Boutique Cruising: My Explora Journeys Caribbean Experience
Thinking about a luxury cruise? Read a first hand review of Explora journeys, and learn how to experience the Caribbean in a completely new way.
Dip, dive, or just lounge? Decisions, decisions... at the Astern Pool (one of six onboard!)
I tend to chase the unique, the intimate, the unscripted. So, the idea of a cruise? It never quite resonated. Crowded decks, predictable routines, and forced merriment felt worlds away from my ideal escape. Then came Explora Journeys, promising a different kind of voyage. And let me tell you, it delivered.
I'm writing this from a sun-drenched rooftop in San Juan, fresh off the ship. In just a few days, I traveled to places the mega-ships only dream of docking - smaller, more intimate ports. While my husband tested out the WiFi (verdict: work-friendly and excellent), I wandered through charming streets and checked out local hotels. And now, almost on my way back to frigid New York, I find myself planning when I’ll return, both to the ship and for deeper exploration of the islands.
Here's a glimpse of what's to come in this Explora Journeys review:
Small Ship Cruising: My New Perspective
Luxury Highlights: What I Loved
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Ideal Travelers: Who Should Consider Explora Journeys?
Final Thoughts: A Unique Maritime Adventure
Small Ship Cruising: A New Perspective
My journey began in Miami, where I squeezed in morning site visits to Miami Beach hotels before boarding. Standing on deck, a glass of champagne in hand, watching the sun set over the Atlantic while my suitcase magically appeared in my suite - I was already halfway converted.
Waving goodbye to Miami! Next stop: Anguilla, but first, two blissful days at sea.
By morning, we were gliding into Road Bay, Anguilla. A tender brought us onto a simple wooden dock, where we stepped into an island escape made for romance and serenity. In Roseau, Dominica, my private guide—young, local, and in complete awe of his own island—led me through lush rainforests, where I swam through a gorge to a waterfall swollen by the recent rains. Guadeloupe felt vast and untouched on the quieter side, Basse-Terre, where we docked. As I wandered, I was thinking about my husband's stories, who sailed these same waters as a deckhand three decades ago. And St. Martin? The French side won me over, but watching planes skim just overhead at Maho Beach is an experience also.
Hello paradise! First stop in Anguilla: Meads Bay and the stunning Malliouhana Hotel. Can't wait to share more about this amazing property
Today, I disembarked in San Juan, where cruise ships are a familiar sight. But I loved wobbling with my suitcase straight onto the cobbled streets of Old Town. The magic of this journey is really this: waking up in a new place every day, effortlessly. Seeing all these stunning destinations (mind you, without having to pack and unpack). Sure, one day in port is never enough, but it’s the perfect excuse to return.
Each island was different, had its own magic, and I want to explore them more. I’ll be diving deeper into those soon on my website!
After Miami & Anguilla, we continued with Dominica, Guadeloupe, St. Martin, and Puerto Rico
Luxury Cruise Highlights: What I Loved About Explora Journeys
This cruise experience isn’t about checking off ports—it’s about sinking into the experience. There was a flow and I gave in quickly.
Think cruises are loud, crowded, and chaotic? Not here.
Space, space, space: Despite a full ship, it never felt crowded—by the pool, in the restaurants, on deck. It’s a big ship with fewer people than your typical cruise, and that changes everything.
Suite-Only Accommodations: Every room has an ocean-facing balcony, with impeccable design and floor-to-ceiling views. The penthouses and residences? Yacht-level luxury.
All-Inclusive excellent food: No fighting for reservations (though a few intimate spots require one), no counting cocktails. My favorite restaurant? Sakura and the Creperie. No drink packages to debate, no upcharges for the best restaurants (except one, which I skipped but heard was excellent).
Freedom to Explore: Every morning, I woke up to a different view—sometimes an endless horizon, sometimes a misty coastline begging to be explored. Book an excursion, rent a car, find a lunch spot on your own, or let me arrange a private guide. No rigid schedules here (except, of course, the departure time at night!).
Understated Elegance: The design is impeccable (brand-new ships!), Muted tones, floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, contemporary art, no plastic bottles or wasteful packaging. and waking up to floor-to-ceiling views
Effortless Service: Luxury, but warm and personal.
Indulging in the finer things onboard: plenty of pools & whirlpools and Sakura restaurant (my fav)
FAQ: Answers to Common Luxury Cruise Questions
What is the dress code on Explora Journeys? Explora does not have a dress code onboard but suggests an elegant resort casual style.
Are children allowed on Explora Journeys? They happily welcome younger guests onboard Explora Journeys. During the usual school and seasonal holidays, they offer a special children's programme. Having said that, if you are looking for water slides you will not find them.
What is the square footage of the suites: Ocean Suites start at 35 sqm (376 sq ft) with the Ocean Penthouses ranging from 43 sqm (463 sq ft) and the Ocean Residences starting at 70 sqm (754 sq ft) and finally the Owner's Residence with 280 sqm (3,014 sq ft).
What is the wifi like? Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in suites and public areas for unlimited web browsing, emails, social media, messengers, and voice and video calls. My husband and I were both working and it worked smoothly.
What is the size of the beds? Are there only suites with double beds available? The majority of the suites have a king size bed (180 cm / 70.86 in) and they also have some suites with a twin-bed (2 x 90 cm / 2 x 35.53 in) configuration.
How is the room-service? Room-service is 24/7. Breakfast is offered through the In-Suite Dining menu and can be ordered the night before (it’s divine)
Is there Entertainment? Think live jazz, insightful port talks, and intimate performances. One Dutch traveler shared insider tips and his work on coral restoration in Curaçao!
How are the Gym & Sports Facilities? My boys would be all over the rooftop basketball court and gaming space. Just another reason I’d love to bring them next time. An excellent (or so my husband tells me...) outdoor and indoor fitness center, plus a spa you actually want to spend time in.
What does the ship look like in numbers? There are 5 pools (and you can always find a spot), 6 restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, about 450 suites, and a 1.25 : 1 guest to host ratio
Anything else to consider? Yes, keep in mind:
Pricing Reflects the Experience: This isn’t a budget cruise - but there are often special offers, especially through advisors (like me).
Not a Party Ship: If you’re looking for all-night clubbing, this isn’t it. Think sophisticated lounge music and refined social spaces.
Amazing spaces and even more amazing people! Exploring the game room and capturing a moment with the incredible Explora Journeys staff.
Who Is Explora Journeys For? Ideal for Luxury Travelers and Cruise Skeptics
Luxury Travelers Seeking a Fresh Take: If you love boutique hotels and five-star service, this is for you.
Multigenerational Families & Friends: Plenty of connecting suites and space for everyone to have their freedom. I kept thinking: this would be perfect with my teenage and young adult sons.
Cruise Skeptics (Like Me!): If you think you’re not a cruise person, this could change your mind.
Experienced Cruisers Ready for an Upgrade: If you’ve done the standard lines and want something different, this is it.
Ready to come aboard?
A Unique Maritime Adventure: My final thoughts
Explora Journeys changed my mind about cruising. This isn’t about being “better” than other options; it’s about offering a different kind of experience—one that prioritizes effortless luxury, the joy of being on the water, and the thrill of waking up in a new destination every day.
If you’re planning a Mediterranean summer escape or dreaming of a festive-season voyage with family, this is the way to do it.
I boarded with doubts but left with a fresh perspective (and a list of places I can’t wait to return to). Along the way, I made valuable connections with Explora’s management, local island guides, hoteliers, and restaurant owners, gaining insights that will help me plan your next unforgettable trip.
You might step onboard a skeptic, but chances are, you’ll leave seeing cruising in a whole new light!
Contact me for for more Information, Insider Access, Seamless planning and Exclusive Perks
Insider Access:
I’ve been there. I’ve met the team (including the GM and Director of Leisure Sales), toured every suite (yes, even the Owner’s residence with its private infinity pool!). I know the best spots, the hidden gems, and the details that make all the difference. And if I don’t, I know the people who do—including your onboard hosts!
Seamless Planning:
I handle every detail, so you don’t have to.
Exclusive Perks:
Booking with me unlocks a $300+ Journey Experience Credit per suite (for excursions, the spa, or Anthology—the only restaurant with an extra charge) and savings.
Ready to experience cruising differently? Let’s plan your perfect journey— reach out today.
wieteke.maris@fora.travel
+1 917 826 1886
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