Explora Journeys, the ultra-luxury brand of the MSC Group, currently has availability on an appealing 4-night Eastern Mediterranean taster cruise from Bari to Piraeus (Athens). Setting sail on November 15, 2026, aboard the luxury vessel Explora II, you can book a spacious 42 m² (452 sq ft) Premier Penthouse (Category PP) starting at just €1,880 per person (including €5 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 untouched Southern European culture, ancient ruins, and world-famous volcanic cliffside villages. While Sarandë opens the gateway to the emerging Albanian Riviera, Santorini captivates with its iconic blue-and-white caldera panoramas high above the Aegean.
As an exclusive perk when booking via Travel-Dealz, you will receive €200 in complimentary onboard credit per suite! Alternatively, you can upgrade to a Cove Residence featuring a private terrace whirlpool for €2,405 per person, which includes an exceptional €400 in onboard credit per person. Please note that residences carry a standard 100% single supplement.
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.
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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.)
Greek port tax note: Greece assesses a local infrastructure tax for cruise passengers going ashore. The fee totals €5 per person across this itinerary (Santorini: €4, Piraeus: €1) and will be billed directly to your onboard account during your trip if you disembark at these ports. For complete pricing transparency, we have already factored this €5 fee into our headline rates.
The Route
Your cruise begins in the Italian port city of Bari. Explora II departs late in the afternoon around 17:00 and sets course for Sarandë, Albania. A major highlight in the area is Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins set amid lush nature. Alternatively, consider an excursion to the idyllic beaches of Ksamil, celebrated for fine white sands and brilliant turquoise waters.
Following a relaxing sea day sailing through the Ionian and Aegean Seas, the ship docks at world-famous Santorini. From the tender port, take the cable car up to the cliffside capital of Fira with its bustling alleys and panoramic lookout points. Make sure not to miss the postcard village of Oia on the northern tip of the island, known for its whitewashed houses, blue domes, and romantic windmills. The island’s Red Beach is equally striking with its dramatic volcanic cliffs. After 4 nights on board, your cruise concludes in Piraeus (Athens).
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:
