Explora II Arrives in Miami Ahead of Her First Caribbean Season
The second in Explora Journeys’ luxurious fleet of ships, EXPLORA II, arrived at PortMiami today, marking the ship’s maiden call in North America and the beginning of her inaugural Caribbean season. The new ship, launched in September 2024, will sail to picturesque destinations including St. Barths, Guadeloupe, Antigua and Puerto Rico among others, for seven to 14-night immersive journeys that celebrate the enriching blend of Caribbean culture, cuisine, exotic wildlife and intriguing history.
“We are thrilled to introduce EXPLORA II to Miami as she prepares to sail throughout the Caribbean for her winter season,” said Chris Austin, Explora Journeys President North America. “Reflecting the luxurious standard of the Explora Journeys brand, the ship will provide immersive and vibrant experiences for guests looking to journey to this scenic part of the world with vibrant cosmopolitan life onboard and immersive destination experiences. We look forward to having EXPLORA II sail from MSC’s new state-of-the-art terminal at PortMiami when it opens later this year, providing guests with an upscale experience from the moment they arrive at the port.”
Following her maiden call, EXPLORA II will set sail from Miami to Road Bay, Antigua as part of her “A Journey of Coral Kingdoms & Pirate Lairs” itinerary. Highlights from her journeys sailing from Miami during EXPLORA II’s Caribbean season include:
A Journey to Yacht-filled Harbours & Scenic Sail-ins: From November 29-December 6, 2024, guests can escape to breathtaking islands where yachters, writers and wanderers are captured by the lure of the sea, with stops including St. Barths, a chic retreat with a decadently French flair, and St. Kitts, where blue lagoons and stunning natural landscapes dazzle the senses.
A Journey to Sainted Shores and Volcanic Islands: From December 13-20, 2024, EXPLORA II will sail to offshore islets of sand, sun and warm sea. Stops include St. Vincent with undiscovered shores and hidden gems around every corner, along with St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Virgin Gorda, complete with soaring mountains, deep gorges and miles of remote beaches.
A Journey into a Sizzling New Year and Enchanted Isles: From December 27, 2024-January 5, 2025, guests can celebrate the New Year with a sailing from pristine Charlotte Amalie and the cerulean shallows of Antigua to the beautiful shores of St. Kitts. Guests can ring in 2025 as they forage for seashells on the boulder-strewn shores of Virgin Gorda and party into the early hours in San Juan during an enchanting New Year celebration, before roaring into Dominican Republic landscapes lost in time.
A Journey to the Forgotten Worlds of the Riviera Maya: From February 4-14, 2025, EXPLORA II will visit Florida’s innumerable Keys and unlock adventure in limestone caverns and coral walls off Cayman Brac. Guests will then sail to the jungles of Cozumel, gateway to kaleidoscopic coral reefs, before venturing into the fathomless jade cenotes of Costa Maya and the charming colonial towns of Merida.
Launched in September 2024, EXPLORA II is the second ship in Explora Journeys’ fleet of six luxury ships that will come into service between 2023 and 2028. Purposeful architectural and experiential details intertwine to embody the vibrant European luxury lifestyle through nine inclusive culinary experiences, restorative ocean-wellness offerings at the spa and fitness center, five heated pools, and the perfect blend of vibrancy and privacy across more than 12 bars and lounges. Her uniquely elegant design and luxurious accommodations will provide endless relaxation and enjoyment at sea while sailing the idyllic seas of the Caribbean.
During her winter 2024/2025 season, EXPLORA II will sail from MSC’s new state-of-the-art terminal at PortMiami that is set to open later this year. The new terminal will be the world’s largest, accommodating up to 36,000 passengers per day. It will provide an innovative cruising experience for guests from the moment of embarkation, complementing Explora Journeys’ extraordinary sailing experience.
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