Our Explora I Caribbean Cruise: A Week of Pure Luxury at Sea

A Breezy Start in Barbados

We flew in a few days early and stayed at The Rockley Barbados by Ocean Hotels, right by Rockley Beach. The sea view from our balcony was incredible. No need for a car — we walked everywhere, especially along the Richard Haynes Boardwalk, which stretches a mile along the coast to Hastings Beach. With ocean views, cooling breezes, and plenty of bars for a cold Banks beer, it quickly became our favourite spot.

To explore further afield, we hopped on the local ZRs — those little white minibuses that cost $1.50, packed with personality and locals. Just wave and they’ll stop — such a fun and easy way to get around.

Boarding the Beauty On cruise day, a taxi took us to the port in Bridgetown — and the moment we saw Explora I, we were stunned. The ship looked more like a sleek private yacht than a traditional cruise ship. It’s mid-sized with room for 922 guests, but there were only about 600 on board — giving us almost a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.

The décor was pure Italian elegance. Spacious lounges, six stylish restaurants, quiet corners everywhere — and every suite has a balcony.

Our Ocean Terrace Suite

Our suite was a dream. A bottle of Moët on ice, luxury toiletries, sweet treats, a massive walk-in shower, Illy coffee machine, and a fully inclusive stocked minibar. Our steward even customised our drinks — swapping in our preferred rum, vodka, Coke Zero, and IPA. The balcony had space for lounging, and even came with binoculars.

Dining & Drinks: All-Inclusive Heaven

There are six restaurants on board — all fabulous, and only one (Anthology) charges extra. We especially loved Sakura (Japanese), Fil Rouge (French), Marble & Co. (steakhouse), and The Med Yacht Club. Even the buffet, Emporium Marketplace, was top-tier.

For drinks, we rotated between Explora Lounge, Astern Lounge, and Sky Bar. The Malt Whisky Bar was a cool surprise — lit with repurposed whisky bottles. And yes, everything’s included — even premium spirits and super-fast Starlink Wi-Fi.

Entertainment & Wellness

Entertainment was low-key but classy: live music, DJ sets, dance classes, and outdoor movie nights with silent disco headphones. The spa was impressive with 11 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, and plunge pool. For fitness lovers, there’s a gym with ocean views, yoga, Pilates, pickleball, and a running track. The four saltwater pools were never crowded, perfect for a relaxing dip.

Exploring the Islands

We skipped the pricey ship excursions and did our own thing:

• Castries, St. Lucia – Skipped it (been before) and enjoyed the quiet ship.

• Deshaies, Guadeloupe – Explored the charming town from Death in Paradise — yes, we visited Catherine’s Bar and the Honore police station!

• St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda – Colourful and great for shopping.

• Virgin Gorda, BVI – Our highlight! We took a minibus to Devil’s Bay, then explored The Baths — giant granite boulders and hidden rock pools. Just magical.

A Sunrise Goodbye

After a peaceful sea day, we arrived in Miami at sunrise, said goodbye to Explora I, and continued our holiday with 17 more nights visiting friends in Venice Beach, Florida — but that’s another story.

Final thoughts?

Explora I is next-level luxury — elegant, personal, never crowded, and filled with thoughtful touches. We’d sail again in a heartbeat.