Our journey to the Greek Isles officially began today, Friday August 16th, as we embarked on our cruise. It was a day filled with the usual excitement, a bit of confusion, and plenty of new experiences as we settled into life on board the Explora 1.

A Familiar Start: Breakfast at The Roc Club

We started our day with the usual breakfast at The Roc Club. By now, the spread had become a comforting routine—fresh fruits, pastries, charcuterie and available made-to-order dishes that never failed to set us up for the day. The weather was still hot and breezy, but the shady veranda made our morning meal a relaxing way to begin what promised to be an eventful day.

Heading to the Port: A Scenic Drive Along the Coast

Around noon, we checked out of the hotel and were picked up by Dimitrios, our Blacklane chauffeur for our transfer to the port. The drive along the coast was stunning, with the bright blue waters of the Aegean Sea accompanying us for most of the journey north. The ride was smooth and comfortable, giving us one last chance to take in the views of Vouliagmeni and the surrounding areas before we embarked.

A Bumpy Start: Boarding the Ship

We arrived at the port around 1:00 PM, but not without a little confusion. Our papers had us heading to the wrong terminal initially, which threw us off course. Thankfully, it wasn’t our fault—the instructions provided were incorrect. After a brief detour, Dimitrios whisked us to the correct terminal and finally boarded the ship.

Settling into Our Cabin

Once we were on board, we headed straight to our cabin to drop off our backpacks and get a sense of our home for the next several days. The cabin was a beautiful, offering a blend of modern design and luxurious comfort.

The room was spacious and thoughtfully laid out, with a comfortable king-sized bed, a cozy sitting area, and a large flat-screen TV that welcomed us with personalized messages. The neutral tones and soft lighting created a pleasant atmosphere, making it easy to relax after a busy day.

One of the standout features was the well-designed closet space, which included ample storage, a dressing area, and plush bathrobes waiting for us to use.

The bathroom was equally impressive, with marble floors, a sleek vanity, the largest shower we have encountered in cruising, and high-end fixtures.

As we unpacked, Jen was particularly excited to find a Dyson hair dryer neatly tucked away in the closet. It was a thoughtful touch and Jen couldn’t wait to try it out during our stay.

A Noteworthy Lunch Onboard

After settling in, we headed to the dining area for lunch and were pleasantly surprised. Unlike most cruise ships where buffets often mean self-service and basic fare, this ship took a different approach. Nearly everything was made to order, with various stations where chefs prepared and served food right in front of us. The dishes were far more elaborate than the standard buffet fare we’ve encountered on other ships, featuring a range of gourmet options and attentive service that felt far more relaxing than a typical cruise ship buffet.

To top it off, the champagne was flowing freely, maybe that was the relaxing part :). It was a delightful way to kick off our time on board and set a high standard for the rest of our meals during the cruise.

Afternoon Stroll Around the Ship

After lunch, we spent some time strolling around the ship, familiarizing ourselves with the layout. The ship offered everything from cozy lounges to expansive decks, multiple pools and literally more whirlpools than we could keep track of. We enjoyed taking in the atmosphere and looking forward to the days ahead, where we’d explore these spaces more fully.

Dinner at Sakura and an Unfortunate Show

Dinner that evening was at Sakura, one of the ship’s specialty restaurant. The meal was good—Sakura’s menu featured a fusion of Asian flavors, and everything we tried was flavorful, though the organization and explanation of the menu could be improved upon. The ambiance of the restaurant was sophisticated with pink cherry blossoms throughout.

Unfortunately, the evening took a turn when we decided to catch one of the ship’s entertainment offerings—a “reimagined” show that promised to bring new life to popular songs from the past. However, the reality was far from what we expected. The cast reworked classic songs into bizarre alternative genres, and the result was a confusing and unpleasant mix that didn’t sit well with us. The coffee house version of Bruno Mars’ Versace on the Floor with a 6 year old child allowed to dance near the stage sent us elsewhere.

Winding Down at the Lobby Bar

Chased away from the theater, we made our way to the beautiful lobby bar. The atmosphere here was much more to our liking—elegant, quiet, and the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. The bar itself was beautifully designed, with a backlit wall displaying an array of premium spirits, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

We sipped on cocktails, chatted about the day’s events, and watched the world go by as the ship gently sailed toward Mykonos. The calm environment of the lobby bar provided the perfect contrast to the absurdity of the show, allowing us to relax and enjoy the evening.

As the night wore on, we eventually headed back to our cabin, ready for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow, we’d wake up to the sights of Mykonos, where our adventure would continue.

Looking Ahead

With our first day of the cruise behind us, we’re excited to see what the rest of the journey has in store. Despite a few hiccups, today was a great start to what promises to be an unforgettable experience sailing through the Greek Isles. Stay tuned for more as we explore Mykonos and continue our journey through some of Greece’s most beautiful destinations.