A Journey of Infinite Enchantment
in the Lesser Antilles
12/5/2025 to 12/14/2025

Click on the above link buttons that will take you directly to a particular page or area of the review; or you can just click through to the next page at the bottom of each page.

Page 1 – Embarkation, Ship
Page 2 – Ship (Continued), Cabin
Page 3 – Entertainment, Activies, Ports of Call: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadalupe; Saint Pierre, Martinique
Page 4 – Ports of Call: Castries, St Lucia; St. George's, Grenada; Kingstown, St Vincent & Grenadines; Bridgetown Barbados

Preface

We had a dead zone in our calendar between October and February, a long time for us. I read many positive things about the Explora Journeys cruise line and thought that it might be a good filler cruise. Plus, early December is a good time to cruise, since the time is not that popular being between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is also when less children cruise. We watched video reviews on the Explora ships and they were very good, so we booked the Explora 2 from Miami to Barbados. We could have taken the second leg that returned to Miami, but we didn’t need that many more days to check out the ship.

Embarkation

We had a driver take us to the port and in this case pick us up from the airport on the return. It worked out to be cheaper than driving ourselves and parking, plus it is a lot easier on us. The traffic getting to the port was terrible once we got into the Miami area. We are only about 60 miles from the port, and it normally takes around an hour and a half to get there. This time it took 2.5 hours. We were dropped off at terminal AA, which has its own traffic issues with the narrow drop off area. Once in the terminal, the process went very quickly and we were on the ship just after noon. A friend we met on the cruise shared a photo a friend sent her of the Explora 2 leaving the port that night. It was very cool with the green undership lighting. They gave me permission to use this great photo.

Ship

The Explora 2 is the second ship in this cruise line. It was launched in September 2024, so it is just over a year old. They have 4 more ships on order through 2028. It has a capacity of 922 passengers. On this cruise there were only 658 or a 71.4% of capacity. This made the ship less crowded and there were the same number of passengers as there were staff. The Explora 2 is a very classy, beautiful ship.

The various public rooms are shown below by category.

Dining Rooms (Link to Menus)

I have included copies of the menus for the dining room along with photos of some of the food items at the Menus link just above and at the top of each page of the review. All the restaurants were attractive and nicely appointed. We also appreciated that the rooms were broken into several intimate smaller rooms that were quieter. Unlike most cruise line dining rooms, there were no service stations spread around the room where food was delivered and dirty plates accumulated. All food came out of the kitchen and tableware returned to the kitchen. Another very nice feature that made the restaurants feel like a normal restaurant rather than ones on a ship.

You can make one reservation for any of the four main restaurants through the Explora Jouneys website before the cruise. Once you have been to a restaurant, you can then make another one at that restaurant through the My Explora app. I do like that it prevents people from booking up the most popular restaurants ahead of time so that others can get reservations also. Unless you book early, you might end up with very late reservations, but they do leave room for walkups.

My only major issue with Explora 2 is that the menus in the four main restaurants don’t change other than for one daily special. The only menu that changes is the buffet. We like to experience different foods and preparations. This wouldn’t be as big of an issue on a 7-night cruise, but I would not book a longer cruise on Explora, even with the food being very good. Perhaps they will make more daily modifications to their menus in the future.

Med Yacht Club Restaurant - This restaurant is located on the back of the ship on the port side of deck 4. It is attractive with several smaller rooms. It is described on the Explora Journeys website as:

Inspired by the region’s sun-drenched coastlines, Med Yacht Club captures the easy rhythm and convivial spirit of the Mediterranean. The menu brings together the flavours of Italy, Spain, Greece, France, and North Africa — a tapestry of coastal influences expressed through sharing plates created with authenticity and passion.

We only ate there one night and thoroughly enjoyed it. They had very tasty well-presented menu items. They just didn’t have many that I was interested in, so we only went the one time. I was disappointed that their only two soups were minestrone and a fish chowder. Their two salads were a tuna salad and a grilled cheese one. Neither were of interest to us. And with the menu not changing, there wouldn’t be any other soup options. I did like their Osso Buco.

The rooms are attractive and very comfortable with adequate spacing between the tables and nicely padded chairs. As with all of the restaurants, the dining areas are broken up to make them feel more intimate and quieter. It worked well.

In the restaurant was a bar and comfortable waiting area to relax before being called for you reservation time. It was a much better way to handle a wait than standing in a line

Fil Rouge Restaurant - This restaurant is located on the back of the ship on the starboard side of deck 4. It is similar to the Med Yacht Club atmosphere with several smaller rooms. Breakfast is served in this dining room for those that want a standard restaurant dining experience. It is described on the Explora Journeys website as:

Fil Rouge is an elegant celebration of global cuisine, seen through the lens of French artistry. Its name — ‘the red thread’ — speaks to the connections woven between cultures, flavours, and stories.In a serene, though contemporary setting, time slows. The menu blends international inspiration with refined French technique, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and imaginative. Evenings unfold with quiet indulgence - signature soufflés, a curated wine list, and the charm of the iconic dessert trolley. And in the morning, a hidden gem awaits: an exquisite breakfast, served with elegance and intention.

We ate there twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. They had awesome escargot and onion soup; as well as a Caesar salad that Med Yacht Club didn’t have. Their New Zealand lamb chops were also outstanding. As you enter the dining room, you pass by a private dining area for ten that is between the Med Yacht Club and Fil Rouge restaurants that can be used for either one of them

They had a similar setup and same comfortable chairs as the Med Yacht Club, but with no waiting area. With the two restaurants being next to each other, I assume the Med Yacht Club waiting area could be used by both

Marble & Company Grill Restaurant - This restaurant and Sakura are more like specialty restaurants, since they focus on a particular cuisine. They are also more difficult to get reservations for. Marble & Company is the ship's steak house. It is in the middle of the ship on the port side of deck 5. It is a nicely appointed restaurant, but it didn’t feel like a steak house. It was still very good. It is described on the Explora Journeys website as:

Marble & Co. Grill is a vibrant celebration of European steakhouse tradition, elevated by French-inspired finesse. Its name reflects delicate marbling - the hallmark of the world’s finest cuts. Sustainably sourced meats are grilled to perfection before guests, while an in-house dry ager and a thoughtfully curated wine cellar complete the experience. Classic yet contemporary, it is a dining journey defined by craft, character, and quiet sophistication.

We ate there once. They had a good selection of appetizers and 3 salads. Their menu was very nice, and I would have eaten there again if I could have booked an earlier dining time. We were very impressed with the expensive Hepp Taurus steak knives. They go for $233 each on Amazon. We were also surprised at the Xtal Becrux portable LED lamp. They go for $560 each. Explora spared no expense on getting the best accessories and utensils.

It is a nicely decorated restaurant with lots of artwork on the walls. The backs of the chairs weren't padded, but still comfortable. I liked the small bull statue on one of the counters.

Sakura Restaurant - The ship’s Asian restaurant is at the back of the ship on the port side of deck 5. It is the prettiest restaurant on the ship. It is in an Asian style with artificial cherry blossoms on the ceilings. It is described on the Explora Journeys website as:

Named after Japan’s iconic cherry blossom, Sakura blends contemporary elegance with the vibrant spirit of Asia’s culinary capitals. With sweeping ocean views, guests enjoy Mediterranean Bluefin tuna, wagyu tataki, and freshly prepared sushi — paired with curated sakes, shōchūs, and Asian beers. A modern expression of immersive Pan-Asian cuisine.

We ate there twice and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. In addition to the basic menu, they also have a separate sushi menu. There is a separate sushi bar area also. In addition to dinner, lunch is served on some days.

Anthology Restaurant - Located midship port side on deck 5, this is the only restaurant where there is an additional charge. The upscale experience costs $165 per person to enjoy. It is described on the Explora Journeys website as:

As our signature fine-dining experience, Anthology elevates Italian cuisine, offering an unparalleled gastronomic adventure. On the menu, created by our esteemed Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger, each dish is a celebration of Italy’s finest regional ingredients and flavours.

We didn’t try this restaurant but did hear rave reviews.

Emporium Marketplace – Located at the back of the ship on deck 11 is the best cruise ship buffet we have ever experienced. It is well laid out with many counters serving different food categories. Unlike most ship buffets, when you walk up to the counter, they have samples on display of what they are serving. When you order an item, they will give you a buzzer for you to pick it up when they have finished preparing it for you. So what you order is freshly prepared and hot. They also have prepared items to select from. There is an assortment of delicious foods in every category. It is described on the Explora Journeys website as:

Named after the Greek word emporion (‘place of exchange’), Emporium Marketplace celebrates global cuisine and the joy of discovery through food. Guests can explore a remarkable array of authentic flavours, from destination-inspired dishes to handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza. Open kitchens buzz with quiet energy, while artisanal charcuterie, fromagerie and pâtisserie stations bring a refined touch. A chilled glass of Champagne partners perfectly with fresh crudo, as the sun sets on the horizon.

We ate every breakfast and lunch at the buffet and three dinners. The pasta station had so many different types of pasta they would prepare for you with yummy sauces. This was most appreciated, since there wasn’t much pasta in the other restaurants.

The everyday make your own ceviche was a popular counter, as was the everyday sushi station with many options. The biggest problem with the buffet was trying to decide what to choose.

The various food stations were nicely spread around the large area, resulting in minimal crowding in any area.

Below are some photos of some of their food items and sample plates for you to order

I was surprised to see an assortment of Maison Martin hot sauces to use. They even had the descriptions and Scoville ratings. I apologize for the reflection on the bottom of the sheet The Scoville ratings for the Armageddon is 1,300,000 and Tsunami is 1,000,000. I never did either of those two, since I knew better

They had a very nice carving station with two different types of meat for lunch and dinner. Hamburgers were always available on a different station, but for some reason, they didn’t serve hot dogs. I thought it strange, since the ship doesn’t have an outside grill near the pool like most ships. With so many other great salad and seafood options, I only ate one hamburger the whole 9-day cruise.

We normally don’t eat dinners at a ship’s buffet but did on this one with so many great food choices. They always had large boiled shrimp and lobster tails available to grill. One night they had a bowl of large crab claws. I ate too many, but they were so good. They were popular and brought out many bowls while we were there.

We were impressed with the many seating options that were available. We never had an issue finding a table. Granted the ship wasn’t full, but I believe it would be more than adequate if it was.

There were also lots of seats in the outdoor seating area behind the main dining area.

Crema Café - This coffee bar is located on deck 5 midship on the starboard side of the ship. As with most coffee bars, it was very popular. Cathy loved their coffee. They had delicious pastries and/or snacks available throughout the day. I was pleased when I saw the Pastel de Nata or Belem Tarts available in the afternoon. Having been to Lisbon several times and always getting a Belem Tart when there, it was a treat to have one in the Caribbean.

There was plenty of comfortable seating nearby.

Gelateria & Creperie – This is located on deck 11 midship on the starboard side between the buffet and the Conservatory Pool. This made it handy to get ice cream for dessert after a buffet meal. They stopped serving at 5:00 PM, but a waiter in the buffet could get their soft serve for you during dinner hours. It is a very nice venue providing ice cream, crepes and some other treats during the day. There is lots of seating nearby.

Lounges (Link to Menus) -

Lobby Bar - This is a very attractive lounge located in the middle of deck 4. With it being open to the fifth floor, it is a stunning room. A piano player performed on the 5th floor during pre-dinner and a cellist played during late night. We only had drinks there one day, since there wasn't much seating available and the bar stools were normally full.

Astern Lounge – This lounge is located at the back of the ship on the starboard side of deck 5 next to the Astern pool. It is a very attractive room with a nice stage area for the many activities they have there.

They also have an area with a self-leveling pool table.

Explora Lounge –This lounge is in a very desirable location at the front of the ship on deck 11. It is popular for those that like to watch the ocean go by on sea days, as well as game players and readers.

In the middle of the room is a piano that we never saw being played. This was our favorite happy hour lounge. We enjoyed listening to cellist, Julieta, and singer/guitarist Josh who played there each evening.

We saw several people ordering food with their drinks. We asked if they had a menu. We were surprised at what a nice menu it was with some items we hadn’t seen on any other menus.

Malt Whiskey Bar - This bar is located on the port side of deck 11 in the front of the ship just behind Explora Lounge. It is a very comfy bar with a large selection of whiskeys.

The view of the ocean from the bar was a nice perk of going there. With the bar opening at 5:00 PM and sunset around 5:30 PM on this cruise, the view wasn't available that long. The Malt Whiskey bar connects to the Explora Lounge in front of it.

Next to the bar is a walk-in humidor that is staffed by a cigar expert to assist in purchasing from their large inventory. There is also a separate nicely appointed smoking room nearby.

Sky Bar – This bar is located at the back of the sip on deck 14. In order to get to it, you have to take an elevator to deck 12 and walk up a flight of stairs. There are normally more chairs and loungers around the bar than when I took the photos.

Entertainment

Journey's Lounge - This is the main theater for the Explora 2. It is located at the front of the ship on deck 4. The main floor is on one level, so there are obstructed views for most seats from the people's heads in front of them.

There are some seats on an upper level that benefited from a higher view to the stage.

Some of those seats on the upper level are at the large bar on the port side of the room. I sat there once but needed to move since the bartenders and waiters were talking loudly. I did ask them to quiet down a couple times, but it didn’t help. I could also hear them from the other side of the room. It was quite distracting.

The stage is very wide with a large screen that contains graphics and information. The sound and lighting were first class. Other than the lack of stadium seating, it was a very nice venue. Even with the ship being at only 71% capacity, there was standing room only for many of the shows. It would be too small when full. Perhaps they have 2 shows when they are fuller, rather than just one at 9:45 PM.

The way the seating was arranged with tables between the rows, it was difficult to walk to the inside seats at times. It was particularly true when people moved their chairs around making the rows even narrower.

Casino – This ship had the smallest casino I have seen on a ship. They only had 3 game tables and several slot machines.

Other

Lobby –The deck 4 lobby area extends up to deck 5 with the bar as the centerpiece. The views from both levels are quite attractive. The music from the deck 5 piano spreads through the entire lobby area.

The shops are on both sides of the lobby.

Guest Services – On one end of the lobby are 3 guest services cubicles. I did prefer this method compared to the big counters with several agent assisting you. This setup allowed you to sit down and have a nice private conversation about your issue with the agent. I did have to talk with an agent a couple times and never had to wait. They were pleasant and efficient.

The cubicles are located behind an unusual artistic support wall for the stairs.

Destination Experiences – This desk for dealing with the ship excursions is just around the corner from guest services.

Future Journeys Ambassador – The future cruise people are located on deck 5 midship on the port side. They have a nice area to help people book their next Explora cruise.

Chef's Kitchen – This is the culinary class facility on the ship. It is located on the starboard side of deck 11 near the front of the ship before the Explora Lounge. They had many classes available during the day. The charge was $150 per person per class. Rather pricey! But they do something different than we have experienced on other lines. After the class, the chef, students and their guests go to the private dining room next door to eat their creations.

Private Dining Room – This is the dining room for the Chef’s Kitchen class. It is next door to the kitchen.

A Journey of Infinite Enchantment in the Lesser Antilles 12/5/2025 to 12/14/2025