7 Nights A Journey from Shimmering Skylines to the Gulf's Hidden Gems Cruise

The Best Way to Cruise

I’m just back from a Caribbean cruise on the newer MSC luxury ship, Explora II. Having cruised on Ritz Carlton, IIma in January of 2024, I can compare Explora II to that. I had a wonderful time with great service on both ships. Ritz excursions were better than the ones on Explora II. The food was excellent on both ships, but Explora had more variety. There was slightly more entertainment on Explora with large lounge, sport court and small casino. However, I really enjoyed the Ritz beach party, flower arranging class and the party given on the last night of the cruise. MSC should work on offering more unique and immersive excursions for their guests. There were only a handful of children on both of the cruises. If you are looking for luxury, service and the feeling that you have the ship to yourself, then you would enjoy either cruise ship.

Explora Journeys Extraordinaire

This was our second Explora Journeys cruise - the fist being in Feb. ‘24 on Explora I. In a word, perfect. That is a relative description - we are an active quasi-retired couple in early 70’s. Professionals with no kids living at home (adult or otherwise.) We cruise to relax, enjoy the ocean, drink good wine and sip bourbon, read, and of course, eat excellently prepared and presented food! We have traveled extensively but still enjoy off ship excursions on occasion. Explora Journeys is an intimate indulgence with 800 guests and spacious balcony suites. Imagine you have checked into a luxury resort only to awaken and find yourself floating on the open sea! These cruises have checked every box for us. Quiet, understated - and that is important because we are not gold and bling folks. We are real people who choose to splurge on an experience that we’ve worked a lifetime to afford. There were fellow passengers with children (not sure which looking glass they slipped into during the day) and groups of gen x, y, and z. This is definitely not a “party till you drop” ship and some might consider it too chill for their taste. Which is fine as we are more than happy to keep this gem of the ocean all to ourselves and a few special friends:) Seriously, if any of this sounds like your cup of tea or cappuccino, Explora Journeys might be just what you need!

5-stars from those who cruise AND those who don't!

Explora II: A 5-star review from those who cruise and those who don't! My wife and I, in our 50s, cruise a lot. We took an Explora II cruise (on the advice of our travel agent who is in love with Explora) from Barbados to San Juan with my wife's brother and his wife, also in their 50s. They don't remember the last decade they cruised but they are 6-star travelers and hate "cruise life!" Until now! We had the entry level cabin (Ocean Terrace Suite) and it was amazing! My wife loved the style and materials. I loved the walk in closet with the vanity mirror/desk so didn't have to see my wife on the floor in the hallway putting on her makeup. The bathroom was also one of the most spacious! My brother/sister in-law had one of the mid-larger cabins (Cove Residences) and were happy with their offering which came with an additional butler and whirlpool on balcony. Big Stage Entertainment: Biggest disappointment BUT so many other niches to hang that it was okay in the long run! Staff has a CAN-do attitude! Remember that part of hospitality? Its so refreshing! The creme de la creme was Alex (Sasha), head of Food & Beverage (pictured at the Asian-themed restaurant); we might actually cruise again to see him! We loved the guy who headed up the Whisky-tasting (tho forget his name now-sorry). Our cabin-steward, Jacqueline, was amazing (pictured with the abundance of Diet Coke my wife requested). Food & Restaurants: 10 out of 10 and, tho arduous, I think I ate at them all! Not thrilled with the pre-boarding as well as the boarding rezi app, which could sort by time available instead of having to go down the rabbit hole of each restaurant to see if they have availability at the time you want, but that hopefully will get fixed. Explora II was launched in 2024. I think the secret to these ships is that they pushed out inside accommodations as far out to the sides so gives more square footage in the rooms and also the common areas at the expense of redundant outside walking areas. Sometimes in the beginning of the cruise, when you get lost, you'll figure that out and then be lost no more! Common areas were awesome! The elevator banks on each wall had to press the button separately because the couches in between were causing people to trip! Isn't that Darwin at work? Hassle that should have a better workaround! Pools are amazing tho not happy that the outdoor whirlpool closes at 8pm! I am happy, thrilled that the size of the rectangular huge shape that accommodates more than one person at a time like those tiny round ones by the pool on other ships, where you're playing footsie all the time! Also, the Jacuzzis are facing the side of the ship so you can see some incredible sunsets instead of having to look at other bathers! I would go back on this ship for this feature alone! In the immortal words of The Terminator: I'll be balk!