Beach wellness, volcano hikes & Everglade adventures: Caribbean in luxury with Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys cruises to the Caribbean invite travellers to slip into sparkling turquoise waters gently caressed by pristine white sands, explore vibrant landscapes teeming with rare wildlife and embrace the unhurried pace of island life (with a never-ending supply of refreshing rum punch of course).

We’ve picked out a taste (sadly no rum) of Explora Journeys’ finest luxury Caribbean holidays and some of the fantastic destination experiences you can enjoy as you discover pure escapism. Don’t mind us as we start perfecting our rumba.

Explora Journeys voyages offer a glut of unique and luxurious destination experiences in all ports of call. We’ve taken a peek at a few to whet your whistle.

Explora Journeys Destination Experiences: Basseterre, Saint Kitts & Nevis

Hike through a wildlife-rich rainforest or ascend Mount Liamuiga to gaze into its expansive mile-wide crater during your Explora Journeys Caribbean cruise to Basseterre. Alternatively, set sail, hop on a train or explore a UNESCO-listed fortress for awe-inspiring panoramic vistas as you soak up the beauty of Saint Kitts.

Rainforest hiking adventure to the top of Mount Liamuiga Volcano

Want to get high? Embark on a thrilling and rugged expedition to reach the summit of dormant volcano Mount Liamuiga, where your journey begins with an open-top safari truck ride through a lush tropical forest on this Explora Journeys Caribbean shore excursion.

The adventure begins at the foot of Mount Liamuiga – a stratovolcano (conical and characterised by many layers of hardened lava, keep up) and the highest point on the island of St. Kitts. Fun fact, it’s also one of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean. You’ll traverse through soaring trees, tangled vines (no, please don’t swing from them à la Tarzan) and exquisite flowers, all within the slopes’ misty rain and cloud forests.

This Explora Journeys cruise excursion is not for the faint-hearted (literally) – you’ll ascend over 3,700ft to reach the summit crater which dramatically emerges from the clouds. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds and vervet monkeys amidst the banana and soursop trees too as you absorb breathtaking views of a crater lake, volcanic fissures and the glistening Caribbean Sea plus the neighbouring islands of Saba, St. Barths and Nevis laid out below.

Hikers won’t go thirsty – you’ll pause for refreshment stops along the way and tuck into fresh tropical fruit. Your five a day has never been so well earned!

Explora Journeys Destination Experiences: Saint-Pierre, Martinique

Born of volcanic forces, steeped in Gallic traditions and pulsating with a Creole spirit, Saint-Pierre boasts such enchanting natural beauty that it captivated famous artist Gauguin, who lingered here for months (and we don’t blame you if you want to do the same!). Immerse yourself in the remnants of ancient civilisations, discover cascading waterfalls and venture into the untamed countryside of Martinique on your Explora Journeys cruise call here.

Nature’s healing on the grey volcanic-sand beach

On this shore excursion, Explora Journeys blends Creole traditions with modern wellness practices on Carbet beach – a splendid stretch of black sand on Saint-Pierre – leveraging the lush tropical surroundings for rejuvenation and, all being well (no pun intended), even healing.

With your toes buried in the fine black volcanic sand, the majestic Pitons du Carbet on one side and the gentle blue Caribbean waves on the other, take a deep breath and start your relaxation journey.

Yoga and sophrology (a relaxing mind-body technique, obvs) both serve to get your blood flowing and your body awakened in this calming session and you’ll work to quiet your racing thoughts through guided meditation.

Discover age-old Creole herbal remedies that have been passed down through generations as you indulge in a truly pampering experience with the island’s black volcanic sand used as a lymphatic drainage scrub.

Your skin will then be enveloped in a soothing poultice of clay and botanicals before you rinse away any impurities in the warm sea, letting thalassotherapy work its wonders. Gosh, we could do with this right now.

Wrap up your wellbeing journey with a refreshing juice, perhaps accompanied by a spot o’ of pure island rum (yup, one for us please) on the warm sand or in the shade of the coconut palms. What’s that feeling? Oh, it’s your inner balance recalibrating. Explora Journeys doesn’t promise the Ocean State of Mind for nothing.

Explora Journeys Destination Experiences: Miami, USA

Meander along the sun-drenched expanse of South Beach, where you’ll unearth a fascinating fusion of Latin flair and American style during your time in Miami. Meander through its enchanting pastel-coloured streets and listen in to the captivating rhythms of salsa.

Airboating through the Everglades

Over in the Everglades [above, right], you’ll find a vast river of grass gently flowing from Miami to the Gulf of Mexico, a unique and expansive subtropical wilderness that blankets 4,300 square miles of southern Florida.

On this Explora Journeys shore excursion, your guided journey along the trails of Shark Valley leads you through these enchanting wetlands, where sawgrass marshes provide a swampy haven for alligators and their young, as well as turtles, terrapins, river otters, snakes and lizards.

Coastal mangrove forests, pine flatwoods and diminutive hardwood hammock islands serve as an Eden and refuge for 350 species of birds, comprising terns, plovers, sandpipers, songbirds, wading egrets, herons, spoonbills and ibis. Best pack those binoculars you’ll find in your Explora cruise ship suite!

With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of endangered manatees gliding gracefully through the shallow waters or an American crocodile navigating the mangroves (remember, strictly no smiling).

To ensure a deeper immersion into this wonderland, you’ll travel by private airboat, skimming across the waterways. Your journey will bring you to a Seminole village in the Big Cypress Reservation, accessible only by boat, where, in this unique landscape they call home, you’ll witness the Native American tribe’s culture and sacred traditions. Pocahontas songs to yourself, please.

Explora Early Booking Benefit

Save 5 percent on your journey fare when you book your Explora Journeys cruise and pay in full. Valid 105 days before for Ocean Suites and Ocean Penthouses and 180 days before for Ocean Residences.

Extended & Grand Journeys

Combine multiple journeys to create your ideal holiday and save up to 10 percent on your journey fare. Saving varies depending on journey length and suite type booked.

Journeys for Solo Travellers

Guests enjoying their Explora cruise ship solo can book any suite and enjoy fares from just 15 percent above the current per person fares. Supplement varies by category.

Reduced Deposit

Benefit from a reduced, refundable 10 percent deposit on all new Explora Journeys bookings. Book by 31 December 2023.

Exclusive Welcome Match

Journey Experience Credit of up to €200 (£174) for loyalty members of select cruise lines and hotels. Note credit amount is dependent on loyalty programme status.

Exclusive Air Bonus

Enjoy up to €750 (£654) when you book select journeys with Explora Journeys. Offset air arrangements costs and enjoy the ease of smoother travel. This offer can be combined with the Explora Early Booking Benefit, Extended and Grand Journey savings, and the Reduced Deposit benefit. However, it cannot be combined with any Journey Together or Exclusive Welcome Match programmes or any group or incentive programmes. Please note that certain Journeys may be excluded, so be sure to check at the time of booking.