Howard and I sailed on Explora I from San Juan to Miami, spending a week exploring the Caribbean with stops in Antigua, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and St Thomas, with two blissful days at sea in between.
We started with two nights at the Fairmont San Juan, which worked perfectly – about ten minutes from the port and five from the airport.
The main pool has a younger, livelier vibe, but there’s a quieter pool too if that’s more your thing, and a great choice of restaurants and shops.
Old San Juan is absolutely worth a visit – a walled city of colourful Spanish colonial buildings, cobbled streets, enormous fortresses and plenty of cafés and shops to explore. Characterful, historic and very photogenic.
The ship itself is something else. The best way I can describe it is a five-star hotel that happens to be on the water – understated luxury, exceptional attention to detail and space everywhere. The ratio of guests to ship size is just perfect. The common areas are elegant and calm – no loud themes, no crowds, no fighting for a sun lounger even on sea days. The lobby has a bar and live piano music, and every evening before dinner there’s a DJ on the sky deck if you fancy a bit of atmosphere.
The cabins are a great size too. All have a walk-in dressing room, a huge shower (some have a bath), a lounge area and a balcony with a day bed, table and chairs. The Dyson hairdryers were a lovely touch – small things, but they tell you everything about the level of thought that goes into the experience.
And the food. We ate at every restaurant on board and didn’t have a single bad meal. Fil Rouge was our absolute favourite – but honestly, every dining experience felt like eating at a wonderful restaurant rather than a cruise ship. Consistently amazing food throughout.
As if that wasn’t enough, we also visited two of the most beautiful beach resorts in the Caribbean during our shore days.
Carlisle Bay in Antigua was a real highlight – a stunning boutique resort with a wonderfully warm, homely feel to the service that genuinely sets it apart. Incredible food, a beautiful beach, and everything you could want whether you’re a couple or a family – tennis, pickleball, water sports, and adult-only dining. We absolutely loved it.
Cap Juluca in Anguilla was equally special in its own way – a long stretch of gorgeous sandy beach, beautiful rooms, Moroccan-inspired design, a stunning new spa, and that distinctive Belmond touch. Everyone gets their own allocated beach lounger.
Two very different resorts, both utterly brilliant.
As for who Explora suits – it caters for most people, but if you have children who need constant entertainment around the clock, this probably isn’t for them. For couples, families with older children or anyone who wants luxury, space, incredible food and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere – it’s absolutely perfect.
Would I go back? Without hesitation.
Sally
