A Journey Of Sparkling Skies & Bright Beginnings

Known as the 'cruise capital of the world', Port Miami is is considered to be the world’s busiest cruise ship port. Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the superb view of the Miami skyline.

This multicultural city where the sun rules supreme is more than just a cruise port. Palm-lined causeways stretch across luminous Biscayne Bay as Miami rises in a gleam of glass towers, Art Deco curves, and tropical colour. Along Ocean Drive in South Beach, pastel facades from the 1930s glow beneath the Florida sun, while nearby Little Havana hums with domino parks, cigar shops, and the aroma of Cuban coffee. Beyond the shoreline, calm waters, yacht marinas, and breezy promenades frame a city shaped by Caribbean rhythms and sunlit coastal glamour.

A day at sea with Explora Journeys blends luxury, relaxation, and vibrant cosmopolitan life. Enjoy a morning Sundial Salutation to invigorate your body, followed by breakfast at the Emporium Marketplace. Hone your photography skills in the Explora Lounge, or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment as part of the Ocean Wellness program. Savor lunch at the Med Yacht Club, with dishes paired with regional wines.

Spend the afternoon at the adults-only Helios Pool & Bar or join a mixology class at the Malt Whisky Bar. As evening approaches, enjoy a Sunset Aperitivo with drinks and bites inspired by your destinations. End your day with an intimate candlelight performance, a Decadence experience, or enjoy a relaxing nightcap with panoramic ocean views.

Puerto Plata, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, offers cruise travellers a blend of history and natural beauty. Visit the Amber Museum, with its fascinating amber artefacts, or explore the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress overlooking the harbour. For panoramic views, take the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, where you'll find a botanical garden and a replica of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue.

Stroll along the Malecón, a lively waterfront promenade perfect for soaking up local culture and enjoying fresh seafood at seaside restaurants. Nearby, Playa Dorada offers golden sands and clear waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Don't miss the Damajaqua Cascades, also known as the 27 Waterfalls, for an adventurous trek and refreshing dips in natural pools.

Isla Catalina, located off the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, is a small but stunning island known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. The island is part of the Parque Nacional del Este, making it a protected area rich in biodiversity. Playa Grande, the main beach, offers powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will love the “Living Museum of the Sea,” an underwater archaeological site featuring the wreck of a 17th-century ship. The island’s coral reefs are teeming with colourful fish and sea creatures. Isla Catalina’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is renowned for its pristine beaches and lush national parks. Nearly two-thirds of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, offering visitors stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Trunk Bay, famous for its underwater snorkelling trail, and Cinnamon Bay are must-visit beaches with crystal-clear waters and white sands.

The island also boasts historic ruins like the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, providing insights into its colonial past. Hiking trails, such as the Reef Bay Trail, lead through tropical forests to hidden waterfalls and petroglyphs. St. John’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a perfect Caribbean escape.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in style with a stunning fireworks display at sea! Enjoy breathtaking views from the deck as the sky lights up in brilliant colors, marking the start of a new year. Dance, dine, and toast to unforgettable moments on this magical cruise night.

The British Virgin Island’s smallest island, Jost Van Dyke, runs deep with rugged scenery and colourful folklore. The island offers glowing turquoise waters, lazily bowing palm trees, and pristine white sand beaches. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the shore.

Top Things to Do on Jost Van Dyke:

• snorkel Norman Island
• explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda Island
• cruise the waters of Jost Van Dyke and Tortola
• relax on the pristine White Bay beach

The port town for the island of St. Kitts, Basseterre has centuries of history to explore in impressive estates and photo-worthy monuments. With more than a quarter of the island set aside as a national park and a rainforest that is growing rather than shrinking, St. Kitts is a stunning tropical island escape. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Basseterre:

• hike the Mount Liamuiga trail
• circle St. Kitts in a restored vintage train
• zip line in the Valley of Giants
• visit the Brimstone Hill Fortress

St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers a blend of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Begin your day exploring Charlotte Amalie, the island's capital, where you can wander through the historic district filled with 17th-century Danish architecture. Don’t miss Blackbeard’s Castle, a watchtower that offers panoramic views of the harbor.

For a more relaxed experience, head to Magens Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Adventure seekers can snorkel at Coki Beach, known for its colorful marine life. St. Thomas also boasts a range of duty-free shopping options, with boutique stores offering everything from local crafts to luxury goods.

Cruise ships dock at the West Indian Company Dock or the Crown Bay Dock which are both approximately 2-3 miles (3-5 kilometers) from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Start your day at the waterfront, admiring the Danish colonial architecture and visiting the vibrant Vendor’s Plaza. Climb the iconic 99 Steps to Blackbeard’s Castle for stunning panoramic views of the harbor and town. The port area offers duty-free shopping, with Havensight Mall near the West Indian Company Dock being a popular spot. Reliable transportation options include taxis and open-air safari buses, which are readily available at the port.

San Juan's picturesque cobblestone streets, plazas and chapels reflect its Spanish heritage. But the second oldest city in the Americas also boasts fine beaches, lush rainforests, verdant mountainsides, imposing forts and a lovely tropical climate. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in San Juan:

• explore the El Yunque Rainforest
• visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery
• visit Fort Cristobal and the Old Town
• play a round of golf at the Palmes del Mar Golf Resort
• sail in San Juan Bay