Visiting Santorini on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas 2024 | Cruise Vlog |

Today we visit Santorini cruise port with Royal Caribbean where we explore Oia, Fira & enjoy the beautiful sunset at Santo Winery.
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SANTO WINERY: santowines.gr/
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#royalcaribbean #cruising #santorini #mediterranean #cruise

[@ryanandkala]

Hey everyone! Like & Subscribe for continuous cruise content and stay tuned for the rest of our Explorer OTS Cruise out to Mykonos, Athens & Croatia. For early access to videos, loyalty badges, emojis or just to support the channel make sure to join our membership by clicking "Join" or checking in the description! Thank you so much to our current members & subscribers❤ Happy Cruising! 😎🍻☀

[@mwor9283]

My wife and I have been watching you guys for about a year new. It’s crazy you don’t have more subscribers by now. Love your personalities and content. Can’t wait for the next one

[@ryanandkala]

Thanks so much for being an OG sub!! We honestly love that the channel is growing but we also love that it’s still a small and friendly community. Once it gets too big it’s hard to answer everyone’s comments, and sometimes you get the not so nice ones. So we are enjoying creating the videos and the awesome community 🫶🏼

[@LisaCottrill-Maslij]

Oh wow!

[@kellyfaysash8854]

So awesome! I really appreciate the reality you bring to your vlogs as well. It’s important to set expectations vs some of these vlogs that pretend non of these challenges exist.

[@ryanandkala]

100% we try and keep things super real! We want people to know what to expect! So glad you’re enjoying the vlogs! ♥️

[@ta8633]

Santorini, Greece and Sedona, AZ are the 2 places I have visited, that brought tears to my eyes. Pictures do not do the views justice. They are 1000x better than the pictures. We hired a private driver that took us all around the island. Ate at a local restaurant and got around the crowds. So glad you enjoyed it. I want to go back and stay for a week. I went on Norwegian cruise line.

[@ryanandkala]

Agreed pictures just don’t do it! I would also go back on a land vacation and explore more of the islands for sure!!

[@monikaw7095]

The pizza in Greece is absolutely amazing! Nothing compares.

[@ryanandkala]

Dang that’s one thing we didn’t try was pizza!!! Next trip! 🍕

[@PatrickWagz]

Definitely looks like an EPIC port.

[@ryanandkala]

It was super cool!! Very very busy but amazing!!

[@kathibold1970]

Amazing!!!! 💙 Absolutely gorgeous and loved seeing it! I am such a planner that I was having anxiety watching the lines and the crowds of people. I dont know if I have it in me at my age to travel to this destination. It is gorgeous, though, and I appreciate seeing it through your eyes. The wine and cheese would 100% be something me and hubby would do. Can't wait for the next vlog!!!

[@ryanandkala]

I agree, the lines and crowds are a bit much, especially in the heat, and when people don’t respect the lines and stuff. But it’s amazing! I’d go back but do less touristy things! I’d 100% go back to santos!! That place was pure magic! 🍷

[@kristincrawford6154]

We just returned home a few days ago from this cruise. Luckily, we had the key and were able to get off the ship immediately. We made our way to the top via cable car within 30 minutes. From there we met our private tour guide who took us all around the island including the beaches, Oia, and a beautiful village away from other tourists. We wrapped up our evening at Argo and had the most amazing food. It was a quick 5 minute taxi ride back to the cable cars.

[@ryanandkala]

Omg sounds like such an amazing day!!! We would definitely get the key in the future just for the tender boat situation! That line was crazy lol!

[@JanellCameron]

Is the Tender line for the Key in a different location than the regular tender line? or is it all in the same place? We have the Key and I am curious as to how it works for the Tender.

[@ryanandkala]

@JanellCameron that’s actually a great question! We assume they either send you information about where to pick up your ticket or they just send one to your stateroom. I’d ask as soon as you board though to make sure! Let us know what the protocol is when you get back! 🫶🏼 Have a great trip!

[@marissacafe]

Wow guys this is my favourite vlog of y’all’s so far and I’m only six minutes in. The only one that could top this is the fun of the oasis boarding day. Love the B roll and music etc. great job 👏🏼

[@ryanandkala]

Omg yay!!! So happy to hear this!!! So glad you’re enjoying the vlogs!! We try and do a bit better every time! So glad you’re seeing it! ♥️

[@mpoole3]

Looked like a perfect day (minus the walk down! hahaha) Thanks for sharing. That Wine place is on my list for next visit!

[@ryanandkala]

In the moment the walk sucked but looking back now it’s a funny story!! But yes it was an absolutely perfect day! ♥️ Santo wines is a dream, if you plan to go, book online on their website way in advance to secure your time!

[@bobmartinez7247]

Y'all looked great, definitely dressed the part!

[@ryanandkala]

I spent months curating these outfits on SHEIN haha! Ryan had really no say in the matter 🤣

[@weldphd]

Thank you for continuing to make our Sunday evenings filled with the adventures of Ryan and Kayla! Santorini is simply magical. Our cruise arrived very early in the morning. When I stepped out on the balcony and looked at the tops of the hills, I turned around and told my wife, “We have snow!” 😊

[@ryanandkala]

Haha Ryan said the same thing!! It literally looks like snow they’re so white and pristine! Yay so happy you’re enjoying the vlogs!! Thanks so much for watching ♥️

[@weldphd]

@@ryanandkala what’s funny is we are from Juneau and see snow in the mountains everyday!

[@ryanandkala]

@weldphd Omgggg you’re from Juneau! That may be my favourite place on earth! We absolutely loved it there!

[@dlamb4275]

Another great video! We enjoyed Santos as well❤. Can’t wait for Mykonos!!

[@ryanandkala]

Thanks for suggesting santos!! We’re so glad we went! ♥️

[@karenhabian8228]

Love your video!! Thank you for sharing. We are headed there in June!❤

[@ryanandkala]

You’re going to love it!!! ♥️

[@paul_and_ashley]

Great video guys! We are sailing this itinerary next May, this helps set realistic expectations. Appreciate all the insight, wait times, ferry pricing etc - can't wait to see the rest of the series.

[@ryanandkala]

We are so happy we could help with your trip next year!! You’re going to have a blast! Especially if you learn from our experience! You won’t get stuck in the lines and will be able to avoid the crowds! Just take some notes on our excursions!! 📝

[@jordanlambert8]

Love Santorini, jealous!

[@ryanandkala]

Sounds like it’s time to plan a trip!! 💙🤍

[@Tom-rd9qp]

Kala and Ryan, it looks like you had so much fun. The views and local food were amazing! Thank you for sharing!

[@ryanandkala]

Thanks so much for watching! We really had an amazing day!! 🫶🏼

[@rexshell9783]

You guys are awesome. Rapidly becoming my favorite cruise blog site. Thanks for sharing.

[@ryanandkala]

Omg yay!! Thanks so much! We’re so happy you’re enjoying the vlogs! We love making them 🫶🏼

[@Teri30]

So much Fun to watch!! We definitely need to think about going one day⚓️🍸❣️

[@ryanandkala]

Oh 100% it’s definitely a bucket list trip! It took us about 4 years to make it happen lol, but we are so glad we did! Let us know when and if you plan one and we can give you some tips!

[@adventureswithuncledave]

Great video Ya'll, Greece is on my bucket list! also love the Ryan and Kala olympics...lol

[@ryanandkala]

Woo hoo!! 🙌🏼 so glad you’re loving the videos as well and the olympics!! We love making these! ♥️ Greece is a must do! Took us about 4 years to make this trip happen and it was so worth it!

[@csmith2435]

Wonderful and insightful vlog! I now am interested in going to Greece, thanks to this awesome vlog! I did not have much of an interest in Greece experience but now I am very curious and almost anxious to make this trip! Thank you for another awesome personable vlog! Rock on! 😎😎😎

[@ryanandkala]

Omg you have to add Greece to the list it’s absolutely gorgeous!! I’m so glad we have enticed you! Wait till you out see the rest of the vlog series that should convince you 🤣

[@csmith2435]

@@ryanandkala I am very much looking forward to it! 😎😎😎

[@radtech71]

What a great day!! Love the video as usual! This is definitely on my bucket list!

[@ryanandkala]

Thank you so much!! So glad you liked the video!! Sounds like it’s time to book a Greek cruise lol 💙🤍

[@lisac9519]

We got the key just for the Santorini port and it was well worth it. First ones off the ship at Santorini and Mykonos and no tickets needed to tender . Made it up the cable car with no line but we did do the stairs coming down - quite the experience 😂. Santos winery looks great !

[@ryanandkala]

That’s so good to know! We would 100% do the key next time! It’s worth every cent to avoid that tender ticket line! Omg santo wines is an absolute must do!!! Next time you go make an online reso for sunset!

[@julieroque4863]

What do you mean the Key? My husband and I will be taking this same sailing in June 2025. Thank you Julie

[@ryanandkala]

@julieroque4863 the key is something you can purchase through royal. Check it out here: www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-key-program It has great benefits for certain cruises!

[@Rip_Msn]

Explorer was my first RC cruise and I loved it.Thanks for showing us all these tips.Planning to take a mediterranian cruise in august 2025 on ODYSSEY

[@ryanandkala]

So exciting!!! We are very happy this video was helpful!! Have a great trip 🫶🏼🥂

[@anthonym5123]

I LOVE the shuffle board montage!! You guys rock!

[@ryanandkala]

Aww thanks so much!! So glad you enjoyed it even though we aren’t very good at it haha! 🤣

[@antoniotrialonis7957]

Good❤

[@saika369]

Wonderful vlog Loved it❤ Was wondering how much would royal excursions would charge for each port ?

[@ryanandkala]

So happy you liked the vlog!! ♥️ Not going to lie the Royal excursions are NOT cheap! We did one of the Royal excursions for Croatia and it was like $750 Canadian dollars for the 2 of us! They also sell out very quickly. Especially Santorini! So I’d say if you’re doing a royal one to book it as soon as humanly possible! Just be sure to save some extra $ for it

[@MsMaree]

The first view gave me chills it was awesome! So gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Question: Kala what sandals are you wearing I noticed while you were petting the dog they look comfortable?

[@ryanandkala]

I got them on SHEIN and they were so comfortable!! I wore them in every port and they were perfect! 👍🏼

[@ajgonzalez1876]

Hope I get a chance to meet yall on a cruise one day!!!

[@ryanandkala]

If you see us come say hello for sure 👋🏼

[@kelligoodman1203]

I'm so glad I just found your channel! We cruise on Voyager in a couple weeks from Athens to Barcelona.

[@ryanandkala]

We are so glad you found us!! That sounds like an amazing itinerary! Have the best time!! 🥂

[@erichflynn8720]

Great video❤

[@ryanandkala]

Thank you!!! 🫶🏼

[@BeckyReynolds]

Got on a cruise end of July and there's going to be 8(!!!!!!) ships in the same day! We've booked an RC excursion to Oia but I am dreading the crowds a bit...

[@ryanandkala]

Yikes 8 ships!! That’s insane! We only had 4 I think and that was bad enough! I hope it’s not so bad! Sending you good vibes

[@GentlemanMcmike]

White wine is fermented without the skin where as red wine is fermented with the skin. White wine can be red and red wine can be white depending on the type of grape.

[@ryanandkala]

See, I am always learning stuff from you guys! We have the smartest community ever! I did not know that!! That’s kind of crazy. 🍷

[@GentlemanMcmike]

I’ve made a lot of wine in my days. As a American I picked up what I could while on assignment in the heart of the France grape region Chalon-sur-Saone.

[@ryanandkala]

@GentlemanMcmike oh wow!! See my grandfather was from Italy and made his own wine for decades I should have learned more from him! Kicking myself now!

[@GentlemanMcmike]

I started with a glass jug and a ballon in my closet (science experiment mom and dad) when I was 14.

[@ryanandkala]

@GentlemanMcmike I love that!! 🧪 🍷

[@antoniodepaoli7293]

hi kala and Ryan i love your videos: I am planning to have a simmilar trip as yours but i will be boarding the odissey of the seas. I have a question for you which was the type of reservation you did at santos, i want to have the same experience reserving a table at santos for the sunset same wine tasting and same cheese and fruite platter. hope to hear from you soon, bye bye

[@ryanandkala]

Awww thanks so much! So glad you’re loving the vlogs!! For santo we booked the 5 flight premium wines (1 each) and then ordered 1 of the Cycladic cheese plates I believe it was $116 euros total Hope you have the most amazing time!

[@allisonmatheney8115]

Omg amazing views. Love the matching outfits. Where did u get them

[@ryanandkala]

Thank you!!! 💙🤍 I got them on SHEIN

[@allisonmatheney8115]

@@ryanandkala awesome will have to see if can find something like it. Super cute and cool

[@ryanandkala]

@allisonmatheney8115 oh there’s a ton of online shops that have that blue and white Greek theme outfits (that are more sustainable and higher quality than SHEIN haha) Go a quick google search and you’ll find a bunch!

[@KristasVlogs]

If you guys would ever collab with other influencers for cruising in the future, I’d be down haha! Especially since we’re all Canadian it would be so fun to support other Canadian vloggers!

[@ryanandkala]

Love it!! We have been thinking about maybe doing some podcasts or something with other content creators!! So let us know what you’re thinking!

[@darrenfordham1348]

Great video, really enjoyed it. The info you gave on the video was amazing and has put mine and my wife’s worries at ease. Thank you. Can you roughly say what the total cost € was for the water taxi & shuttle, taxi to and from Santos Wines.

[@ryanandkala]

Yay so glad this was helpful!!! $60 for the both of us do the water taxi (which included shuttle) $25 each way (to and from) santos - the cabs were very expensive!!!

[@debbiekeller7383]

Hi Ryan and Kayla you both are so informative. I will be going to Greece in September. What time of year did you go? How long did it actually take you to get off the ship in Santorini trying to plan my day out. Santorini wines is in Fira Santorini correct? I really enjoy your competitions with the games. I can’t wait for the rest of you cruise vlogs. One more question where did you get the Gyro’s?

[@ryanandkala]

So exciting!!! We went at the end of May (May 18-25) Because we waited too long for tender tickets we didn’t get off for several hours. We ported in around 1:30-2pm and didn’t get off until almost 3:30-4 so make sure you get a good tender ticket or book a royal excursion or the key or something so you get early tickets. Santo winery is in Fira about 10-15 cab from the cable car area. Book online on the santo wine website way in advance so you get in! Especially if you want a sunset time! The Gyros were in Oia, from Pitogyros Greek grill ♥️

[@debbiekeller7383]

Thank you Kala and Ryan. You both are great!!! I am going to try all of your tips. I would like to check out Santo wines.

[@ryanandkala]

@debbiekeller7383 we can’t recommend it enough!!! 🍷

[@mewarner84]

Hi, do you remember the place where you bought the gyro? We're going next month and would love an authentic gyro in Santorini

[@ryanandkala]

Sure do!! It’s pitogyro Greek grill in oia!! It’s on google maps!

[@mewarner84]

@ryanandkala Thank you so much!!!!! Loving this series we leave next month on NCL and we have Italy stops too but this video was sooooo helpful

[@ryanandkala]

@mewarner84 amazing!!!! So glad we could help!!! have the best time!!! 🥂

[@catarina7504]

Hi😊Great videos! It will be our first time in Royal and visiting Greece after 30ish years! So, we have been paying attention for your tips! We are travelling with kids. Would it be better/practical to buy the excursions on the boat? I understood in your video that in this case they have priority in the tender boats, is this correct? Another issue... we are also staying in a cabin in front of the ship (we usually stay in the middle) - did you feel the motion? Thank you guys! Cat

[@ryanandkala]

We didn’t feel the ocean on this one… You aren’t really going far enough to really go fast enough to feel it at all so I think you guys will be OK if you do ever start feeling it just go to the front desk they will give you some medication to help with that or maybe bring one of those bracelets or those seasickness patches. Those seem to help people. As for the excursions, I would buy them as early as possible as the Royal Caribbean excursions sold out really fast. Someone also messaged us earlier saying that the key was a great idea because they got off first and we’re able to be first in line for the cable cars as well, so that’s another option if you don’t wanna do a royal Caribbean excursion. I can’t imagine having to wait in those lines with kids because I was impatient and I’m almost 40 lol 😂

[@catarina7504]

@@ryanandkala Thank you so much! I am going to look at the excursions :-)

[@ryanandkala]

@catarina7504 no problem!!! 😌

[@briancyr9673]

Hey guys, Love Your vibe. We’re older but love cruising and would love to see the eastern med. Appreciate your honest opinion of it. Please write back if you have the time. Cheers

[@ryanandkala]

Hey!!! So glad you’re enjoying the channel!!! 🫶🏼 We absolutely loved the Mediterranean! We definitely recommend it! You’ll love it.

[@briancyr9673]

@ should’ve said we did the western med in 2023. Our highlight other than Rome (big bucket list for me) was Mallorca. Unbelievably beautiful! Thanks for replying!

[@ryanandkala]

@briancyr9673 we definitely need to check that out! We have been to Rome but never on a cruise! Must go back soon so we can see Mallorca

[@briancyr9673]

@ you won’t regret it. We had the luxury of having a friend living on the island. He drove us around to all the sites we wanted to see. Simply the best. If we were to move to the Med, it’d be Mallorca.

[@ryanandkala]

@briancyr9673 oh wow that’s incredible!! Friends in great places!!

[@DeannaBagwell]

How did you get the water taxi? Did you schedule that or requestit once you got to Santorini via an app?

[@ryanandkala]

We actually got off the tender boat and walked right to the water taxi stand and bought tickets right there on site. There was no line!

[@danam2438]

We are looking at doing Santorini Oia on our own. Did you guys book ahead for water taxi and the bus transportation? Our cruise leaves at 8:30 pm and hoping we can fit it in doing it all ourselfes

[@ryanandkala]

We bought the water taxi tickets as soon as we got there - did not book them ahead of time! You can 100% do it on your own! Just make sure to give yourself lots of time to get back down to catch your last tender back to the ship!

[@SaraZenner]

How did you make a reservation at Santos? I saw some dated functionality on their website but it wasn’t really working.

[@ryanandkala]

Their website is definitely a bit older lol, but we did make the reso online and it did work! I emailed them to confirm as well though after the payment came through

[@SaraZenner]

Thank you for this!! By the way, I’m binging all of your videos this week. So happy I found you guys!!

[@ryanandkala]

@SaraZenner we are too!!!! 🫶🏼

[@PaulSchmidt-hy7ht]

Love your videos but as a travel agent one of the things i hardly never see is on the greek isles people that have mobility issues this is a very very challenging time of not impossible.. we have a large group every year going on Med cruises and i always steer people with issues to the Western Med out of Barcelona..i am a new subscribers and will pass your videos on to my clients to watch and subscribe..

[@ryanandkala]

I agree 100% I think I said in our Santorini video that one thing I noticed is that the Greek isles are not very inclusive when it comes to mobility. They’re very steep steps, very slippery and very sloped and sometimes dangerous terrain. I would definitely agree that it’s not possible for everyone! We will need to check out your recommendation in western Med for sure and see what’s going on over there 😊 Welcome to the channel very glad to have you and we appreciate you passing us along!! 🫶🏼

[@Joannepuleo]

Look at the two of you in blue and white! So cute. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. You must have had a ball. EVERYONE HIT LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE. IT DOESN'T COST ANYTHING AND YOU GET TO SEE PLACES THAT MAYBE YOU WON'T EVER BE ABLE TO GET TO. The vlogs are breathtaking.

[@ryanandkala]

Thank you sooo much 🫶🏼♥️😍

[@cyberhoney4]

Do you use a credit card or is there a currency exchange?

[@ryanandkala]

We brought cash (euros) for most of our purchases but they also take cards as well. There were a couple of currency exchanges in Santorini too Lots of options

[@tyroneemandien9916]

Hey Ryan and Kala Greetings from Cape Town... Ive just booked cruise for may 2025 with ncl for my 40th. Im not planning on booking an excursion through the cruise line but wanted to know do you have to take the water taxi? The spot where the ship tender drops you off do you still need to take water taxi? I wanted to do the walk up and down (i know it is crazy) just not sure now on where the ship tender drops you off.

[@ryanandkala]

You can 100% walk up the stairs just know the donkeys will be there during the day and they take up a lot of space and are pooping and peeing as they go up and down. There are technically 2 ports in Santorini but usually you get dropped off at the port that has the cable cars and the steps. If you want some great info on Greece check out Greece Explained on KZbin. He is from Greece and gives such amazing advice. That’s whole watched before our trip! Happy 40th what a great trip to take for a milestone bday!!! 🥳

[@tyroneemandien9916]

Cool thanks. Will check out out Greece explained...

[@ryanandkala]

@tyroneemandien9916 he was super helpful!!! You won’t regret it!

[@monikawu594]

is this trip in May 2024?

[@ryanandkala]

It sure was!! May 26th I believe

[@dzonikg]

YOu dont get a number on Royal Caribbean's?On all ships i been you get a ticket with a number for tender so have idea when its your turn so you dont have to wait in line

[@ryanandkala]

You have line up to get those tender tickets and those tickets have numbers on them so you go down when they call the number. 😊

[@dzonikg]

@@ryanandkala Ok ,so its same like on other ships.But i dont rember that i ever waited for tickets ,giving tickets is like few seconds

[@ryanandkala]

@dzonikg ugh we wish! This was a whole ordeal! The line went across the whole ship to get tickets, it was wild!

[@LauraBragg-qx2br]

Does anyone know the song at 5.48???

[@ryanandkala]

Hey! It's called Country Girl by Wildflowers feat. Easton

[@LauraBragg-qx2br]

@ryanandkala thank you! Currently watching your Jubilee videos, we'll be sailing on her for the 1st time in February, VERY excited!!

[@ryanandkala]

@LauraBragg-qx2br woo hoo! You’re going to have a blast!!! 🥂

[@Jjanelee]

love to see more view , unfortunately the camera facing you at most time.

[@ryanandkala]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@dr.ikeavina3761]

DO NOT take a large cruise liner while in Greece and do not go into Santorini by cruise. Rather fly in there for a few days and then do a cruise after from Athens!!!!

[@ryanandkala]

If we went back we wouldn’t cruise we would spend more time in each island for sure

[@canajian]

🖐😎

[@ryanandkala]

🫶🏼🥂