Explora Journeys Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 10: December 21, 2025

Day 10 on Explora Journeys Explora I, and today we’re in Bridgetown, Barbados. For all but roughly 200 of us, this is the end of the line.  Yes, for the vast majority of guests who have been onboard up until now, today is debarkation day.  Meanwhile, a much smaller group of us are staying put and continuing on for the next segment of the journey.

That naturally leads to the question I heard more than once over the past few days: why would someone start a cruise in Miami and go home from Barbados?

There are actually a lot of reasons, and the biggest one is airfare. I spoke with several European passengers who said flying home from Barbados was dramatically cheaper than flying out of Miami. One couple from the UK told me the difference between flying home today versus flying from Miami on the 29th was around $1,000 less per person. At that point, it’s a pretty easy decision. Save two grand, avoid the U.S. airport experience, and still get a full cruise out of it.

Now sure, some might say, if you can afford Explora, what’s another couple thousand dollars? Fair question. But saving money is saving money, and if the logistics work better for you, why not.  Plus, flying home during peak a peak holiday travel period from the Miami airport?  That’s simply Hell on Earth.

Explora I docked around 7:30am, and the all-clear to go ashore was given just after 8am. Debarkation for guests ending their cruise started shortly thereafter and ran smoothly, for the most part.  Around 10:30am, an announcement was made for four passengers who were asked politely, yet firmly to report to the debarkation lounge as “customs is waiting for you.”

And here’s where things get interesting for those of us staying onboard.

Unlike a back-to-back cruise in the United States, where “in-transit” passengers are forced off the ship, marched through customs, re-cleared, re-checked, re-everything, none of that happened here. No customs line. No passport check. No holding area. No cattle call. For us, this was simply another port day.

The reason this is so painless outside the U.S. comes down to one of our government’s favorite hobbies: making travel more complicated than it needs to be.

In the United States, this whole process is driven largely by the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) of 1886 – yes, 1886. The PVSA requires that passenger ships transporting guests between U.S. ports must be U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed. Since virtually no cruise ships meet those requirements, cruise lines are required to include foreign ports and follow very specific rules about where passengers can embark and disembark.

When a cruise begins and ends in the U.S., or when passengers stay onboard for multiple segments that touch U.S. ports, Customs and Border Protection gets involved. That’s why back-to-back cruisers sailing from places like Miami or Fort Lauderdale are forced to physically leave the ship and re-enter, even if they’re just turning around and going right back onboard.

Outside the U.S., none of that applies.

Barbados doesn’t require this kind of nonsensical exercise just to prove laws from the 19th century are still enforceable. Since this segment transition happened entirely outside the United States, there was no legal requirement to clear customs, no forced disembarkation for in-transit guests, and no unnecessary bureaucracy.

And honestly, after doing this dance more times than I can count in U.S. ports, it was refreshing to just… not deal with it.

For us staying onboard, the ship simply transitioned from one group of guests to another, and aside from a quieter ship in the morning and a lot of luggage activity, life went on as usual.

Boarding for new guests began a little after 11am, and if you’re embarking in Barbados, let me be very clear: it is not an easy process.

If you recall when I was here a few weeks ago on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, I mentioned that where ships dock in Bridgetown can be a long way from the actual cruise terminal. We’re talking a solid 10-minute walk just to get from the ship to the terminal building. Holland America at least recognized this and ran buses back and forth to make life a little easier for guests going ashore.

Well… guess what.

Explora I was docked in that exact same berth today, the one farthest away from the terminal.

For guests boarding today, that meant being processed at the terminal and then bused over to the ship, with their luggage ferried along separately. It all worked, but for me personally, that’s way too much hassle for an embarkation experience. I like my boarding days smooth and simple.  But hey, to each their own.

Now, let’s talk about this next segment of the voyage.

We are officially rolling straight into the biggest holiday of the year: Christmas. Cruises this week are almost always sold out and almost always packed with kids. Thoughts and prayers to anyone sailing on Carnival, Disney, MSC, or Royal Caribbean over the next week. After a seven-day holiday cruise on one of those lines, you’re going to question every life decision you’ve ever made. And honestly… you should.

Here on Explora, the passenger dynamic changed dramatically in a matter of hours.

Up until today, we had fewer than a dozen kids under the age of 18 onboard. Suddenly, we’re looking at around 100. For Explora Journeys, that is a lot. There are large family groups onboard now, kids of all ages, and it’s going to make for a very interesting week ahead.

I’ve already heard some of the bartenders at the pool bars quietly grumbling about what’s coming, and honestly, I would not want to be the crew working the gelato stand. Those poor souls are going to have sore wrists by day two from nonstop scooping and milkshake duty.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing against kids.

I just dislike them.

Things to Do on Your Own in Bridgetown, Barbados

Bridgetown is one of those ports that can turn into a great day ashore if you know what you’re getting into.  My last time here was my first, and I was a little unfamiliar with the surroundings.  Since the main action is far from the port, many feel there’s nothing to do here, but there really is – you just have to get to it.

A little background first. Bridgetown is the capital of Barbados and English is the official language, the Barbadian dollar is the local currency, and US dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere, so you don’t need to rush to exchange money the second you step off the ship.

From a safety standpoint, Barbados is generally considered one of the safer islands in the Caribbean. That said, this is still a VERY busy port city, and basic street smarts apply. Don’t flash valuables, keep your phone and wallet secure, and be aware of your surroundings.

Now, where does the ship dock?

Cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown Port, which is a working passenger and commercial port and is not what what you would call scenic. You’re not stepping off the gangway into palm trees and beach bars. Instead, you’re in an industrial port area with warehouses, fencing, and a small shopping complex designed specifically for cruise passengers. It’s fine for grabbing souvenirs or a quick drink, but it’s not where you’re going to get a real feel for Barbados.

If you want to explore downtown Bridgetown, you have two realistic options: take a taxi which are located directly outside the terminal in a clearly marked area with prices posted on A-frame signs, or take a 20 minute walk.

Walking is doable, but it’s not what I’d call a pleasant stroll and the heat and humidity don’t do you any favors. For most people, a taxi makes a lot more sense, especially if you’re short on time or just don’t feel like sweating through your shirt before lunch.

Downtown Bridgetown itself has a lot of history – you’ll find colonial-era buildings, Independence Square (which is mostly filled with homeless people now), the Parliament Buildings, and the inner harbor (boardwalk as it’s called) lined with boats and walkways. It’s interesting, it’s very much so for locals, and it gives you a better sense of daily life on the island beyond the cruise port bubble.

Now, there are beaches near the port, and yes, it’s generally safe to go to them. Brownes Beach and Carlisle Bay are the most popular nearby options, and they’re a short taxi ride from the ship. You’ll find chair rentals, umbrellas, and small vendors selling drinks and snacks. Are they nice? No. But they’re convenient if you want a beach day without committing to a long excursion.

Bridgetown, Barbados Shore Excursions

On to shore excursions.  Bridgetown has no shortage of them, and the most popular are the same kind you’re going to encounter at basically every port in the Caribbean.

• Beach excursions to Carlisle Bay or others farther from the downtown
• Catamaran cruises, often combined with snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles
• Island tours that hit major highlights like historic sites, scenic overlooks, and rum distilleries
• Rum-focused tours, because… Barbados is known for Rum

If this is your first time in Barbados, a guided island tour or a catamaran cruise is usually the best bang for your buck. You’ll see more, stress less, and avoid dealing with transportation logistics on your own. If you’ve been here before and just want to relax, just grab a taxi and head to the beach.

I’ve written more about Bridgetown, Barbados in my report from the last time I was here a few weeks ago.  Rather than not rehash all that, you can read more Bridgetown info by checking out that report here or by clicking below.

Holland America Rotterdam 12-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Review – Day 8: November 23, 2025

Bridgetown, Barbados by Foot

I headed out around 1pm with one goal in mind: walk. I wanted to spend some time exploring and hitting a few spots I missed the last time I was here. First the long trek from the ship to the terminal, and then the second long walk from the terminal into downtown Bridgetown.

The road that takes you from the port toward town runs right along the water, and for a short stretch it’s actually pretty nice. There are a few beaches where you can stop, sit, and just watch the water, and today they had Christmas decorations up and were prepping for holiday festivities. Thankfully the weather cooperated. It wasn’t brutally hot and the humidity was low, which made the whole walk far more tolerable than it could have been.

My first stop was Independence Square, which was set up with over a dozen different Christmas trees on display. It was decorated nicely, but this is also one of those areas that can feel a little sketchy. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s a spot where homeless individuals tend to gather. There were a few around, but they didn’t bother anyone passing through, and there was a security guard keeping an eye on things, which helped.

From there I wandered up into some of the neighborhoods lining the beach area, which let’s just say they aren’t really what anyone would consider a “nice” neighborhood considering the proximity to the water. There were a handful of restaurants and bars, some of which looked… let’s just say questionable. A few had beach access that you can use if you eat or drink there, but these weren’t places screaming “destination dining.”

Making my way over into downtown it was much busier, people everywhere, and while not all the shops were open since it was Sunday, there was still plenty going on. At some point I stumbled into a street market that I honestly could never find again if you paid me. I don’t even know exactly where it was. It was just one of those places I ended up with my aimless wandering.

This market stretched for about two blocks and was packed wall to wall. Booths and storefronts selling absolutely everything you could imagine. Shaved ice stands with swarms of bees all over over the syrup bottles, which no one seemed even remotely concerned about. One stall selling birds and a few chickens in cages. Toys, wigs, household items, random stuff. It was completely fascinating. I posted a walk-through video below that I captured on my Ray-Ban Meta glasses, because it’s one of those scenes that’s hard to describe unless you see it.

After making my way through that, I kept wandering around downtown, eventually landing near a post office whose front steps had become sleeping quarters for a few homeless people. That was my cue. The neighborhood was starting to feel a little too sketchy, so I turned around, made my way back to the main drag, and started the long walk back toward the ship.

All in, I spent a good three hours just wandering around doing absolutely nothing in particular, and honestly, I wasn’t bothered by anyone the entire time. Outside of the guys asking if I wanted a taxi right outside the port, there was zero interaction with locals.

The funny thing is, I’m starting to like this port more and more each time I visit. There’s just so much to explore if you’re willing to walk… and then walk some more… and then walk even more.

All aboard time was 7:30pm with an 8pm scheduled departure, which actually came a bit early. I was enjoying a cocktail at the Lobby Bar when someone said, “Oh, we’re moving,” and sure enough, looking out the window, we were already on our way about twelve minutes ahead of schedule.

Dinner at Sakura on Explora Journeys

Dinner tonight was somewhere different and one that seems to get a decent amount of buzz, Sakura, Explora Journeys’ Asian restaurant. I had made a reservation for 8:15, so I wandered over a few minutes early and was taken straight to my table.

First impressions: the restaurant is on the small side. There’s a big open kitchen, a sushi bar, and tables that are close together. Add in some weird acoustics and the place felt loud. Two tables away from me was a husband and wife who had just embarked today, and the table next to them was maybe eighteen inches away. The husband decided dinner was the perfect time to loudly rant about politics and a certain president who’s about as polarizing as pineapple on pizza.

Not exactly dinner conversation these days.

You could feel the discomfort radiating from the people stuck next to them. Eventually the conversation shifted away from Washington, the volume came down, and when that table finally left, the looks on the surrounding diners’ faces said everything.

Pure relief.

Once seated, my server came over to introduce herself and mentioned a special appetizer for the evening, fried Dover sole. A few minutes later someone else came over to take my drink order and I asked for my usual – a Monkey 47 gin and tonic. About ten minutes later he returned and told me the bar here doesn’t have Monkey 47 and he’d need to go find another bar that has it. In other words, he didn’t really want to go get it and was politely nudging me to pick something else.

Message received. I went with Hendrick’s.

There are two menus at Sakura, the main dinner menu and a separate sushi menu, and you can order from either or both.

Sakura Sushi Menu

Sakura Dinner Menu

I decided to mix things up. From the sushi menu I ordered a shrimp tempura roll, and from the dining menu I ordered the fried Dover sole appetizer special and the bluefin tuna tartare.

Everything showed up at once after about fifteen minutes. No pacing at all. The sushi was exactly what you’d expect, nothing special or memorable. The fried Dover sole was basically battered pieces of fish served with soy sauce. Think fish nuggets. Nothing remarkable there either. The tuna tartare, however, was the standout. Fresh, flavorful, a good portion size. Easily the best thing on the table.

For my main course, my server recommended the lobster pad thai. It comes out with a lobster tail shell on the plate, which is purely decorative, since the actual dish just has small chunks of lobster mixed into the rice noodles.

Unfortunately, the pad thai itself was pretty bland. Very little flavor, which was disappointing. I paired it with sautéed broccolini in teriyaki sauce and flashed aubergine (eggplant) with hot and sour sauce. Both were fine, but neither saved the dish.

For dessert, I went with my server’s recommendation, which turned out to be a chocolate ice cream paired with a chocolate sponge-style cake and a mix of different spices that added a subtle kick. And honestly? Dessert was the best part of the entire meal.

Service overall was friendly, but it was definitely on the slow side.

Overall, I wasn’t impressed with Sakura. If you’re a big sushi fan, maybe sitting at the sushi bar and focusing on that would be a better experience, though interestingly there wasn’t a single person sitting at the sushi bar tonight. On top of that, you can get sushi and fresh fish at lunch and dinner over in the Emporium Marketplace, and it’s pretty much the same stuff.

Sakura just didn’t do it for me. Honestly, Tamarind on Holland America delivers a better Asian restaurant experience across the board. Sakura wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t memorable either, and on a ship like Explora I, that says a lot.

Evening Entertainment

After dinner, I decided to check out the evening’s show, Voices of Vegas. This was also the first night with the ship’s new entertainment director, who wasn’t onboard during the last segment and only just joined this sailing after his arrival was delayed. Last cruise, we were in the very capable hands of the assistant entertainment director, “G,” so this was a bit of a handoff moment.

Before the show got underway, the entertainment director came out and introduced members of his team along with the enrichment staff for those who just embarked today. When it came time for the person in charge of Explora’s version of the kids club to introduce herself, she opened with, “I know many of you are not happy with the number of kids onboard this cruise, and I hear you.” That line absolutely hit it. Big laughs from the audience, because… yeah. Truth hurts, but it was funny.

Then the show kicked off with Viva Las Vegas, performed by the ship’s vocalists backed by the live band, and right away it was clear this was a very different crowd from the previous segment. The showroom was basically standing room only, which is a massive change from what we’ve been seeing so far.

Now, here’s where things went sideways for me. The showroom does have a bar, but with no seating. Large groups of families who couldn’t find seats ended up congregating there, talking loudly, with kids running back and forth while the show was going on. I found it incredibly rude. It’s disrespectful to the performers and even more so to the guests who actually want to enjoy the show. No one from the staff made any attempt to quiet things down or restore even a little bit of decorum.

After about three songs, I had enough. I bailed. Not because the performers weren’t good, they were, but because trying to enjoy live music over constant talking, laughing, and general chaos just isn’t my idea of a good night.

From there, I wandered around the ship a bit. I stopped by the Lobby Bar, which during the last segment was packed every single night. Tonight? Completely empty. Then I made my way up to the Malt Whisky Bar for a nightcap, which was also empty.

Tonight was noticeably different from the previous nights. I’m not sure yet if this crowd is going to be more daytime-focused and disappear at night, or if things are just settling in after embarkation day. Either way, the atmosphere in the bars and lounges felt very different from what we’ve been used to so far.

We’re currently sailing toward our next port of call, Scarborough in Trinidad and Tobago, where Explora I is set to arrive at 8am. More on that tomorrow. As always, thanks for following along.

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