Explora Journeys Ocean Cruises: 13 nights from San Juan with Explora I
Mar 12, 2026

Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the best cruise ship ports in the Caribbean famous for shopping.

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch part of the island of St. Maarten, a Caribbean island divided into Dutch and French (Saint Martin). Business seekers flock to the duty-free shops and tax-free sales of the long Philipsburg shopping district. Visitors can also enjoy art galleries in the city, historical fortresses, casinos, and zoos, as well as Great Bay Beach and the boardwalk.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of Tenerife, is located in the north-east of the island. Its pleasent climate and commercial areas make the city the perfect place for walking and enjoying long hours of relaxation. There are lots of things to visit in the city such as its avenues, parks and Henry Moore's most famous sculptures, hidden treasures and historic buildings such as the Church of the Conception or the Carta Palace.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste local cuisine. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a beautiful port located in Tenerife, the largest of the western islands of the Canary Islands archipelago. In the area around the port, there are wide avenues, squares, exotic green areas and some examples of modern architecture. At the heart of the city, near the sea, there is Plaza de España, built in the mid-20th century and once the site of the San Cristobal Castle (16th century).

The oldest part of the city is rich in religious monuments. The construction of the Church of San Francisco, one of the best examples of the Baroque style, began in the 17th century. The Church of Pilar, dated back to the 18th century, stands on the remains of an ancient temple. The city has also some green areas filled with exotic tree species. The Garcia Sanabria Park houses an important outdoor Sculpture Museum.

Another not to be missed place is the Maritime Park, a recreational area designed by architect César Manrique and located in the old Canary Islands commercial basin. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the 17th century with volcanic stones. From a naturalistic point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The wide beaches of fine sand in the south of the island give way to lush vegetation in the north.

Every year, the outfits of the island's capital prepare to host Carnival, declared International Tourist Interest and one of the most spectacular in Spain. Its privileged location makes it possible to enjoy beautiful beaches such as Las Teresitas, get to know the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is part of the Canary Islands archipelago and is located in the northeastern part of the archipelago. It is named after a famous Genoese navigator, Lanzerotto Malocello, who discovered it in 1312 and founded the first settlements there. This island is renowned for its extraordinary landscapes: crystal-clear water, unspoiled nature, red land in contrast with the characteristic white houses are just some of the beauties of this area. The island's appearance changed in 1730 as a result of the eruption of Timanfaya.

Currently, the coast of Lanzarote is full of paths that reach inland villages through the Timanfaya National Park, an evocative landscape with an almost lunar atmosphere. For this reason, Lanzarote is not only the ideal destination for those who want to relax along the coast, it is also the ideal destination for sport lovers. The auster mountains, with their gentle reliefs, are ideal for those who love nature and adventure.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a unique place for the curious traveler. Getting lost exploring the ancient caves and galleries, there's always something new to discover!

Gibraltar, colloquially known as The Rock (or simply 'Gib'), is a British Overseas Territory, stationed at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered to the north by Spain and the inhabitants of Gibraltar are loyal British citizens while being bilingual. Inside the rock is an absolute labyrinth with secret internal roads and tunnels four times more than those on the surface. The military presence and security in this otherwise deserted strategic area is strong but almost invisible.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a jewel enclosed between sea and mountains, an en plein air museum to be discovered. Catalonia is an autonomous region whose indipendence has long been a subject of debate and is still a topic that divides opinion in the country. The region has its own language, culture and history, most visible in its Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral and modernist buildings. The city of Barcelona is the emblem of this unique culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan city in Spain and one of the most busiest port in the Mediterranean. In summer, the beautiful beaches of this city are a magnet for beach lovers. Beautiful beaches are not the only the reason why Barcelon is one of the most loved destionations for tourists. 

The city is a symbol of the the artistic, culinary and cultural avant-garde: visit the Sagrada Familia and the other visionary architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, La Pedrera, Casa Batlllò or Park Guell. For sports lovers, a visit to Camp Nou is not to be missed, while for art lovers here is the Picasso Museum, the Caixa Forum, the MNAC or the Miró Museum. If you want to taste the local cuisine, restaurants and bars are the right choice. They are always crowded as the sea in summer. An holiday aboard a cruise offers the opportunity to visit this beautiful city and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere.