An Ocean State of Mind: Sailing Fusina to Athens Aboard Explora II
If you’ve been watching the luxury travel space lately, you know there has been serious buzz around Explora Journeys—the luxury lifestyle ocean brand created by the MSC Group.
I just stepped off a 7-night voyage aboard their newest ship, Explora II, cruising from Fusina across the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to Athens.
Going in, my expectations were high. Coming off? I am already planning my next booking onboard. Explora isn’t trying to mimic traditional, stiff white-glove cruising. Instead, they built an experience around what they call an “Ocean State of Mind”—a relaxed, European cosmopolitan elegance that feels far more like a boutique coastal resort than a conventional ship. Here is my candid, boots-on-the-ground review of what made this trip exceptional, the standout port highlights, and the minor growing pains to know before you set sail.
First Impressions: Boutique Resort Aesthetics at Sea
The moment you step aboard Explora II, the tone is established: clean architectural lines, warm natural materials, curated art, and floor-to-ceiling ocean views. There are no crowded atrium spectacles, blaring pool games, or jarring public address
announcements. The ship is designed to give you breathing room. Even on sea days around the pools, loungers were plentiful, quiet corners were easy to find, and your personal space was never compromised.
Ocean Suites: Thoughtful Layout and True Usability
- The Private Terrace: Deep, shaded, and equipped with a full-sized daybed and dining set rather than basic upright chairs. Watching the Aegean sunrise from your own daybed sets the tone for the entire day.
- Dedicated Dressing Room: A proper walk-in closet and vanity area separate from the sleeping quarters, complete with ample garment storage and a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer.
- Sleeping & Living Quarters: Custom Frette linens, an exceptionally supportive king mattress, and floor-to-ceiling glass that keeps the water in constant view.
The Food: Redefining Casual & Fine Dining
Luxury lines often talk about elevated culinary programs, but Explora backs it up without nickel-and-diming. With the exception of the curated chef-concept venue Anthology, all specialty dining is included in your cruise fare.
Standout Feature: Fresh-Grilled Lobster at Emporium Marketplace
Forget every preconceived notion you have about a ship’s buffet. The Emporium Marketplace operates like a high-end gourmet food hall with live cooking stations. Fresh lobster tails were grilled to order night after night—sweet, tender, and prepared right in front of you. Combined with daily rotating regional themes and handmade pasta, the culinary execution here blew standard cruise dining out of the water.
Even with the Emporium performing at such a high level, the sit-down venues hold their own: modern Pan-Asian at Sakura, French-inspired fine dining at Fil Rouge, and dry-aged cuts at Marble & Co. Grill deliver focused menus, exceptional plating, and attentive tableside service.
Destination Highlight: The Magic of Milos
Striking volcanic white rock formations drop straight into crystalline, electric-turquoise water. Dropping into the clear Aegean Sea off the dramatic coastline was easily the highlight excursion of the entire week, followed by incredible sun-drenched Greek food at local seaside tavernas.
Logistically, Explora’s tender operations—often a major bottleneck for luxury lines in smaller ports like Rovinj and Milos—were organized, swift, and completely stress-free.
Atmosphere & Entertainment
Explora opts out of standard production theater revues, and the ship is significantly better for it. Entertainment is intimate and spread naturally across multiple lounges: live acoustic guitar, late-night jazz sets, DJ sessions on the pool decks, and fun music trivia nights that draw great crowds without ever feeling loud or forced.
The Balanced Take: Minor Growing Pains
- Lobby Bar Pacing: During peak pre-dinner cocktail hours, staffing at the central lobby bar could get stretched. The craft drinks were top-shelf once served, but wait times could be slower than at the poolside bars or specialty venues.
- Housekeeping Details: The stateroom attendants were warm and helpful, but small proactive details—such as ensuring fresh shore towels were in the suite prior to tender mornings—occasionally required a quick reminder.
Ready to Experience Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys has managed to craft something distinct in the luxury market: elevated without the pretension, cuisine that genuinely competes with land-based fine dining, and sleek, design-forward ships that let the sea be the star. If you are considering a voyage on Explora I or Explora II, booking with a travel advisor gives you access to exclusive signature amenities—including complimentary journey experience credits, custom welcome amenities, and dedicated itinerary planning.