Explora II, ex Barcelona to Miami

17 Night Cruise sailing from Barcelona to Miami aboard Explora II.

Highlights of this cruise:

Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoys a mild climate all year round.Barcelona is one of Europe’s largest and most successful ports and one of the world’s leading cities in art and architecture.

From the modern cruise terminal at the docks you will need a taxi or tour to see the artistic beauty of this unique destination, credited to the talents of Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, Jose Clara and others. Stroll the mosaic-paved Ramblas, the city's social hub, with open-air cafes, street entertainers and flower displays. See its unique Catalonian cultural heritage in the ancient Gothic Quarter, the surrealistic architecture of Antonio Gaudi and some outstanding museums.

Sights of interest include the Columbus Monument, the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia (1298 to 1454), the Maritime Museum, Picasso Gallery, La Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's unfinished cathedral), Palau Guell (Gaudi mansion) and the Olympic stadiums.

Bridgetown
Barbados is an ideal Caribbean destination, whether you want to bake in the sun or spend your time discovering island life and culture.

The beaches along the West and South coasts are lovely. Because they're open to the public, though, they lack the privacy some visitors may seek. Elsewhere on the island, linked by almost 900 miles of good roads, are small villages, historic plantation houses, stalactite-studded caves, a wildlife preserve, and the Andromeda Gardens, one of the most attractive small tropical gardens in the world. Culturally, Barbados has retained a very British atmosphere: Afternoon tea is a ritual, cricket is the national passion, and a few luxury hotels request a jacket and tie at dinner.

But Barbados is true blue Caribbean as well, with classic sand beaches, and wild monkeys in the jungle.

Miami
Miami in Florida is located on the southeast tip of Florida. Miami is best known for its sunny weather, golden beaches and lively nightlife. Also known as the 'Gateway to the Americas', the 15 miles of glorious beaches make Miami popular with all ages, attracting a broad spectrum of tourists.

Tourist attractions include Miami's Miracle Mile - one of Miami's major shopping regions, the Miami Freedom Tower, Miami Metrozoo - one of the finest wild animal parks in America and the Miami Seaquarium - a 38-acre complex of huge saltwater pools.

Miami has a range of communities and districts, amongst them is Downtown Miami, a vibrant and diverse area of Miami, filled with clothes and jewelry shops, restaurants, cafés and fast-food stands. Miami South Beach Area (SoBe) is one of Miami's most exciting areas and is full of art galleries, stylish diners, Art Deco buildings, glorious beaches and many of Miami's top nightclubs.

Your home at sea
Private terraces which are amongst the largest in the category. Large floor-to-ceiling windows with elegant interiors. Spacious walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area

Environmental supporting technologies
Hybrid-ready energy solutions. Waste-management and energy-saving solutions. No single-plastic used on-board and ashore

Explora Journeys represents the ambition and long-held dream of the MSC Group and the Aponte family to create a transformative luxury ocean travel experience and brand that redefines the luxury cruise category.

This is a story that starts in Sorrento with a Neapolitan ferry captain, Gianluigi Aponte, who – together with the Swiss sweetheart he met when she was a passenger on one of his crossings – went on to create MSC, a global shipping operation and the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company. Now this Swiss-Italian seafaring family are fulfilling their life-long dream and launching Explora Journeys, an exquisite, modern luxury cruise experience like no other.

The Aponte family records date back to the 17th century from which 300 years of sea-faring expertise, alongside an inherent passion and respect for the sea has developed.

Indeed, the ocean and its influence on us as human beings sits at the very heart of the Explora Journeys brand.

The oceans connect you with yourself, people and the places around you. It relaxes you, and creates an energy in you that inspires inner and outer discovery, broadens horizons and triggers new connections.

All of this, creates an emotional connection that is powerful, transformative, yet universal.

We call it the Ocean State of Mind

A state of mind that has helped create Explora Journeys.
A state of mind inspired by the blue waters of our seas and oceans.
Characterised by calm, unity, elegance and joy, that encourages inner and outer exploration and discovery.
One that appeals to our audience’s desire for mindful travel.
A state of mind that embodies a consciousness of how guests go, not just where they go.
This is what Explora Journeys will uniquely provide for our guests.