Explora I – Photo: Courtesy Explora Journeys
As the holiday season approaches, Explora Journeys unveil the festive offerings on board EXPLORA I, the first of up to six ships from the MSC Group’s luxury lifestyle brand. Guests are invited to enjoy the magic of the holidays and New Year’s Eve against the gorgeous background of the Caribbean this season.
EXPLORA I will cruise from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for seven nights during the holidays, exploring fantastic destinations such as Key West, St. John’s, and Deshaies. Guests can ring in the New Year on a 7-night voyage from San Juan to Miami, stopping in Saint Martin, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Martinique between 29 December and 5 January 2024.
Family-Friendly Activities and Enrichment Programmes
EXPLORA I will be converted into a winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations and the joyous sounds of holiday music.
Dedicated activities cater to the whole family, from gingerbread house-making to enlightening luminaries joining the sailings. Children can participate in the Nautilus Club’s Christmas Parade and Santa Meet & Greet. Enrichment programmes feature adventure traveller David Liman’s thoughts, creativity sessions with Dr Bob Bilder, and spiritual insights by David Code.
The critically acclaimed musical trio Roxx, multi-instrumentalist Adam Barry, and star comedian Andrew Grose will all perform for guests. Passengers will be serenaded by a personalised Explora Journeys Christmas Playlist on the ship’s Steinway Spirio pianos.

Explora Journeys will host international, interdenominational services conducted by onboard clergy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, providing moments of reflection and celebration.
A luxurious festive meal will be served aboard EXPORA I on Christmas Eve, with specialities such as Maine lobster soufflé ‘Plaza Athénée’ and Christmas-roasted Vermont turkey. Fil Rouge will offer an international set menu with all the festive classics on Christmas Day Lunch.
New Year’s Eve Revelry
Passengers venturing on a New Year’s journey will be inspired by acclaimed luminaries Ken Schmidt and Sarah Furness: Francesco Parrino, a Steinway artist and musical influencer, and Nina Skyy, an international recording celebrity. The night will finish with a New Year’s Eve gala and a masked ball, promising an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.
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