An Extended Journey through Turquoise Seas and Festive Caribbean Gems Cruise on Explora II from Bridgetown (Barbados)

Bridgetown (Barbados)

Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. The Bridgetown port, found along Carlisle Bay lies on the southwestern coast of the island. Bridgetown is a major West Indies tourist destination, and the city acts as an important financial, informatics, convention centre, and cruise ship port of call in the Caribbean region. Bridgetown´s centre was originally composed of a swamp, which was quickly drained and filled-in to make way for the city´s early development. At the heart of Bridgetown is the Careenage and Constitution River.This body of water provides the city with direct access from medium sized yachts or small craft boats. Although moderately shallow, the Careenage slices Bridgetown into two parts. During the rainy season the Constitution River flows into the Careenage area and acts as an outflow for water from the islands interior storm drainage network. Flowing into the Carlisle Bay on the southwest coast of the island, the Careenage can be observed as a marina for boaters entering or exiting the inner basin located directly in front of the Parliament buildings of Barbados. In the centre lies the main street of Bridgetown which is Broad Street which runs directly through the centre of the city. Broad Street passes the Parliament Buildings and serves as the centre of city´s shopping area.

Bequia

Bequia is the largest island in the Grenadines at 7 square miles (18 km2). The native population are primarily a mixture of people of African, Scottish and Carib Indian descent. A substantial number of white Barbadians also settled the Mount Pleasant area of Bequia in the 1860s. Many of their descendants still inhabit the area. Other highly populated areas include the island capital, Port Elizabeth, which hosts the ferry terminal and Paget Farm, which hosts the airport. There are also villages at Lower Bay, La Pompe, Hamilton and Belmont. Other prominent areas of Bequia include Spring, the site of a former coconut plantation and home to agricultural animals, Industry Bay and Park Bay, where the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is located. Bequia is popular among cruising yachts, expats and tourists. One of the busiest times of the year is the annual Easter Regatta. Two scuba diving stores run dive trips to 28 identified dive sites around Bequia. There are several wrecks and shallow caves accessible to advanced divers. It is not unusual to see Hawksbill turtles, lobsters, moray eels and many kinds of fish when diving around Bequia.

Port of Spain, Trinidad

Martinique (Fort de France)

Nowadays, Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique which is located in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean with a background of green mountains... It is picturesque city, with it's french side very pronunced, ideal to go gift shopping, or going for lunch to a terrace of a small cafe. There is also a Central Park, with the gardens full of flowers and fountains, he historic Fort of St. Luis, the Cathedral and the Library. In the island you can find buildings such as the Paul Gaugin Memorial, the Museum of the Empress Josephine, Napoleons wife and the Museum of Art of Shells. The tourists that are hiking fans can climb the Bare Mountain.

Little Bay

Road Town (Tortola)

Road Town is the capital city of the insular country British Virgin Islands. Located on the island of Tortola. On the south coast. It is the perfect island to relax and to enjoy the pleasure of it's climate and caribbean waters.

Miami

Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county of Miami-Dade County. Miami is a major center and a leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. Miami is nicknamed the "Capital of Latin America", with a Spanish-speaking majority, and the largest city with a Cuban-American plurality. The Port of Miami, known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," has been the number one cruise passenger port in the world. It accommodates some of the world's largest cruise ships and operations, and is the busiest port in both passenger traffic and cruise lines. Going south you will find the Coral Gables, a select and elegant neighborhood with beautiful waterways, fountains and squares. It is recommended to take a guided tour that can pick the Old Town Trolley tours and you will have up to 90 minutes ride departing from Bayside. Miami Beach, between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic are some of the most fascinating areas of the Great Miami. Here prevailing Art Deco buildings, the sophisticated atmosphere, and the best beaches...

Ocean Cay (MSC Marine Reserve)

A private island in the Caribbean: white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees and coral reefs. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve is designed in keeping with the culture and tradition of the Bahamas and is planted with indigenous trees, grasses and flowers. A small village in typical Bahamian style with restaurants, bars and shops completes the offer on the island. Classic Caribbean feeling can be enjoyed on the fine sandy beaches of this exclusive island reserved for guests of MSC Cruises. MSC guests can board a pier directly from the ship to discover the nightlife on the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve: live music and amusement in the 2,000-seat amphitheater, restaurants and bars. Highlights include a family beach with kids' restaurant and play area, a lagoon for those seeking peace, a wedding pavilion gazebo, and a zipline across the island.

Charlotte Amalie (Saint Thomas)

Charlotte Amalie is the capital od the Virgin Islands in the United States. It is located on the south side of the island of Saint Thomas, Charlotte Amalie is also the name of the deepwater port that was once possesion of pirates and that now is a famous cruis port. Charlotte Amalie has buildings of historical importance and is has the second most ancient synagogue on the western hemisphere. The city was named by the queen Charlotte Amelia of Hesse-Cassel (1650-1714), consort of the king Cristian V of Denmark.

Spanish Town

Marigot (St. Martin)

Divided between French St. Martin to the north and Dutch St. Maarten to the south, Marigot is the Capital of French St. Martin. Each side of the island retains its own unique culture and flavor. Boasting world class resorts, secluded white sand beaches and local markets and shops lining the waterfront Marigot has a very mediterranean feel. Orient beach is renowned as the best beach on the French side perfect for water sports and enjoying typically caribbean beach bars.

San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Its hard not to be captivated by the historic treasures of majestic Old San Juan, the charming walled city with its imposing fortresses, colorful colonial architecture and numerous attractions. A short taxi ride from the old city will take you to the world-class boutiques, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, and restaurants of Condado, the inviting beaches and resorts of Ocean Park and Isla Verde and the bohemian neighborhood of Santurce. Event planners and business professionals come for the state-of-the-art convention center in Miramar and the financial district of Hato Rey.