Rediscovering the Caribbean Aboard EXPLORA II

There’s something unmistakably captivating about the moment a ship first casts off, its hull gliding through the water as you settle into the rhythm of the sea. My husband, David, and I had been anticipating this day for months—the start of an extraordinary journey aboard EXPLORA II, the latest addition to Explora Journeys’ fleet, as it repositioned from Barcelona and made its way through the Caribbean. With Antigua as our boarding port, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop to begin our voyage—a place where the aquamarine waters are so clear, the sunsets so breathtaking, they almost seem too beautiful to be real.

“From the moment we stepped aboard EXPLORA II, it was clear that this wasn’t just any cruise.”

The ship itself is a work of art, a harmonious blend of understated elegance and cutting-edge design. The interiors, created by renowned designer Christophe Leoni, exude a sense of refined luxury—soft, neutral tones, rich woods, and expansive spaces. It’s the kind of place where every detail is meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of calm sophistication, but without any pretense. Here, we felt less like passengers and more like privileged guests at an exclusive seaside resort.

Our journey would take us from Antigua to San Juan, eventually concluding in Miami. But it was the upcoming visit to San Juan that intrigued me most. A city we had both visited before, but never with this kind of focus. We were eager to see it through a new lens—one that would give us a deeper understanding of its vibrant history, culture, and charm.

A Fresh Perspective in San Juan

After a day spent in blissful indulgence on board EXPLORA II—spa treatments, champagne on deck, and dinners that felt more like performances than meals—we arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the promise of an adventure waiting just outside the dock.

This wasn’t going to be your typical guided tour of the city’s landmarks. Instead, we opted for something far more immersive—a bike tour of Old San Juan with local guides, Nancy and Nikki, from Rent The Bicycle, who knew the city’s history like the back of their hands. With our helmets securely fastened and the salty Caribbean breeze at our backs, we cycled out into the maze of cobblestone streets, past the candy-colored buildings and crumbling fortresses that seem to tell the city’s story with every crack and corner.

Nancy led us down narrow alleyways and through plazas that felt suspended in time. There’s an intimacy to biking through a city—it allows you to move at a pace that’s fast enough to cover a lot of ground but slow enough to really take in the details. We passed the iconic blue cobblestones of Calle del Cristo, admired the pastel facades of colonial buildings while Nancy educated us on the history of Caribbean pastel color palette drenching each building. Come to find out there is a history to these colors and they are known as the Caribbean Rainbow. Contrasting these bright playful colors, we stopped for a moment of quiet reflection at Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the majestic fortress that has stood guard over the bay for centuries.

As we pedaled through the streets, Nancy and Nikki explained the island’s layered history—from its Indigenous roots to the Spanish colonization, the struggle for independence, and its more recent role as a U.S. territory. But it was the smaller, more personal stories that really brought the city to life: the legends of pirates who once terrorized the coast, the secret hideaways where local artists once gathered to plot revolutions, and the vibrant cultural fusion that gives San Juan its distinctive flavor today.

For David, who had visited the city many times before for business, the bike tour offered an entirely new perspective. “I’ve always seen San Juan through a tourist’s lens,” he admitted, pausing by a sunlit fountain. “But now, I see it as a living, breathing place with so much more to offer than just its beautiful views.” And it was true—San Juan, for all its postcard-perfect charm, is a city of contradictions, where old and new, Spanish and Caribbean, coexist in a delightful, often surprising, harmony.

“I’ve always seen San Juan through a tourist’s lens, but now, I see it as a living, breathing place with so much more to offer than just its beautiful views.”

Luxury At Sea

After a day of exploration, we were more than ready to return to EXPLORA II. If the city had offered us a rich tapestry of history and culture, the ship offered us an equally indulgent experience—one that blended world-class luxury with a laid-back atmosphere that was perfect for unwinding  after an active day.

Dinner that night in Sakura, one of the ship’s signature restaurants, was nothing short of spectacular. The menu was a celebration of fresh fish, sushi, tempuras and had a sake sommelier. These unique touches elevate the EXPLORA experience. After dinner, my Scottish husband was determined to share a whiskey in MALT WHISKEY BAR. Along the way, we made several friends at sea who were more than eager to partake in an evening sharing some of the world’s finest elixirs. The pairing of these with an expansive selection of cigars was one that even I could not resist. The cigar lounge, attached to MALT, was oh so easy to slip into a state of sophisticated relaxation. The evening lingered on as the smoke wafted through the dimly lit lounge, and our bodies sank into the plush leather furniture. Suffice it to say that no one wanted to head down to bed until the wee hours of the morning.

The luxury aboard EXPLORA II isn’t just in the five-star accommodations or the gourmet meals; it’s in the thoughtful details that elevate the entire experience. From personalized shore excursions to the private terraces with ocean views, the ship feels like a home on the water—a place where you’re always treated like family, but with all the comforts of a 5-star resort.

The Joy of Discovery

As the ship set sail for our next destination, I found myself reflecting on the essence of this journey—the way it had allowed us to explore both familiar places and unfamiliar experiences with fresh eyes. In a world where travel often feels rushed and over-scheduled, EXPLORA II allows you the time to slow down and truly connect with both the destinations and the people around you.

The bike tour in San Juan was a perfect example of this philosophy—a chance to get off the beaten path and immerse ourselves in the true spirit of the island. Whether it’s savoring a meal crafted from the freshest local ingredients, or taking in a sunset from the deck of the ship, it’s these moments of connection that make travel truly transformative.

As we sailed onward, the Caribbean unfolded before us like a secret waiting to be discovered. And in a way, it felt as though we, too, were being redefined—by the sea, by the people, and by the experiences that awaited us at every port of call. Wanting to immerse ourselves even more deeply into the essence of this journey, we took a step inward to Ocean Wellness, the indulgent spa onboard. The hands of the masseuse, the quality of the massage table, the oils used, and the tranquil roll of the sea melted every ounce of stress from our bodies. This finishing touch was the perfect setting for inward exploration.

EXPLORA II is more than just a cruise. It’s a journey that allows you to explore the world at your own pace, to rediscover places you thought you knew, and to experience luxury that’s as rich in detail as it is in feeling.

In a world of fleeting moments and crowded destinations, there’s something profoundly special about a voyage like this—where discovery, relaxation, and adventure are not just a promise, but a reality. And for David and me, this was just the beginning.

“As we sailed from port to port, there was a sense that we were being cared for in a way that made every detail of the journey feel special.”

We were fortunate enough to have Explora’s President, Chris Austin, aboard for our sailing. Swapping my luxury traveller’s hat (for an hour) to my journalist’s hat to not only ask him details about this gorgeous vessel, but to understand why everyone onboard was so welcoming. EXPLORA Journeys, a relative newcomer to the world of luxury cruising, has already garnered a reputation for delivering a voyage that feels as much about exploration as it does about indulgence. EXPLORA II, the newest addition to the fleet, is all about luxury with a purpose. From the moment we stepped aboard in Antigua, we knew we were in for something special—an adventure that blended effortless elegance with the thrill of discovery. Chris explained that the sensation of being welcomed by the international crew started with the fact that they were not known as crew, but rather as hosts. By design, not only are the lush suede furnishings selected to feel indulgent and rich, but the same care was given during the hiring process. I won’t go into much detail here, but suffice it to say that EXPLORA does everything deliberately. The branding, colors, hiring, interviewing, selection of retail outlets, is all done with a purpose. That purpose is to welcome guests to embark upon a luxury journey like no other. When I mention retail, think exclusive high-end merchandise like Cartier. Although the name is on the door, and the exquisite watch collection onboard is all theirs, the folks in the store are all EXPLORA employees. This allows for a seamless luxe experience throughout the journey. Such a clever tweak to make everything flow in one fabulous direction.

Speaking of details; the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers, backed by the aforementioned undertones of suede transported us from pool to pool and restaurant to restaurant. The ship was sleek and modern, and yet it carried a timeless elegance. The interiors are a masterclass in sophisticated design—expansive and open, with neutral tones, soft textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views that blend effortlessly with the interior décor. Whether lounging in the serene Explorer Lounge or strolling along the open-air promenade deck, the ship never felt overcrowded, even though it was comfortably full. There’s a relaxed luxury about EXPLORA II —you never feel rushed, never feel as though you’re just a passenger.

The service on board EXPLORA II was impeccable—discreet yet always available, anticipating your needs without ever feeling intrusive seemed an innate ability of our hosts. As we sailed from port to port, there was a sense that we were being cared for in a way that made every detail of the journey feel special.

Unlike traditional cruises where the emphasis is often on ticking off ports and attractions, EXPLORA II offers something more: the opportunity to slow down, to savor, to experience luxury that is deeply intertwined with the destinations you’re visiting. It’s a way of traveling that feels purposeful and fulfilling, but also blissfully relaxing. Having spent two days at sea, we realized the ship was a destination in and of itself.

_____________________________________________

Peta Phipps  is a seasoned travel writer whose work focuses on luxury experiences and cultural immersion. Her travels have taken her to over 50 countries, from the palaces of Europe to the remote islands of the Pacific. When she’s not jetting off to new destinations, she enjoys antiquing, fine dining, and finding the next great adventure with her husband, David.
Follow us on Twitter
Sign Up For Our Special Offers