Aboard Explora II with Explora Journeys
Cruise Overview
If you associate Puerto Rico's capital with the colonial streets of Old San Juan, then you know only part of the picture.
San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León.
More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros.
The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future.
Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan.
He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location.
In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St.
John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S.
Control after the Spanish-American War.
Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan.
The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries.
The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums.
Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll.
Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening.
Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times.
A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions.
It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.
Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities.
St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981.
From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops.
The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean.
All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.
San Juan is a major metropolis, radiating out from the bay on the Atlantic Ocean that was discovered by Juan Ponce de León.
More than a third of the island's nearly 4 million citizens proudly call themselves sanjuaneros.
The city may be rooted in the past, but it has its eye on the future.
Locals go about their business surrounded by colonial architecture and towering modern structures.By 1508 the explorer Juan Ponce de León had established a colony in an area now known as Caparra, southeast of present-day San Juan.
He later moved the settlement north to a more hospitable peninsular location.
In 1521, after he became the first colonial governor, Ponce de León switched the name of the island—which was then called San Juan Bautista in honor of St.
John the Baptist—with that of the settlement of Puerto Rico ("rich port").Defended by the imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal, Puerto Rico's administrative and population center remained firmly in Spain's hands until 1898, when it came under U.S.
Control after the Spanish-American War.
Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan.
The area is filled with cobblestone streets and brightly painted, colonial-era structures, and its fortifications have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Old San Juan is a monument to the past, but most of the rest of the city is planted firmly in the 21st century and draws migrants island-wide and from farther afield to jobs in its businesses and industries.
The city captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums.
Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.
You can easily explore all of Gustavia during a two-hour stroll.
Some shops close from noon to 3 or 4, so plan lunch accordingly, but stores stay open past 7 in the evening.
Parking in Gustavia is a challenge, especially during vacation times.
A good spot to park is rue de la République, alongside the catamarans, yachts, and sailboats.
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions.
It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year.
Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities.
St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981.
From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops.
The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean.
All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Explora II
Launch Year: 2023 Length: 248 Width: Currency: EUR Capacity: Crew Count: Deck Count: 11 Cabin Count: 461
EXPLORA II, the second of six luxury best-in-class ships, will set sail in 2023, with the remaining ships ready to set sail in 2024, 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Immerse yourself in all of the detail behind the Explora Journeys ships, from design and architecture, to safety and technology features.
Exquisitely designed with the guest and relaxed, home-like comfort in mind - and in partnership with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers - the innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design.
Water as a focal point
Fourteen decks will provide ample indoor public space, maximising guest choice and create areas of quiet seclusion and privacy. Generous outdoor decks will boast more than 2,500 sqm (26,909 sq ft) delivering stunning views of the sea, with 64 private cabanas across 3 outdoor pools.
A fourth pool, with a retractable glass roof, will allow swimming and poolside relaxation in any weather.
Combined with various indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the ship’s promenade deck, the ship has been designed with water as a real focal point of the onboard experience - helping our guests discover their ocean state of mind.
Homes at sea
With 461 oceanfront suites and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea and in port thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and personal private terrace. Suites will start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft) which makes them among the most spacious for the luxury cruise category.
Explora II Facilities
Explora II Includes
Cabin Details
Each of our 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences - all designed with a refined, European elegance - are created to get you closer to the ocean itself, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private sun terraces.
With unrivalled space and privacy, and service that means everything is taken care of, our guests can relax into their comfortable homes at sea with their luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting as they undertake their Ocean Journey. Our suites start at 35 sqm (377 sq ft), among the most spacious for the category.
HOMES AT SEA
Luxurious, serene, and spacious, each of our 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences have been created with refined European elegance, comfort and simplicity as the focus to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’ to our guests.
Exquisitely designed to stimulate the senses and enhance the connection with the ocean, each of our suites comes with its own spacious terrace with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light and the infinite ocean views.
Our suites range from 35 sqm (377 sq ft), in the Ocean Terrace Suites category, up to 280 sqm (3,014 sq ft) for the Owner's Residence, with an average size of 42 sqm (453 sq ft), making them among the most spacious in the industry.
With unrivalled space and privacy – and 24-hour service that means everything is taken care of – our guests can relax into their comfortable ‘Homes at Sea’ with their luggage delivered and a chilled bottle of champagne waiting as they undertake their Ocean Journey.
IN-SUITE TECHNOLOGY
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Infotainment system with Smart TV and easy connectivity to personal devices
- Smartphone app for access to all services
- Telephones with voicemail
- On-demand TV options
- Wireless charging base on bedside tables
- Individual climate control in each suite
SERVICES
- 24-hour butler service*
- 24-hour concierge service
- 24-hour in-suite dining
- 24-hour laundry, dry-cleaning and ironing services**
- Twice-daily housekeeping services, including evening turndown service
- Shoeshine service
BUTLERS SERVICES*
- Packing and unpacking to personal preference
- Laundering and pressing assistance
- Private in-suite dining
- Personal communication through our app and on messenger platforms
- Itinerary and transport planning
- Celebrations planning
- Onboard and ashore reservations assistance
* Available for Ocean Residences
** Additional charges may apply
