A Journey of Holiday Festivities and Unwrapping Gifts of Sand and Sun Cruise on Explora II from Miami

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.