8 Nights New Caribbean Dawns - Explora I

Day 1 Quintessential Miami

Welcome to Miami and the sweep of South Beach - backdrop to every iconic Miami movie, and forefront of Latin American culture. Stroll through pastel-hued geometric buildings in the art deco district, to graffiti mural masterpieces at Wynwood Walls. Watch Latino life unfold in Little Havana - the heartbeat of this great city - where walk-up windows sell café cortadito, sweet sugarcane juice, hatuey beer and guava ice-cream. Watch passionate locals discuss politics, play dominoes and smoke cigars. Shimmy at a salsa class, shop designer boutiques and race marlin and sharks by speedboat. Then slow your pace to uncover rare and endangered species at the Everglades National Park outdoor oasis. You’ll find the Miami dream is real – and it’s not just Cuban heels that will give you a spring in your step.

---

Day 2 At Sea

With more time to reflect, rejuvenate, and embrace the Ocean State of Mind, days at sea with Explora Journeys invite moments of unhurried exploration. Against a backdrop of endless blue, indulge in a varied programme of wellness, dining and entertainment, enriching the mind and indulging the senses, designed to satisfy even the most curious of minds. These moments at sea offer a rare chance to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. With so many onboard experiences, each day at sea is unique and memorable.

---

Day 3 New Year’s Eve Fireworks over San Juan, Puerto Rico

Anchored in San Juan Bay, an inky palette washes the sky and an enchanted evening begins. Stars peep through our ebony ceiling and a feast of finest fare begins. Champagne corks pop and glasses chime as we toast new beginnings and gorge on merry cheer, while San Juan erupts in an incandescent display of fireworks to welcome the New Year. 

---

Day 4 Darling Jost Van Dyke

Named for a Dutch pirate who once encamped here, Jost Van Dyke is a petite jewel with a bounty of lush landscapes and beautiful beaches. Hike (or water taxi) to Bubbly Pool, a natural jacuzzi created as waves at high tide crash through a crevasse. Kick back on the powder-fine sands of White Bay, swimming the turquoise shallows, finding zen at the floating spa or succumbing to the infamous Painkiller, the dark rum and coconut cocktail created in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar, polestar of the cheerful island vibe. 

---

Day 5 Deshaies

Slowly amble into little sleepy Deshaies. Stroll around the sheltered bay brimming with Creole homes, restaurants and a cosmopolitan crowd. Stroll along to the best of Guadeloupe; the fine golden sands of Grande Anse and the wonderful botanical garden with dreamy plants and ponds. Visit the Cocoa House for a taste of dark chocolate’s rich roots, climb the summit of La Grande Dame at La Soufriere, wander to waterfalls and visit Christopher Island bird reserve. Coconut palms, protected wildlife and a slow pace – you’ll be filled with love in this relaxed fishing village.

---

Day 6 Balmy Bridgetown

Gently breeze into the vibrant capital of Barbados. Steeped in fascinating history, with architecture to match, uncover the wonderfully laid-back West Indian ambiance. Embrace the slow Bajan rhythm of this welcoming island; surf, snorkel and try spotting turtles in balmy azure waters. Explore subterranean Harrison’s Cave, Jacobean St Nicholas Abbey and zipline high above bountiful tropical flora. Then return to restore on pastel pink sands at palm-studded beaches, where you’ll discover cocktail hour is endless, and measures of rum are copious.

---

Day 7 Joie de Vivre of Fort-de-France

Follow the French flag waving over the hulking fortress that gave the city its name then dive into the island’s Afro-French-West Indies culture. Green is the island’s colour for sustainability, spicy is its flavour, and Creole is its soul. This “island of flowers” lives up to her name as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots. Hike beside waterfalls, ponder the flying buttresses at Cathédrale St-Louis, and savour cocoa farms, local rum, and artisan sorbet in the shade of one of the island’s enchanting gardens.

---

Day 8 Sugar-Coated Basseterre

Formed by volcanoes, St Kitts fertile soil is so rich it turns monkeys green. Trek through miles of rainforest amongst colourful wildlife to conquer the highest peak of Mount Liamuiga so you can peer into the mile-wide crater, or bravely descend to sniff the sulphur. Experience a train ride, sailing trip, cooking class, sky safari zip-line, or creative batik fabric workshops. Visit sugarcane plantations, the Narrows between St Kitts and Nevis and the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress for spectacular views of neighbouring islands. You’ll find this special island small in size yet tall in standing, as well as big on charm.

---

Day 9 San Juan Blends

Explore the oldest US city for a dose of Caribbean history, slice of Spanish culture and twist of American dream. Roam historic Old San Juan alleyways to glimpse centuries-old forts and colourful colonial buildings. Learn how to move, as locals sashay out the salsa to rhythmic reggae beats. Shop the boho streets or glamorous boutiques for artisan goods, decadent designers and hand-rolled cigars. Experience world-class surfing, explore a tropical rainforest, attend a private rum cocktail tasting and polish off empanadas. Then retire to one of the beautiful beaches to soak up crystal clear waters and, perhaps, one last rum cocktail.