Luxury Mediterranean Family Cruise: Athens, the Greek Islands & Istanbul
- Esther
- Feb 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 9 minutes ago
Luxury Mediterranean Family Cruise
(Updated 2026) For us, a family cruise is about more than life at sea. It's the perfect opportunity to combine a luxurious cruise with exploring some of the Mediterranean's most fascinating cities before and after sailing.
As a family of four - including our two teenage sons — we set off on an unforgettable journey through Athens, the Aegean and Istanbul. From exceptional dining and elegant surroundings to breathtaking sea views and unforgettable destinations, this cruise offered the perfect balance of relaxation, culture and luxury.
Athens: The Beginning of Our Journey
Our Mediterranean adventure began with a flight to Athens, where we booked a private transfer with Blacklane from Athens International Airport to the city centre. Despite temperatures reaching 38°C (100.4°F), the journey was comfortable and stress-free.
For our stay, we chose the elegant Athens Capital Center Hotel, a five-star property just steps from Syntagma Square. Its central location made it the perfect base for exploring the city, with many excellent restaurants, cafés and attractions within walking distance.
The hotel's rooftop pool offered a welcome escape from the summer heat, complete with panoramic views of the Acropolis. We ended our first evening at Geco, a contemporary Greek restaurant serving modern Mediterranean cuisine with Greek influences. Combined with live music and a lively atmosphere, it became one of the highlights of our stay in Athens.
Over the next two days, we explored Athens’ rich history, visiting iconic sites like the Acropolis and Plaka. Then, it was time to embark on the next leg of our journey.
Boarding the Explora I
The first ship in the luxury fleet of Explora Journeys, marked the beginning of an unforgettable voyage. From the moment we arrived at the terminal, the embarkation process was seamless, setting the tone for the exceptional service that awaited us on board.
Our family stayed in two connecting Ocean Terrace Suites, where a chilled bottle of champagne welcomed us on arrival. The spacious suites combined contemporary elegance with thoughtful comforts, including heated bathroom floors, a complimentary minibar tailored to our preferences, and 24-hour in-suite dining. With a private ocean-facing terrace and every detail designed for comfort, the suites quickly became our favourite place to unwind between exploring the ship and our destinations.
Explora I is one of the most elegant cruise ships we have ever sailed on. Designed to accommodate a maximum of 922 guests, with every cabin being a suite, the ship offers an intimate atmosphere and a refined contemporary design. On board, guests can enjoy five swimming pools, several infinity whirlpools and a variety of spacious indoor and outdoor lounges overlooking the sea.
Our itinerary through the Aegean Sea included some of the unforgettable destinations. In Mykonos, an overnight stay gave us the opportunity to experience the island after sunset, wandering through its charming whitewashed streets and enjoying drinks in the lively evening atmosphere. Skiathos and Kavala were equally memorable, while a private excursion to Ammolofoi Beach near Kavala became one of the highlights of the journey. The crystal-clear turquoise water and soft golden sand made it easy to understand why this beach is considered one of the region's hidden gems.
Dining on board was one of the highlights of our cruise. We especially loved Emporium Market Place, Explora Journeys' elevated take on the traditional buffet. Rather than large self-service trays, the dishes are beautifully plated in individual portions or freshly prepared at live cooking stations, creating the feel of a high-end food hall. From freshly baked pastries and seasonal fruit at breakfast to Mediterranean specialties, seafood and international cuisine at lunch, the quality and presentation were consistently outstanding.
In the evenings, we explored Explora I's restaurants, each offering a completely different atmosphere and culinary experience. We enjoyed elegant French cuisine at Fil Rouge, authentic Mediterranean flavours at Med Yacht Club, perfectly grilled steaks at Marble & Co. Grill, and beautifully presented Pan-Asian dishes at Sakura. Every restaurant featured thoughtfully curated menus, attentive service and stylish interiors, making dinner feel like a destination in itself. Combined with an excellent wine selection and expertly crafted cocktails, dining on board became an experience we looked forward to every single day.
Istanbul: A Grand Finale
Our journey ended in the magnificent city of Istanbul. Sailing into the Bosphorus was an unforgettable moment, with views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque greeting us as we approached. We arranged a luxurious tour through Blacklane, which made exploring Istanbul effortless and comfortable.
We spent the night in Besiktas at the 5-star Swissôtel The Bosphorus, a sophisticated hotel offering breathtaking views and a prime spot close to Istanbul’s lively shopping districts. Our accommodation was a spacious two-bedroom residence apartment, and we were greeted with Turkish delights. Throughout our stay, we indulged in Turkish cuisine and enjoyed dining at Bono in Besiktas—a delightful restaurant I highly recommend. Shopping at the nearby malls added an element of excitement to our Istanbul visit.
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Our vacation concluded at the impressive new Istanbul Airport, an architectural marvel and an experience in itself, leaving us with lasting memories of this remarkable trip.
A Summer to Treasure
From exploring Athens to sailing the Aegean and discovering the vibrant city of Istanbul, this journey offered the perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and family togetherness. Traveling aboard Explora I elevated the entire experience, providing luxury and comfort.
This vacation reminded us of the joy of exploring the world together as a family, and we are already dreaming of our next adventure.
Do you want to read more of my blogs? Check out: Luxury cruise with my family on the Explora I & the Alps
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