Okay, hear me out.
We're going to Greece.
And Italy. And Croatia.
7 nights. 6 friends. One very beautiful ship. Athens to Venice — and yes, I've already done the research so you don't have to.
Friends, I found our next adventure. And before you say "a cruise?!" — just read this first.
I know what you're thinking. You're picturing a floating convention center with a Vegas buffet, 4,000 strangers in matching lanyards, and a DJ at 2pm by the pool. That is not what this is.
Remember our catamaran in the Caribbean? That feeling of waking up in a new cove every day, with cocktails at sunset and nowhere to be? This is that — but with a proper chef, a spa, and someone else doing the sailing.
This is Explora Journeys. A boutique ship. Only 461 suites. That's smaller than most hotels we've stayed in. The vibe is "luxury resort that happens to float." Think European elegance, not American mega-ship energy.
We start in Athens. We end in Venice. In between: Paros (those perfect whitewashed villages), Rhodes (medieval city + turquoise water), Syros (basically undiscovered), Hvar (Croatia's It island), and Split. Wine, food, history, pools, the Adriatic. Sound familiar?
And here's the kicker: almost everything is included. Dinners at nine different restaurants. All the drinks — fine wines, champagne, cocktails, espresso. Wi-Fi. Tips. The only extras are port excursions, and those range from "cheap and cheerful" to "splurge if you want to."
Oh — and for those of you who enjoy a little casino action? There's a small, elegant on-board casino. Not Atlantic City. Think more… sipping champagne while you play a hand of blackjack somewhere between Hvar and Venice. You're welcome. 🎰
I've asked our travel advisor Jeff at Tanner Travels to help us figure out the details. But first — you have to say yes. 😉
The Mediterranean awaits.
Eight days. Five of the Mediterranean's greatest hits.
From the cradle of Western civilization to the most romantic city on Earth — with some seriously good wine stops in between.
🚢 View Full Cruise Details on Explora Journeys ↗
Athens (Piraeus) → Venice · June 14–21, 2027 · EXPLORA II
Athens
Greece · EmbarkationWe board in Piraeus and the adventure begins. If you arrive a day early (and you should), the Acropolis at golden hour is one of those views you just never forget. Then champagne on deck as we sail out of the harbor.
Paros
Cyclades, GreeceFewer tourists than Santorini, twice the charm. Whitewashed villages, turquoise water, incredible fresh seafood. This is the Greece you've been dreaming of. Swim off the rocks, eat grilled octopus, drink local rosé. Done.
Rhodes
Dodecanese, GreeceOne of the best-preserved medieval cities in all of Europe — and it has a beach. Walk the Street of the Knights, explore the Palace of the Grand Master, then escape to Lindos for clifftop views and a swim. The food scene here is phenomenal.
Syros
Cyclades, GreeceThe one nobody's heard of — which means it's absolutely ours. The capital Ermoupoli is stunning, all neoclassical mansions and marble-paved squares. Famous for its loukoumades (Greek donuts) and local loukoumi sweets. A hidden gem, genuinely.
Day at Sea
Ionian SeaThis is the secret weapon of this itinerary. A full day on the ship — five heated pools, the spa, the best lunch you've ever had at sea, a nap in the sun, maybe a cooking class, definitely a glass of something cold. We've earned it.
Hvar
Dalmatian Coast, CroatiaCroatia's most glamorous island. Lavender fields, medieval fortress, the most beautiful harbor on the Adriatic, and a nightlife scene that would surprise you. The wines from this island — Plavac Mali — are extraordinary. This one will be a long lunch day.
Split
Dalmatia, CroatiaPeople literally live inside a 1,700-year-old Roman palace. That's Split. Diocletian's Palace is not a ruin — it's a living, breathing city with restaurants and bars built into ancient walls. Wander in, get lost, find wine. It's perfect.
Venice
Italy · DisembarkationWe sail into Venice. Cinematic doesn't cover it. Arrive early, stay a night (or two — honestly, why not?), take a water taxi, eat cicchetti at a bacaro, get thoroughly lost. It's the only possible way to end this trip.
EXPLORA II — a boutique hotel that sails.
461 suites. That's it. Compare that to the 5,000-passenger ships you've seen in ports. This is intimate, European, and genuinely beautiful.
Designed in collaboration with some of Europe's most respected names in hospitality design, EXPLORA II feels less like a cruise ship and more like a very elegant coastal resort that moves. Molteni&C furnishings, Calacatta marble bathrooms, Technogym fitness facilities, and a guest-to-host ratio of just 1.25:1.
The food program is serious — nine distinct culinary concepts, not a buffet with a sneeze guard. The wines are excellent and completely included. The spa has thermal pools. This is not your grandmother's cruise ship.
Everything. Seriously, almost everything.
The one thing everyone dreads about travel is the bill creep. Not here. Pay once, enjoy everything. The only extras? Port excursions — and those have options at every price point.
All dining — all restaurants
Nine distinctive culinary experiences, in-suite dining, all included. No cover charges, ever.
All drinks, all the time
Fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, craft cocktails, specialty coffee, teas, soft drinks. Anytime, anywhere on board — including your suite.
High-speed Wi-Fi
Yes, really included. Stay connected (or don't — we won't judge).
Spa thermal area
Full access to the Ocean Wellness thermal suite — steam room, heated pools, relaxation areas.
Fitness & wellness classes
Yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Technogym equipment. All included, all levels welcome.
Gratuities — zero
No tipping culture, no awkward envelope moments. It's genuinely all-in. The staff are simply that good.
Port shuttles
Shuttle service from port to city center included where needed. No haggling for taxis.
On-board casino
EXPLORA II has a small, intimate casino for those who like a little action between ports. Not Vegas-scale — think elegant, low-key, and fun. A nice bonus for those in the group who enjoy a hand of cards or a spin of the wheel.
Your ocean-front suite
Every single suite has an ocean view and a private terrace or balcony. Not a porthole. A terrace.
Nine dining experiences. All included. One ship.
From casual poolside gelato to Pan-Asian cuisine to a European steakhouse — the food program on EXPLORA II is genuinely exceptional and every bit of it is included in your fare.
Med Yacht Club
A relaxed celebration of Mediterranean flavours, dolce vita ambience, and fresh seafood. The one we'll probably eat at most.
Sakura
An authentic Pan-Asian dining experience — Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences, beautifully executed.
Marble & Co. Grill
A redefined European steakhouse with premium cuts, refined sides, and a serious wine list. Yes, it's included.
Fil Rouge
A global tasting tour of French-inspired international cuisine — lighter, elegant, and perfect for a long leisurely dinner.
Emporium Marketplace
Energetic all-day dining celebrating flavours from across the globe. Breakfast, lunch, casual bites — always open, always good.
Crema Café
Specialty coffees, pastries, light bites. The morning ritual spot. Included, obviously — even the espresso.
Explora Lounge
Light bites, cocktails, and that perfect lounge atmosphere where the afternoon turns effortlessly into evening.
Gelateria & Crêperie
At The Conservatory — handmade gelato and freshly made crêpes by the pool. Because obviously.
In-Suite Dining
Full menu from every restaurant, delivered to your suite or private terrace. Available around the clock. Because some mornings call for breakfast in bed with an Aegean view.
One splurge worth knowing about: Anthology
Anthology is the ship's signature fine-dining experience — refined Italian cuisine crafted by Head of Culinary Franck Garanger. It carries a cover charge (€165 tasting menu + optional wine pairing), but if you're celebrating something, it's absolutely the place to do it.
Plus: in-suite dining available 24 hours, champagne welcome on arrival, and a curated minibar in every suite.
Every suite. Ocean view. Private terrace. Your call on how fancy.
The good news: on this ship, even the "entry level" suite is genuinely lovely. Everyone picks their own level — mix and match across the group.
Ocean Terrace Suite
The entry point — and honestly a beautiful room. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private terrace with daybed, walk-in wardrobe, champagne on arrival.
- Private ocean-front terrace (7 sqm)
- King bed or twin option
- Walk-in wardrobe + vanity
- Welcome champagne & minibar
Penthouse Suite
Separate living room, dining for four, larger terrace with daybed. The suite where you'd actually want to host the group for pre-dinner cocktails.
- Separate living & dining area
- Larger private terrace + daybed
- Walk-in wardrobe with vanity
- Espresso machine + minibar
Grand Penthouse
The most generous of the penthouses — more space, bigger terrace, dining for four. For the one in the group who deserves to be extra comfortable. You know who you are.
- Most spacious penthouse layout
- Oversized terrace, dining table
- Comfortable daybed
- Espresso machine + premium minibar
Cove Residence
Now we're talking. Your own private whirlpool on the terrace, dedicated Residence Host, separate bedroom and living spaces. If you're going to do it…
- Private outdoor whirlpool
- Dedicated Residence Host service
- Separate bedroom + living room
- Dom Pérignon on arrival
Prices are approximate per-person estimates for reference. Exact pricing confirmed through your Tanner Travels advisor. Mix and match — everyone picks their own level.
Direct flights on American Airlines. It doesn't get easier than this.
One of the best things about this trip? The flights are dead simple. American Airlines flies nonstop from DFW to both Athens and Venice — no connections, no red-eye layovers in random airports.
Fly in, fly out different cities
The open-jaw routing is perfect — fly into Athens, cruise to Venice, fly home. No backtracking, no wasted travel days.
Use your miles
AAdvantage miles work great on these routes. Your Tanner Travels advisor can help coordinate flights alongside the cruise booking.
Arrive a day early
Highly recommended for Athens — one night pre-cruise means you're relaxed, adjusted, and can catch the Acropolis without jet lag.
Prices shown are sample fares sourced in July 2025 for reference only. Actual fares for June 2027 departures will vary — but this gives a reasonable ballpark. Both flights are nonstop on American Airlines. Contact Jeff at Tanner Travels for current fare availability.
Can't do June 14th? There are other dates in June.
Explora Journeys offers multiple sailings of this itinerary throughout June 2027. KK's pick is June 14 — but if the dates don't work for everyone, we have options. We can talk to Jeff about current availability on any of these.
June 7, 2027
June 14, 2027
June 28, 2027
* Alternate dates and exact itineraries subject to confirmation. Contact Tanner Travels for current availability and pricing on all June 2027 Explora Journeys sailings in this region.
Every reason to say yes. KK's made the case. Here it is in writing.
Still on the fence? Here's the full argument, laid out nice and clear. Print this page. Bring it to the vote. KK did her homework.
It's not a "cruise cruise"
Only 461 suites, European design, boutique hotel energy. None of the big-ship chaos. This is the ship for people who said they'd never take a cruise.
The route is incredible
Athens, Paros, Rhodes, Syros, Hvar, Split, Venice. Eight days. Three countries. Five ports. That's a list that takes weeks to self-organize — or seven nights on one ship.
Almost everything is included
All meals at nine restaurants. All drinks — wine, champagne, cocktails, coffee, all of it. Wi-Fi. Gratuities. Spa thermal access. You pay once and relax.
Direct flights, both ways
American Airlines flies nonstop DFW → Athens and Venice → DFW. Fly into one city, fly out of another. It doesn't get more seamless than that.
It's tailored for this group
Sightseers, foodies, wine lovers, water people — this itinerary checks every single box. Ancient history by day, five-star dining by night, pools in between.
Everyone picks their budget
Suites start around $5,000 per person and go up from there. Mix and match — everyone books at their own comfort level. No awkward budget conversations.
The catamaran, but upgraded
New destination every morning? Check. Waking up on the water? Check. Cocktails at sunset? Check. Plus a proper spa, nine restaurants, and no one sleeping in a bunk.
Flexible dates if June 14 doesn't work
Multiple June 2027 sailings are available on the same itinerary. If one date doesn't work, there are others. We have options.
Jeff has us covered
Tanner Travels handles all the logistics — suites, flights, excursions, transfers. All we have to do is show up in Athens. Someone else does the work.
"We start in Athens. We end in Venice. We eat, drink, swim, and explore some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Together. What exactly are we waiting for?"— KK, making a compelling argument
The full checklist:
So… are we doing this?
Suites are available now — but June in the Mediterranean fills up. KK's making the pitch... Jeff at Tanner Travels is standing by.
Ready to reserve or have questions? Talk to your travel advisor:
Jeff Tanner · Tanner Travelstannertravels.com