As the sun rose over the Aegean Sea, our ship quietly set sail from Mykonos at 6:00 AM, beginning the journey to our next destination, Volos. With approximately 165 nautical miles to cover, Sunday was a day to enjoy the luxury of being at sea and take full advantage of the ship’s amenities.

A Leisurely Start: Breakfast at Fil Rouge

We started our day with a delightful breakfast at Fil Rouge, the ship’s French-inspired restaurant. The ambiance was elegant yet relaxed, and the menu offered a variety of gourmet options, including a daily egg dish and wonderful pastries. The excellent breakfast convinced us to plan our evening around a return trip for Fil Rouge for dinner!

A Day of Relaxation

The rest of the day was dedicated to unwinding and enjoying the ship’s offerings. We spent time soaking in the inexplicably cool whirlpools on deck, which provided a refreshing contrast to the warm sun as we relaxed and sunbathed nearby. The rather strong sea breeze and the rhythmic motion of the ship made for a perfect backdrop as we lounged in the sun, leaving the hustle and bustle of Mykonos far behind.

In the afternoon, we both treated ourselves to some pampering at the onboard spa. Chris got a much-needed haircut, while Jen enjoyed a luxurious manicure. The spa’s pleasant and attentive staff made it easy to unwind, leaving us both feeling rejuvenated and ready for the evening ahead.

As we spent our day at sea relaxing and enjoying the ship’s amenities, we had some time to reflect on our experience with Explora Journeys, this being our first time cruising with them. There have been several aspects of this cruise line that we’ve genuinely appreciated. For one, the absence of excursion stickers has been a refreshing change, allowing us to enjoy our excursions without the usual hassle. We also loved that there are no drink packages or the constant need to show cards, which made the experience feel more all-inclusive and less transactional. The bathroom and shower in our cabin have been particularly impressive—no awkwardly high bathtubs to navigate, just a spacious, modern shower that’s been a pleasure to use. The heated bathroom floor is a definite upgrade from other cruise lines. Another plus has been the lack of a sales pitch after our spa treatments; it’s nice to have a manicure or haircut without being pressured into buying products we “need.”

However, there have been a few downsides as well. While we appreciate the effort to provide quality excursions, it was disappointing that two of our three of our planned excursions were canceled upon our arrival. With the third also cancelled. Fortunately, they were able to accommodate us one alternative, but it was still a letdown. The whirlpools, which we were looking forward to, haven’t quite lived up to their promise—they’re definitely not the 40°C that was advertised, making them less enjoyable. And lastly, while we understand and respect the environmental motivation behind the ship’s use of filtered water over traditional bottled water, the taste of the onboard product leaves much to be desired. The current quality has left us both with tummy aches, and we feel that at the very least, the taste of the water needs to improve to better align with the otherwise high standards of the cruise line. Despite these few drawbacks, our overall experience has been positive, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the rest of the journey unfolds.

A French-Inspired Dinner at Fil Rouge

As the day drew to a close, we returned to Fil Rouge for dinner. The evening was a culinary highlight, beginning with classic French appetizers: Chris enjoyed a rich, velvety foie gras, while Jen indulged in a traditional serving of escargots. Both dishes were expertly prepared, offering an authentic taste of French cuisine at its finest.

For our main course, we both opted for the dish featured in the photo—a luxurious lobster thermidor. The lobster was perfectly cooked, tender, and generously topped with a creamy, cheesy sauce that was simply divine. The rich flavors were a fitting continuation of the exquisite meal, making every bite a delight.

To finish, we indulged in decadent desserts. Chris opted for a smooth, rich chocolate mousse that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate, while Jen revisited the mille-feuille, enjoying its delicate layers of pastry and cream. The evening at Fil Rouge was nothing short of exceptional, with each course perfectly complementing the next, leaving us thoroughly satisfied.

Evening Entertainment: Brett Cave’s Piano Performance

After dinner, we enjoyed a short but impressive show by pianist Brett Cave. His performance, though brief, was filled with energy and skill, providing the perfect ending to our day at sea. The cozy venue and the intimate setting allowed us to fully appreciate his talent, making it a highlight of our evening.

As the ship continued its journey toward Volos, we retired to our cabin, content and relaxed after a day of indulgence and leisure. With the gentle sway of the ship lulling us to sleep, we looked forward to the adventures that awaited us in Volos, our first new stop on this incredible journey through the Greek Isles.