Despite the promise of diverse itineraries, ours really isn’t that different to the usual Caribbean itinerary. The good news is we get to see a new country – the Dominican Republic. We were planning to go there on our Virgin Voyages cruise last year, but missed it due to a hurricane. So now we should really get to go there.
Also, MSC (the parent company of Explora Journeys) has a private island in the Bahamas. I usually really enjoy my day on these private islands, although the day we spent on the Virgin private beach last September wasn’t that great. Hopefully this will make up for it. I am so ready to spend the day on the beach, yes, this is going to be a great cruise!
Yay for new cruise lines
| Wednesday, December 13 | Miami, FL | 6:00pm | |
| Thursday, December 14 | At Sea | ||
| Friday, December 15 | At Sea | ||
| Saturday, December 16 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 7:00am | 8:00pm |
| Sunday, December 17 | St. Kitts | 10:00am | 8:00pm |
| Monday, December 18 | Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands | 7:00am | 4:00pm |
| Tuesday, December 19 | Samana, Dominican Republic | 9:00am | 5:00pm |
| Wednesday, December 20 | At Sea | ||
| Thursday, December 21 | Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas | 11:00am | 11:00pm |
| Friday, December 22 | Miami, FL | 7:00am |
Well, the packing is all done – only 2 suitcases! Mostly swimwear, hats, books, and sunscreen. No formal nights or captain’s welcome on board posh cocktail parties. No bitter disappointment when yet again we do not get invited to dine on a hosted table. I always watch the Keeping Up Appearances episode where they go on QE2 while I am packing, but it did seem a bit strange watching it for this cruise. I love all of Hyacinth’s outfits. Will a couple of sun dresses really work out? Maybe I should add a sparkly dress just in case. You never know.
Sparkly dress or not, we are otherwise all set to fly to Phoenix tomorrow to see my friend Ruth, then on the 12th, it’s off to Miami. The Caribbean Sea awaits us.
I was tempted too but Explora’s pricing was a bit high for me (solo traveller). I’m looking forward to your thoughts! I did the QM2 TA on Nov 19 which was just after her refit and the ship looked wonderful. Commodore Club had new carpet and upholstery….it’s such a calm, welcoming place! I hope you find something similar on Explora.
Yes, Explora is expensive – we tried to rationalize that it is all inclusive, but I am going to have to drink a lot of champagne to get my money’s worth! I’m looking forward to seeing QM2 after her refit. I am glad that the Commodore Club looks as good as ever. There is a something so special about that place 🙂
Sounds exciting regardless of whatever the itinerary. Like most of your blog followers, I am looking forward to your chronicles. Because many of us have shared similar experiences to you on Cunard, your posts give us a viewpoint that we can relate to. So I am sure we will learn much about Explora Journeys. Thank you in advance. Laissez les boss temps rouler!
Bring on the Veuve Clicquot!