San Juan – A Blend of Old and New
Arriving in San Juan felt like stepping into a vibrant blend of history and modernity. I wandered through the historic district, stopping at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a majestic fortress with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For lunch, I indulged in authentic Puerto Rican cuisine—mofongo, a delicious dish made from mashed plantains, paired with succulent garlic shrimp. The rich flavors were unforgettable.
Embarking on Explora II
Boarding the Explora II felt like stepping into a floating paradise. The sleek, modern design of the ship was breathtaking, and my cabin—spacious, elegant, and featuring a private balcony—was the epitome of comfort. The crew welcomed me warmly, and I wasted no time exploring the ship’s amenities. From the infinity pool to the world-class spa, every corner exudes luxury.
Dinner that evening was a highlight. The culinary team crafted an exquisite menu, and I indulged in fresh seafood, perfectly cooked steak, and a decadent dessert that left me eager to try more in the days ahead. As I sipped a cocktail on deck, watching the sunset over the open sea, I knew this journey would be unforgettable.
St. Barts – The Crown Jewel
From the moment I set foot in St. Barts, I understood why this island had a reputation for luxury and charm. Gustavia, the capital, greeted me with its picturesque harbor, filled with sleek yachts and chic boutiques. I wandered through the cobblestone streets, admiring the French-Caribbean architecture and stopping for a morning espresso at a charming café.
The highlight of the day was spending time at Shell Beach, a pristine stretch of sand dotted with thousands of tiny seashells. The crystal-clear water was perfect for swimming, and I couldn’t resist lounging at a beachfront restaurant, enjoying a glass of chilled rosé and a fresh seafood platter.
As the sun set, I returned to the ship for a special evening. Explora II had prepared a gourmet French-inspired dinner, perfectly capturing the essence of St. Barts. With live jazz music in the background and the ocean breeze drifting through the open-air dining area, it was the perfect way to end my favorite day of the trip
Antigua – A Tropical Welcome
Waking up to the sight of Antigua’s lush coastline was a dream. I spent the morning exploring the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, a beautifully preserved naval base steeped in history. Walking through its stone archways, I could almost hear the echoes of sailors from centuries past.
For lunch, I ventured to a local beachside restaurant and savored grilled mahi-mahi with a side of fried plantains, all while enjoying the rhythmic beats of Caribbean music. The turquoise waters were too tempting to resist, so I spent the afternoon swimming and snorkeling, discovering vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Back onboard, the ship had prepared a Caribbean-themed dinner, complete with live steel drum music. With a full stomach and a heart full of excitement, I settled into my luxurious cabin, already looking forward to the next destination:
St. Kitts – Serenity and Adventure
The lush green peaks of St. Kitts greeted me as I stepped ashore. I started the day with a scenic ride on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a charming train that meanders through the island’s sugarcane fields and offers stunning ocean views.
Later, I visited the UNESCO-listed Brimstone Hill Fortress, a well-preserved historical site with panoramic vistas. Standing atop the fortress walls, I marveled at the island’s beauty and rich past.
In the afternoon, I found myself on the soft sands of South Friars Bay, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil waters. A refreshing cocktail at a beachside bar was the perfect way to unwind before heading back to the ship.
Dinner onboard was a seafood extravaganza, featuring the freshest catches of the day. As the ship sailed toward my next destination, I watched the stars twinkle above, eagerly anticipating what St. Barts had in store.
British Virgin Islands – A Serene Farewell
The final stop of my journey brought me to the British Virgin Islands, a paradise of unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. I spent the morning exploring The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a natural wonder of giant granite boulders forming hidden grottoes and pools. It was like stepping into a secret world, with sunlight filtering through the rocks and the sound of gentle waves echoing around me.
Later, I sailed to Jost Van Dyke, a laid-back island known for its relaxed atmosphere. I couldn’t leave without visiting the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, where I sipped a legendary Painkiller cocktail while watching the turquoise waves roll in.
Back onboard, the final night was bittersweet. Explora II hosted a grand farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible journey with a decadent feast and heartfelt toasts. As I stood on deck, gazing at the starlit sky and reflecting on the past week, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the unforgettable experiences, breathtaking destinations, and the sheer luxury of life at sea.
With one last deep breath of salty air, I knew this wouldn’t be my last voyage. The Caribbean had cast its spell, and I was already dreaming of my next adventure.
Specifications and Design
Size and Capacity: The ship measures approximately 813 feet in length and 107 feet in width, with a gross tonnage of about 63,900. It accommodates up to 922 passengers across 461 ocean-front suites, serviced by a crew of 640, ensuring a high guest-to-host ratio.
Amenities
Accommodations: All 461 suites offer ocean-front views, private terraces, and spacious living areas, providing a home-away-from-home experience.
Dining: Guests can choose from six distinct restaurants, each offering diverse culinary experiences. Options range from global cuisines to specialty dining venues.
Recreation: The ship boasts five heated pools, including an adults-only pool, and extensive wellness facilities such as a spa, fitness center, and open-air fitness areas.
Entertainment: Twelve bars and lounges provide varied entertainment options, from live music to curated art exhibitions.
Itineraries
The Explora II offers diverse itineraries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. These voyages are designed to immerse guests in vibrant cultures, vast landscapes, and diverse wildlife, with extended port stays and overnight visits to enrich the travel experience.
Sustainability
In line with modern environmental standards, the Explora II incorporates progressive technologies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint, reflecting a commitment to sustainable luxury travel.
Inspired to experience the luxury of Explora Journeys yourself? Contact us today and we’ll help design your dream cruise – holidays@thetravelsuite.ie / 01 9059008
About Explora Journeys
The Explora II is a luxury cruise ship operated by Explora Journeys, a division of the MSC Group. Launched in September 2024, it is the second vessel in a planned fleet of six.
Specifications and Design
- Size and Capacity: The ship measures approximately 813 feet in length and 107 feet in width, with a gross tonnage of about 63,900. It accommodates up to 922 passengers across 461 ocean-front suites, serviced by a crew of 640, ensuring a high guest-to-host ratio.
Design: Designed with the aesthetics of a superyacht in mind, the Explora II features sleek lines and contemporary interiors. British designer Martin Francis contributed to its exterior profile, aiming for a luxurious yet intimate ambiance.
Amenities
- Accommodations: All 461 suites offer ocean-front views, private terraces, and spacious living areas, providing a home-away-from-home experience.
- Dining: Guests can choose from six distinct restaurants, each offering diverse culinary experiences. Options range from global cuisines to specialty dining venues.
- Recreation: The ship boasts five heated pools, including an adults-only pool, and extensive wellness facilities such as a spa, fitness center, and open-air fitness areas.
Entertainment
Twelve bars and lounges provide varied entertainment options, from live music to curated art exhibitions.
Itineraries
The Explora II offers diverse itineraries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, and Africa. These voyages are designed to immerse guests in vibrant cultures, vast landscapes, and diverse wildlife, with extended port stays and overnight visits to enrich the travel experience.
Sustainability
In line with modern environmental standards, the Explora II incorporates progressive technologies aimed at reducing its ecological footprint, reflecting a commitment to sustainable luxury travel.
