A Romantic Caribbean Cruise with Explora Journeys
Why sometimes the ship matters more than the ports
When my husband and I booked our cruise with Explora Journeys, we weren’t chasing a bucket-list itinerary. In fact, the ports (Miami, Costa Maya, Belize, Cozumel, and Key West ) were places we’d visited before. What we were truly looking for was rest, reconnection, and an effortless romantic escape.
As it turned out, this itinerary, paired with the serene luxury of Explora Journeys, was exactly what we needed.
Starting in Miami
We always recommend arriving at least a day or two early when cruising, and Miami is a perfect place to ease into vacation mode. After a little pool time and a favorite dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, we were relaxed and ready to board, and that calm mindset set the tone for the entire trip.
Exploring the Ports at Our Own Pace
One of the joys of this cruise was not booking excursions. Instead, we explored each destination independently, returning to the ship whenever we wanted (often early) to enjoy the spa, hot tubs, and quiet luxury onboard.
Costa Maya, Mexico
For most of our time in Costa Maya, we were the only ship in port, which made the experience feel wonderfully unhurried. With most passengers off on excursions, we had our pick of beach chairs and pool space. We sipped frozen piña coladas, dipped in and out of the pool to cool off, and enjoyed a completely bespoke lunch at one of the open restaurants… just the two of us.
I even discovered a new hot sauce to bring home, and before another ship arrived and the crowds returned, I tried a fish foot spa, a quirky little pedicure experience that was equal parts strange and memorable.
Belize
In Belize, we tendered ashore and stayed close to the port. We stopped at The Wet Lizard for a local beer and sampler plate. It’s a familiar spot from a previous trip, though now larger and livelier. After browsing the shops and soaking up the atmosphere, we headed back onboard to enjoy the hot tub while others remained ashore.
Cozumel
Cozumel was our quintessential beach day. After researching quieter beach clubs, we took a taxi a bit farther from the busy areas to Playa Palancar Beach Club. For $20, we had beach chairs, an umbrella, and attentive service right by the water. The sea was crystal clear, and we spent most of the day swimming, followed by nachos and a bucket of beer for lunch. Simple, perfect, and relaxed.
Key West
After clearing customs, we walked straight off the ship and explored Key West on foot. We revisited Ernest Hemingway haunts, enjoyed fresh seafood by the water, indulged in key lime pie, and stopped for drinks at the iconic Hog’s Breath Saloon. Since it was our final afternoon onboard, we ended the day the same way we’d started many others… soaking in a hot tub, ocean stretching out before us. The cool breeze made it even better.
Why This Cruise Was Perfect for Couples
What made this trip special wasn’t the checklist of destinations. It was the freedom. Freedom to linger, to return to the ship early, to enjoy Champagne in a hot tub, or to spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing together.
Explora Journeys offers a refined, calm atmosphere that’s ideal for couples who want:
- Romantic dining without rigid schedules
- Beautiful design and quiet spaces
- Wellness experiences included, not upsold
- The option to explore ports independently
- A cruise that feels more like a boutique hotel at sea
For us, this cruise wasn’t about adventure, it was about reconnection. And in that sense, it delivered exactly what we were hoping for.
👉 For a deeper dive into the ship, suites, dining, spa, and why Explora Journeys felt like the perfect luxury fit for us, you can read my full review here:
Explora Journeys Review: What Luxury at Sea Really Feels Like
Tips for Enjoying a Romantic Cruise (When the Kids Stay Home)
Family travel is wonderful, but there’s something deeply restorative about traveling just the two of you. A romantic cruise can be the perfect way to reconnect, relax, and remember who you are beyond schedules and carpools.
Here are a few tips for making the most of a kid-free cruise:
💌 Choose the Right Kind of Cruise
Not all cruises are created equal. If romance and relaxation are your goals, look for cruise lines with a quieter, more refined atmosphere: fewer crowds, more space, and dining experiences designed for lingering. A ship that feels calm and elegant makes it easier to slow down together.
🧳 Arrive Early and Start Relaxing Before You Sail
Flying in a day or two before embarkation helps shift your mindset from “logistics mode” to “vacation mode.” It also gives you uninterrupted time together before the cruise even begins, a huge plus for reconnecting.
🍽️ Make Dining an Experience, Not a Schedule
Book specialty dining early and treat meals as an event rather than something to rush through. Dress up a little. Order the wine. Stay for dessert. This is one of the simplest ways to bring romance back to the table.
💦 Prioritize Wellness (and Doing Nothing)
Take advantage of spas, hot tubs, quiet decks, and balconies. Skip at least one port if you want. There’s something incredibly indulgent about enjoying a nearly empty ship while everyone else is ashore.
🛏️ Use Your Cabin as a Retreat
Balconies are made for morning coffee, afternoon naps, and evening cocktails. Read, write, talk, or simply sit in silence together. Those unplanned moments often become the most meaningful.
🥂 Celebrate Small Moments
A glass of Champagne in a hot tub. A sunset toast on your balcony. A slow walk back to the ship hand in hand. Romance doesn’t have to be grand, it just needs space to happen.
❤️ Let Go of the Guilt
Leaving the kids at home doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you human. When parents take time to nurture their relationship, everyone benefits. A refreshed mama is a happier mama.
💗 Mama Tip
You don’t stop being a romantic just because you became a mama. Pack the good swimsuit, say yes to the Champagne, and let yourself enjoy being you again.
