11 Night Southern Caribbean Holiday

11 nights from £2,006pp departing Sunday 15th Dec 2024

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	15th15	DecDec	202424	Miami, Florida, United States, embark on the Explorer of the Seas		16:00
Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.
	16th16	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	17th17	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	18th18	DecDec	202424	Puerto Limón, Costa Rica	10:00	18:00
Christopher Columbus became Costa Rica's first tourist when he landed on this stretch of coast in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Expecting to find vast mineral wealth, he named the region Costa Rica ("rich coast"). Imagine the Spaniards' surprise eventually to find there was none. Save for a brief skirmish some six decades ago, the country did prove itself rich in a long tradition of peace and democracy. No other country in Latin America can make that claim. Costa Rica is also abundantly rich in natural beauty, managing to pack beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, and diverse animal life into an area the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. It has successfully parlayed those qualities into its role as one the world's great ecotourism destinations. A day visit is short, but time enough for a quick sample.
	19th19	DecDec	202424	Colón, Panama	07:00	16:00
The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century.. The city was founded in 1850 by Americans working on the Panama railroad and named Aspinwall for one of the railway engineers. Following completion in 1855, Colon gained in importance, which was furthered by the plans for an isthmian canal. During the time of the French canal attempt, a fire in 1885 burned the city nearly to the ground and left thousands of people homeless. Colon was rebuilt in the architectural style then popular in France. Buildings from that era plus the ones constructed by Americans between 1904 and 1914 are still in use today, although the majority is on the verge of collapse. In addition to its importance as a port, Colon boasts the world’s second largest duty-free zone, known as Zona Libre, which is contained in a huge fortress like, walled-off area with giant international stores. However, most of the merchandise is sold in bulk to commercial businesses throughout the country.
	20th20	DecDec	202424	Cartagena, Colombia	08:00	17:00
Cartagena's magnificent city walls and fortresses, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclose a well-restored historic center (the Cuidad Amurallada, or walled city) with plazas, churches, museums, and shops that have made it a lively coastal vacation spot for South Americans and others. New hotels and restaurants make the walled city a desirable place to stay, and the formerly down-at-the-heels Getsemaní neighborhood attracts those seeking a bohemian buzz. The historic center is a small section of Cartagena; many hotels are in the Bocagrande district, an elongated peninsula where high-rise hotels overlook a long, gray-sand beach.When it was founded in 1533 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was the only port on the South American mainland. Gold and silver looted from indigenous peoples passed through here en route to Spain and attracted pirates, including Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586 torched 200 buildings. Cartagena's walls protected the city's riches as well as the New World's most important African slave market.
	21st21	DecDec	202424	Oranjestad, Aruba	16:30
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
	22nd22	DecDec	202424	Oranjestad, Aruba		23:00
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
	23rd23	DecDec	202424	Willemstad, Curaçao	08:00	17:00
Dutch settlers came here in the 1630s, about the same time they sailed through the Verazzano Narrows to Manhattan, bringing with them original red-tile roofs, first used on the trade ships as ballast and later incorporated into the architecture of Willemstad. Much of the original colonial structures remain, but this historic city is constantly reinventing itself and the government monument foundation is always busy restoring buildings in one urban neighborhood or another. The salty air causes what is called "wall cancer" which causes the ancient abodes to continually crumble over time. The city is cut in two by Santa Anna Bay. On one side is Punda (the point)—crammed with shops, restaurants, monuments, and markets and a new museum retracing its colorful history. And on the other side is Otrobanda (literally meaning the "other side"), with lots of narrow, winding streets and alleyways (called "steekjes" in Dutch), full of private homes notable for their picturesque gables and Dutch-influenced designs. In recent years the ongoing regeneration of Otrobanda has been apparent, marked by a surge in development of new hotels, restaurants, and shops; the rebirth, concentrated near the waterfront, was spearheaded by the creation of the elaborate Kura Hulanda complex.There are three ways to cross the bay: by car over the Juliana Bridge; by foot over the Queen Emma pontoon bridge (locally called "The Swinging Old Lady"); or by free ferry, which runs when the pontoon bridge is swung open for passing ships. All the major hotels outside town offer free shuttle service to town once or twice daily. Shuttles coming from the Otrobanda side leave you at Riffort. From here it's a short walk north to the foot of the pontoon bridge. Shuttles coming from the Punda side leave you near the main entrance to Ft. Amsterdam.
	24th24	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	25th25	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	26th26	DecDec	202424	Miami, Florida, United States, disembark the Explorer of the Seas	07:00
Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.

Explorer of the Seas

Launch Year

2000

Refit Year

2020

Tonnage

137,308

Capacity

4,290

Cabins

1,643

Accessible

Deck 2

Deck 3

Deck 4

Deck 5

Deck 6

Deck 7

Deck 8

Deck 9

Deck 10

Deck 11

Deck 12

Deck 13

Deck 14

Deck 15

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Giovanni's Table

EAT MORE ITALIAN

Every meal at Giovanni’s Table is a family-style celebration of rustic Italian flavour. You’ll find all your favourite Old-World classics on the menu here, like house focaccia served with marinated artichokes, olives and pesto, fluffy gnocchi tossed in a thyme-scented sauce of lamb and root vegetables, traditional risotto finished with porcini and truffle mushroom tapenade and veal osso buco paired with creamy cheese polenta, ripe tomatoes and sautéed green beans.

ATTIRE

Smart Casual

HOW TO PURCHASE

Cruise Planner or Onboard

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

First things first – ask for an order of the house focaccia, which comes with marinated artichokes, olives and pesto. And don’t miss the antipasti per due, an appetiser big enough for two that comes heaped with Italian salami, prosciutto, marinated anchovies, grilled artichokes, Cambozola cheese and more. There are plenty of tasty options to choose from if you’re a pasta lover, from parpadelle with pancetta in a rich radicchio cream, to taglierini tossed with cherry tomatoes, calamari, bay scallops and pesto. And if you’re craving a hearty Italian-style main course, try the polpette alla romana — tender veal meatballs in a rich tomato-herb sauce — or the costolette d’agnello alle erbe — grilled lamb chops served in a Merlot reduction with baby vegetable caponata and sautéed spinach.

PRO TIP

Giovanni’s Table is a great restaurant to dial up date night. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, just let the staff know ahead of time. They’ll help make it extra special!

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Diamond Club

HAVE A DRINK AT THE DIAMOND CLUB

Royal Caribbean® created the exclusive Diamond Club lounge to thank our valued Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society members for their continued loyalty. From concierge access to complimentary continental breakfast, and even complimentary cocktails at happy hour, our most loyal guests enjoy special perks in a space reserved just for them.

RESTRICTION

For Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor Society members only.

NOTE

Not available on China and Singapore sailings.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

Wine lovers will find lots of great options to enjoy by the glass at the Diamond Club lounge, from crisp pinot grigio and smooth chardonnay, to full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and sweet white zinfandel. If you’re in the mood for a beer, you can choose from popular domestic and international brews like Budweiser, Heineken and even Strongbow Cider. Want to sip on something stronger? Enjoy your favourite vodka, rum, tequila, gin or whiskey any way you like, or savour a glass of Campari and soda, some sweet or dry vermouth on ice, or a refreshing frozen drink.

PRO TIP

If you’re a Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society member, you can ask for the Diamond Club happy hour menu at most bars and lounges onboard.

Concierge Club

Guests staying in Grand Suite-level rooms and higher, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society members enjoy access to this lounge serving complimentary continental breakfast and evening drinks.

R Bar

SHAKING UP THE CLASSICS

Swanky, sophisticated, and suffused with retro style, R Bar serves up classic cocktails garnished with vintage vibes. Whether your drink of choice is a dry gin martini, an expertly mixed old fashioned, or the perfect gin and tonic, you’ll find plenty to savour here.

AGE RESTRICTION

21+ on sailings from North America, 18+ on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

The vintage décor at R Bar creates the perfect atmosphere to order a classic old fashioned or gimlet, but you should definitely also try one of the signature cocktails on the menu. Those who prefer their drinks on the fruity side will love the Purple Haze, made with Bacardi 8 rum, blue curacao and Pernod, and shaken with pineapple juice, passion fruit puree and a splash of grenadine. For a cocktail that doubles as dessert, opt for the aptly-named Red Velvet Cake, a decadent infusion of limoncello, dark chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao white and strawberry puree. If you’re craving something smooth, but strong, there’s the Green Goddess. It’s a potent blend of Belvedere vodka, Hennessy, blue curacao and mango puree, topped off with a twist of lemon. And for fans of fizzy drinks, it doesn’t get better than the Let’s Get Fizzical, a refreshingly light combination of passion fruit puree, apple juice and St-Germain elderflower liqueur topped with prosecco.

PRO TIP

The bartenders here are pros. Let them surprise you with something that’s not on the menu.

Schooner Bar

LIVE MUSIC & MASTERFUL MIXING

Wrap up your night at Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together in a warm-lit nautical-themed lounge. Cozy up in a seat under the mast, by the portholes, or right by the gleaming grand piano. The sing-along's about to being.

HOW TO PURCHASE

Beverage Package or A La Carte

AGE RESTRICTION

21+ on sailings from North America, 18+ on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

If you love a great old fashioned, you’ll find five versions of it on the menu at Schooner Bar, including a tropical twist that blends muddled cherries and pineapple with orange bitters and Malibu Coconut rum, and an innovative New Fashioned that brings in pink grapefruit, fresh raspberries, and a little bit of Southern Comfort. You can also dial up your night with a glamorous champagne cocktail, topped with Domaine Chandon and sweetened with an Angostura-doused sugar cube. Or sip your way across the Caribbean with a Zacapa rum-spiked daiquiri, shaken hard and double-strained, or a classic Papa Doble, prepared with Bacardi Superior rum, lychee and grapefruit juice. If you’re a fan of the Tom Collins, you’ll find that, too — plus four additional versions that each spotlight a different spirit.

PRO TIP

Up for something different? Let the bartender know what your favorite spirit is, and ask them to whip you up a surprise.

Sports Bar

Passengers can grab a beer and catch all the big matches in the ship's Sports Bar. It's just like your favourite sports bar at home - only it's at sea!

Royal Promenade

Located in the heart of the ship; 2 football pitches long and 4 decks high – the Royal Promenade is lined with boutiques, as well as 24-hour casual dining and drinking options.

Palace Theatre

Standing five decks high (from orchestra pit to domed ceiling), the impressive Palace Theatre showcases contemporary musical stage productions, West End style shows and stand up comedians.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Optix Teen Disco

Optix Teen Disco lets teens have the chance to relax, hang out, dance and have some fun away from mum and dad.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Your Holiday Is Safe With Us

Our Fusion packages are all ABTA & ATOL protected ensuring that your booking is safe with us

Offer

Book by

Fusion Special

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Holiday Summary

	Return flights including luggage allowance
	Overseas Transfers
	11 nights aboard the Explorer of the Seas
	Evening entertainment & Broadway style shows
	Choice of traditional or anytime dining
	Drinks Packages available
	Speciality Restaurants (charges may apply)
	24-hour room service
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Suite staterooms from		£2,006pp
J3	Junior Suite	£2,797pp
J4	Junior Suite	£2,830pp
WS	Suite Guarantee	£2,006pp

Suite staterooms from		£3,117pp
J3	Junior Suite	£3,908pp
J4	Junior Suite	£3,941pp
WS	Suite Guarantee	£3,117pp

Suite staterooms from		£3,277pp
J3	Junior Suite	£4,068pp
J4	Junior Suite	£4,101pp
WS	Suite Guarantee	£3,277pp

Suite staterooms from		£3,517pp
J3	Junior Suite	£4,308pp
J4	Junior Suite	£4,341pp
WS	Suite Guarantee	£3,517pp

Suite staterooms from		£3,097pp
J3	Junior Suite	£3,888pp
J4	Junior Suite	£3,921pp
WS	Suite Guarantee	£3,097pp