Exploring the Greek Isles in Style
One of our wonderful clients just returned from a 7-night Mediterranean adventure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. Their sailing started and ended in Ravenna, Italy, with dreamy stops in Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Split, Croatia. Staying in a 2-Bedroom Grand Suite, they enjoyed full Suite Class amenities—and shared their honest feedback about both the highs and the hiccups.
🚍 Embarkation: A Scenic (and Lengthy) Start in Ravenna
First things first: Ravenna is not Venice. Although many sailings are marketed as departing from Venice, the actual port is about 3.5 hours away by bus—longer than the “2-hour” estimate. Thankfully, our clients were prepared (and pre-booked on Royal Caribbean’s bus transfer), but the construction at the port meant makeshift tents and gravel walkways—not the easiest embarkation, but manageable with a little patience.
🏛️ Itinerary: A Mediterranean Highlight Reel
The itinerary was a big win:
Ravenna → Santorini → Mykonos → Athens → Split → Ravenna
Each port felt safe, smooth, and uncrowded. Even the tender in Santorini was seamless. The shore excursions were well-organized, and the overall port experiences exceeded expectations. If you can handle the longer journey from the U.S., this route is worth every minute.
🚢 The Ship: Charming but Tired
Our clients have sailed Royal before and were surprised to find Explorer of the Seas showing its age. Despite being a fan favorite, the ship had visible wear—rust on railings, worn varnish, and a few musty-smelling areas. Their Grand Suite bathroom fixtures were dated, and some closet latches were broken. While the layout worked well and nothing was truly bad, they noted this was the most “tired” Royal ship they’ve experienced to date.
That said, having a 2-Bedroom Grand Suite made all the difference. The extra space, premium service, and access to the Suite Lounge (conveniently located near their stateroom) gave them the elevated experience they were looking for. While smaller and darker than suite lounges on other ships, it was still a welcome retreat.
🌟 Suite Class Experience: Service Shines
Royal Caribbean’s Suite Class service didn’t disappoint. The crew went above and beyond—especially the upper management, who made a point of stopping by their suite and the lounge to personally check in. Their Suite Concierge was attentive and efficient, resolving minor issues quickly and making them feel truly taken care of.
🌐 WiFi & Perks: Inconsistent Across the Fleet
Interestingly, WiFi access continues to vary across Royal’s ships. On Explorer, WiFi wasn’t automatically included with the Grand Suite (unlike newer ships like Wonder or Icon). Fortunately, the concierge arranged a 30% discount on additional days after they used their complimentary day from Crown & Anchor. Not a huge expense, but something to note for future cruisers booking suite-level accommodations.
🍽️ Dining: Late Seating Wins (with a Catch)
They opted for the late seating in the main dining room, which they preferred from past experience due to better service and food quality. But this time, it was packed—likely because Mediterranean guests tend to dine later. Still, it worked well with the itinerary, giving them the freedom to enjoy longer port days without rushing back for dinner.
Final Takeaway
While Explorer of the Seas could use a little TLC, the itinerary, service, and Suite Class perks made this a memorable and worthwhile vacation. The Greek Isles delivered unforgettable moments, and the 2-Bedroom Grand Suite elevated the overall cruise experience.
✨ Thinking of cruising the Mediterranean in style? Let us help you plan the perfect itinerary with the suite perks that matter most to you.
👉 Click here to request your personalized cruise quote and let’s get you sailing!