Explora I: a Western Mediterranean week for three generations
Barcelona to Rome with connecting suites, a real kids' programme and nobody dressing for dinner.
Explora Journeys · Explora II
Explora II: a Caribbean Christmas for the whole family
Barbados round trip over Christmas with the Grenadines, connecting suites and someone else cooking.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- Region
- Caribbean
- Ship
- Explora II
- Guide price
- From £4,900 pp
- Best for
- Three generations · Families · Grandparents
Planning figure per person for the cruise itself. Final price depends on sailing date, suite and availability; flights, hotels and transfers are added in your proposal.
A seven-night Explora II Caribbean cruise over Christmas from Barbados through the Grenadines and the French islands, the way we suggest a multigenerational family spends the holidays together without anyone hosting.
A family Christmas at sea solves the question of whose house, who cooks and who sleeps where. Explora II out of Barbados reaches the small islands — Bequia, Mustique, the Tobago Cays — where the water is the point, and the ship has the connecting suites, children's spaces and quiet corners that let a group of ten spend a week together happily.
These sailings sell first of all. If Christmas is the plan, we start the conversation in January.
Why we like it
- Christmas and New Year with nobody hosting
- Connecting suites and real children's spaces
- The Grenadines: small islands and clear water
- Direct flights from the UK to Barbados
- A relaxed ship with many places to eat
The ship
Explora II, in service since 2024, is a sister to Explora I: around 900 guests, all-suite, all-terrace, contemporary design, several pools, no formal nights and children's and teen spaces that are genuinely used.
Cabins we'd recommend
- Connecting Ocean Terrace suites for each family unit
- An Ocean Residence for the grandparents
- Midship on a higher deck
What the fare includes with Explora Journeys
- Dining across most venues
- Drinks and minibar
- Wi-Fi
- Gratuities
- Wellness facilities
Everything else, flights, hotels before and after, transfers and private days ashore, we add around it. More on Explora Journeys →
Like the look of this?
We'll tell you whether it's actually right for your party, and build the flights, hotels, transfers and extras around it.
Ask us about this cruise →No obligation. A specialist replies personally.
Who it's for
- Families of eight to sixteen spending Christmas together
- Grandparents who want to host without a kitchen
- Children of all ages
- Anyone who wants warmth in December
Who it isn't for
- Couples seeking a quiet, adult ship over the holidays
- Travellers who want traditional formal Christmas dinners
- Anyone who finds a long flight a deal-breaker
Sample itinerary
Day by day
A representative itinerary. Ports and order vary by sailing date; we confirm the exact itinerary in your proposal.
- Day 1
Barbados
A hotel night or two on the west coast after the direct flight.
- Day 2
Board in Bridgetown
Embark in the afternoon.
- Day 3
Bequia
A small island with a quiet harbour and good snorkelling.
- Day 4
Tobago Cays
Turtles and reefs in a marine park; a beach barbecue.
- Day 5
St Lucia
The Pitons by boat, a rainforest walk for the energetic.
- Day 6
Martinique
French bakeries and a rum distillery.
- Day 7
At sea
Christmas Day on many departures: the pools, a long lunch, dinner for the whole family.
- Day 8
Grenada
Spice markets and Grand Anse beach.
- Day 9
Barbados
Disembark and fly home, or a few more nights on the island.
What we'd add
The voyage is only part of the trip.
- Direct flights to Barbados
- Hotel nights before and after
- Private transfers
- A private catamaran day for the family
- Christmas arrangements with the ship: table, gifts, a quiet word about traditions
Like the look of this?
We'll tell you whether it's actually right for your party, and build the flights, hotels, transfers and extras around it.
Good to know
Questions, answered
When should we book a Christmas cruise?
Twelve months ahead, ideally in January or February for the following December. Connecting suites and large family cabins on festive sailings go first.
Also consider
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