Summary
Short description
Explore the rich history and abundant nature of the Caribbean in utmost luxury
Highlights
- Take in unique history of six Caribbean islands
- Choose from a programme of optional, expert-led excursions
- Relax on sun-kissed beaches
- Cruise aboard one of the world’s newest luxury cruise ships
- Enjoy included fine dining and regionally inspired cuisine
In Brief
- 2 Nights Bridgetown
- 1 Night Dominica
- 1 Night Bonaire
- 2 Nights Willemstad
- 1 Night Martinique
- 1 Night Kingstown
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Ocean cruise
Sail in luxury with Explora Journeys as you take in the rich history and abundant nature of the Caribbean. Setting out from Barbados, you’ll pause at Dominica with its vibrant reefs and rainforests, before soaking up the colonial and indigenous heritage of Bonaire and Curaçao. It’s then on to Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, for a heady mix of sun, sea, sand and rum – the ideal introduction to this sun-kissed paradise. Along the way, you’ll be treated to the myriad luxuries of EXPLORA I, with its superb restaurants, sophisticated suites and indulgent wellness centre.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
With included airport lounge access, you’ll begin your holiday in relaxing fashion before your daytime flight to Barbados. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Stay: Bridgetown hotel
Day
2
Barbados
Take the chance to soak up the unique colours and flavours of this remarkable Caribbean gem, with its glorious beaches, fascinating history and laid-back Bajan charm. This afternoon, you’ll board your ship for a 6pm departure. Get acquainted with the luxuries of your suite, then settle down for the first of your included meals at one of Explora I’s superb restaurants. Indeed, with no six restaurants and a wealth of bars and lounges, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Elsewhere, you’ll find four pools, including one indoors, as well as a fabulous holistic wellness and fitness centre.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B D
Day
3
Roseau, Dominica
Spend today exploring the island of Dominica, known for its verdant rainforests, rushing waterfalls and volcanic mud baths. Indeed, it’s the perfect place to match relaxation and adventure, with the option to trek through wild rainforests, explore the island’s culinary landscape or lose yourself in an underwater world of vivid coral and abundant marine life.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Day
4
At sea
Spend a day relaxing on board as you sail towards Bonaire.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Arrive in Bonaire, an island steeped in Dutch and indigenous history. Perhaps you’ll journey off-road to take in the island’s Arawak heritage, kayak among mangroves or visit the saltwater lagoons at Goto Lake, host to flocks of pink flamingos. Elsewhere, you’ll find glorious beaches of pink-hued sands, leading down to cobalt-blue waters – primed for everything from swimming to sailing and snorkelling.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Days
6-7
Willemstad, Curaçao
With two days in Willemstad in Curaçao, you’ll have time on your side to take in its myriad highlights. As a slice of Europe set beneath the Caribbean sun, you’ll find a host of fascinating museums and paste-hued colonial architecture. Take the chance to learn the basics of Creole cookery, walk along the town’s sun0kissed waterways or drop into one of the trendy local bars to chat with locals and sample one or more of those legendary blue Curaçao cocktails.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Day
8
At sea
Spend a day relaxing on board as you sail towards Martinique.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Saint-Pierre, Martinique
Spend a memorable day on the island of Martinique – a Caribbean postcard brought to life. From its jungles and waterfalls to its sugar plantations and rich Creole and Gallic heritage, there’s much to discover. Take the chance to explore the 10 million-year-old Caravelle Peninsula, roam dusky sands on near-deserted beaches and head to Le Carbet, made famous by the artist, Gaugin. Then, as the sun sets, wash it all down with a glass of the sweet national punch.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Kingstown, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
Enjoy a day exploring Kingstown and its surroundings in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The botanic gardens – home to the endangered Amazon parrot – are well worth a visit, while the lush Vermont Valley serves up fabulous hikes among rainforests and banana farms. A trip aboard a traditional schooner affords the chance to dive into a warm sea host to seahorses and barracuda, while back on land, you’ll have to sample the local’s favourite of fried jackfruit and rum punch. With such a backdrop, you’ll soon see why the island was chosen as the filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.
Stay: EXPLORA I
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Depart for UK
Arriving back into Bridgetown, Barbados, you’ll enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking the ship and transferring to the airport for your flight home, arriving in the UK the next day.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Prices
Accommodation rating:
11-day luxury ocean cruise
from £4,660 pp incl. flights
Departure: 26 November 2023
Early booking offer - save up to £335 pp
Book by: 30 June 2023
Special offer:
- Save up to 5% when when you pay in full at the time of booking
- Saving up to £335 pp on Ocean Penthouses
- Saving up to £235 pp on Ocean Suites
Includes:
- Round trip scheduled flights from the UK Barbados
- 1 night 4* Hotel stay in Barbados with Breakfast
- Private roundtrip transfers
- 9-night cruise aboard EXPLORA I roundtrip from Barbados
- Welcome bottle of champagne and spirit of choice on arrival
- Sophisticated dining across 9 distinct culinary experiences, including in-suite dining
- Unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime, including in-suite mini-bar
- High-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- All on-board gratuities
Talk to one of our cruise specialists about extending your stay in Barbados either side of your cruise.
Early booking offer saving varies depending on category of Suite booked & requires payment in full at time of booking.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0615
Meet the team
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