Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury brand of the MSC Group, currently has availability on an appealing 4-night Mediterranean mini cruise from Athens to Istanbul. Setting sail on March 25, 2027, aboard the brand-new Explora II, you can book an Ocean Terrace Suite (Category OT2) starting at just €1,316 per person (including €6 in local Greek port infrastructure taxes). Best of all: the single supplement is completely waived (0% surcharge), allowing solo travelers to book for the exact same rate.
This short voyage offers a contrasting blend of dramatic mountain scenery, classical antiquity, and quintessential Cycladic charm, calling at Volos and Mykonos before concluding in Istanbul.
Two suites have just become available again at this promotional price point!
Do you have questions about the offer, need help, or are you looking for a cruise that suits you even better? Feel free to contact us via our inquiry form. We’re glad to help.
Greek port tax note: Greece assesses a local infrastructure tax for cruise passengers going ashore. The fee totals €6 per person across this itinerary (Piraeus: €1, Volos: €1, Mykonos: €4) and is billed directly to your onboard account during your trip if you disembark at these ports.
Included Services
As part of Explora Journeys’ all-inclusive luxury standard, the cruise fare covers the following amenities:
- Full board dining across venues, including most specialty restaurants and 24-hour in-suite dining
- A curated selection of fine wines and premium spirits
- Specialty coffees, fine teas, and soft drinks (including fully stocked in-suite minibar)
- Welcome bottle of chilled champagne upon arrival in your suite
- One bottle of wine and one bottle of premium spirit of your choice in your suite
- All onboard crew gratuities and service charges
- 24-hour suite service and concierge assistance
- Complimentary access to the Ocean Wellness Thermal Spa area
- Complimentary port shuttle buses between ship and city centers (where available)
- Unlimited high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi access throughout the ship
The following optional amenities and services carry an additional charge:
- Tasting menus at the Anthology culinary concept
- Hands-on cooking masterclasses at the Chef’s Kitchen
- Ultra-premium reserve vintage wines, champagnes, and rare spirits
- Individual spa and wellness treatments (massages, facials, etc.)
The Route
Your cruise begins in the Greek port city of Piraeus, connected directly to central Athens by metro. The ship departs in the evening at 18:00 and docks the following morning in Volos.
At the Volos harbor promenade stands the modern sculpture of the Argo—the mythical vessel from which Jason and his Argonauts set sail in search of the Golden Fleece. Volos is also the gateway for excursions to the awe-inspiring, UNESCO-listed cliff-top monasteries of Meteora perched atop towering sandstone rock pillars.
On Day 3, you reach iconic Mykonos. Take in the postcard views of the famous 16th-century windmills overlooking the sea, wander through the waterfront district of Little Venice, and admire the unique architecture of the whitewashed Panagia Paraportiani church complex.
Following a relaxing sea day navigating through the Aegean and Dardanelles, you arrive in the transcontinental metropolis of Istanbul on the morning of March 29, 2027.
The Ship
Delivered in 2024 by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard, Explora II measures 248 meters in length and 32 meters in width, carrying up to 900 guests served by 640 crew members. This exceptional 1.25:1 guest-to-crew ratio guarantees personalized, European-style luxury service throughout your voyage.
The ship’s 461 oceanfront suites and residences start at a spacious 35 m² (377 sq ft)—among the largest entry-level accommodations in the ultra-luxury cruise sector. Every suite boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a private teak terrace with daybeds, and walk-in closets with a seated vanity area.
Culinary diversity is a hallmark of the experience, offering six distinct open-seating restaurants serving international gastronomy, 12 bars and lounges with unlimited premium wines and spirits, an extensive 700 m² spa with complimentary thermal area access, and three outdoor heated pools complete with private daybed cabanas.
The primary onboard language is English, and onboard purchases can be settled in Euro or US Dollar depending on the itinerary using major credit cards.
Below are a few impressions of the ship and suites:
