – Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft), offers a private sun terrace with a seating area and a comfortable daybed for switching off at sea.

Owner’s Residence

The iconic Owner’s Residence creates the largest living space on-board, with multiple harmonious spaces in which to relax, entertain and unwind.

Stand in awe of the panoramic ocean views from your private outdoor terrace – extending over the full ship’s width – with a spacious infinity whirlpool, and enjoy intuitive, intelligent, dedicated private butler services by the Residence Manager.

Every aspect of the design of our Owner’s Residence reflects the meticulous curation of all details, conscious at all times of our commitment to sustainability.

Cove Residence

For a true sense of being at home at sea, experience the sweeping decks and effortlessly elegant spaces of the Cove Residences.

Retreat Residence

Our luxurious Retreat Residences offer oversized floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a spacious sun terrace with a private whirlpool, whilst a Residence Host providing butler services is on hand for our guests’ every whim, as well as a dining area for up to four guests, a separate living area and calm workspace.

Serenity Residence

Abundant in space and light, the elegant Serenity Residences offer a large living area, a dining area for six, an adept desk area, a luxurious marble bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower, and a Residence Host providing butler services.

Cocoon Residence

Our Cocoon Residences are amongst the most spacious of our residences, with an expansive sun terrace on the ship’s coveted aft deck.

Premier Penthouse

These light-filled, luxurious Premier Penthouses are designed for withdrawing in style or entertaining other guests.

Grand Penthouse

The Grand Penthouses offer elegant spaces with a separate stylish living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four, whilst the private sun terraces allow guests to unwind and savour the ocean, in the company of friends or one another.

Penthouse

Each of our Penthouses offers a spacious living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four, allowing guests to entertain others or retreat in style as they see fit.

Deluxe Penthouse

Flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling oversized windows, the Deluxe Penthouses offer elegant accommodation and a stylish living area, a neat work space and a separate dining area for four.

Ocean Terrace Suite OT1

Our Ocean Terrace Suite are amongst the largest entry-level suites in the industry, 35 sqm (377 sq ft), Suite 28 sqm (301 sq ft) and Terrace of 7 sqm (75 sq ft). Each one has floor-to-ceiling windows and a private sun terrace, allowing guests to feel closer to the ocean as it carries them on their journey.

Ocean Grand Terrace Suite

Our Ocean Grand Terrace Suites feature a larger ocean-front terrace of 11 sqm (118 sq ft), featuring an outdoor dining area and comfortable daybed for relaxation.