Cruising the Caribbean on board the luxury Explora II
Cruising has always been on my bucket list and when I had the opportunity to experience Explora II's 7 night Caribbean journey, I jumped at the chance. From the moment I boarded this stunning ship, it became clear that this was no ordinary cruise experience. Explora Journeys has redefined what it means to travel in style, offering not just a luxurious cruise, but a home at sea. From the moment I boarded the ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico greeted by the professional and welcoming staff with a glass of champagne, to the moment we disembarked with a heartfelt farewell and seamless luggage transfer we were treated like royalty.
What truly sets Explora apart from other cruise lines is the exceptional service. The crew-to-guest ratio is 1:1.25, ensuring that every guest receives personalised attention and care. Whether it's the friendly crew member greeting you with a warm smile at breakfast or your in-suite host anticipating your needs, every detail has been meticulously crafted to exceed expectations. The staff go above and beyond to help, whatever your needs and are always full of joy. It's no wonder that every guest I spoke to shared the same sentiment: "The service is exceptional and always with a smile."
When it comes to dining, Explora II ticks all the boxes. As a food lover, I was absolutely spoiled for choice with the ship's array of speciality dining experiences. Two standout restaurants were Sakura, a Pan-Asian dining venue, and Marble, a steakhouse that takes steak to an entirely new level. Each meal was an exploration of flavours, with every dish carefully crafted to offer the perfect balance of taste and presentation. The quality and variety of the dining more than exceeded my expectations, and it's clear that Explora Journeys prides itself on offering guests a world-class culinary adventure. Alongside the delicious cuisine, Explora has five bars on board including a special Malt Whisky Bar. Each bar has expert mixologists whipping up an array of colourful and delicious cocktails, the bars really do offer any drink you could think of. The wine list has been carefully curated with a great selection included, if you prefer you can choose to order a special bottle off the list for a supplement but with the quality of wines included, there really isn't any need!
Explora II isn't just about luxury-it's also about making a positive impact on the environment. The ship is equipped with special environmental features, and Explora Journeys has a strong focus on sustainability. Whether it's reducing its carbon footprint, using environmentally-friendly materials, or conserving resources, the cruise line ensures that each voyage contributes to preserving the beauty of the oceans we're cruising. It's very important in today's world to see such dedication to sustainability in the luxury travel industry.
Explora Journeys specialises in off-the-beaten-path itineraries, and my Caribbean 8-day voyage was the perfect example. Starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we cruised to the exclusive island of St Barts, followed by Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Each stop felt like a hidden gem, and the destination experiences provided by Explora take you to the areas untouched by the typical tourist crowds. One of the highlights on one of Explora's European itineraries is visiting the hanging monasteries of Meteora in Volos, Greece, a truly unique experience that you won't find on most cruises. The destinations, experiences and journeys are designed for those who seek adventure and exploration, you get the chance to see the world from a different perspective.
Explora II's suites are a masterpiece of luxury and comfort. As soon as I stepped into my suite, I felt completely at home and thanks to the well thought out design, the suites and outdoor terraces offer complete privacy. The attention to detail was astonishing-from the plush bedding and spacious dressing areas to the sea view terrace complete with a day bed, every inch of the suite exuded sophistication. The exclusive Mandala Blue products, created specifically for Explora II by the Aponte family, were a lovely touch, as were the Dyson hairdryers. It's these thoughtful details that make the ship feel like a true home at sea. You can unwind with a good book from the suite's collection or simply enjoy the serene views of the ocean.
Solo travelers will find Explora II incredibly accommodating, with a solo supplement starting at just 25%. Even better, we are often running no solo supplement offers, so keep an eye on our website for the latest prices and book a luxury cruise experience without the added cost. Families will find plenty of space, thanks to the 70 interconnecting suites. Explora II is family-friendly, offering a safe and special experience for families with children ensuring that everyone has their own space to relax and enjoy the cruise together. To make the family offer even sweeter, third and fourth guests sail complimentary when sharing suites with Explora.
Explora are adding more luxurious ships to their fleet over the next few years and are travelling to even more destinations including Iceland and Greenland, South America and the Amazon and the Arabian Peninsula so keep an eye on our website to find out when they launch.
