Exotic Islands is a 7-night Winter 2026 / 2027 / 2028 cruise with Marella Cruises. Sailing onboard the Marella Explorer 2 from Bridgetown, Barbados, destinations include Barbados, St Lucia, Aruba, Curacao and Grenada. There will be new overnight onboard stays available in Willemstad, Curacao and cruise & stay options available in Hilton Barbados Resort in Needhams Point and Radisson Aquatica in Hastings, Barbados Read on to find out more and for latest prices:
Your Itinerary: Bridgetown – Castries – Ship at Sea – Willemstad – Oranjestad – Kralendijk – St George’s – Bridgetown
Exotic Islands – for Winter 2026 / 2027
Exotic Islands – for next Winter 2027 / 2028
Exotic Islands Cruise Itinerary - Marella Explorer 2 -Fly Cruise
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Thursday, December 10, 2026, for 7 night cruise - onboard the Marella Explorer 2, Exotic Islands itinerary, Decks 8/9 Inside Cabin - All Inclusive with Marella Cruise - fly from London Gatwick airport, departure port Bridgetown.
Your Itinerary: Bridgetown - Castries - Ship at Sea - Willemstad - Oranjestad - Kralendijk - St George's - Bridgetown
Detailed Itinerary:
Exotic Islands - Itinerary day 1: Bridgetown
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A hypnotic calypso isle, Barbados is the ultimate Caribbean dream. And at just 21 miles by 14 miles, the island really is your oyster. Of course, it’s most famous for its palm-fringed beaches, but there’s more than talcum powder sands here. We’re talking a duty-free shopping scene and sights that are second to none. In a coconut shell, it’s the small island with a big fan base.
- Take a tram ride through a labyrinth of underground caverns at Harrison’s Cave in St Thomas. A natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed, it’s all sparkling streams, playful waterfalls and stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer in shady tunnels.
- Go snorkelling in search of hawksbill and green turtles. Once endangered because of over-fishing, these creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the island.
- Take it easy on Carlisle Beach, one of the island’s best stretches of sand. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, slip on a pair of flippers and propel your way past the underwater shipwrecks just off the shore.
- The Atlantis Submarine lets you scuba dive without getting wet. As this underwater ship descends into the ocean, you can look out the portholes for tropical fish and sea turtles.
Exotic Islands - Itinerary day 2 : Castries
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St Lucia’s skyline is high rise. But it’s not the hotels that make this island look serrated against the sky, it’s the mountains. The Pitons are 2 of the biggest. Both their summits tower at least 2,000 feet above sea level and their slopes are coiffured with a mane of dense green rainforest. At their feet, meanwhile, banana plantations give way to syrup-coloured beaches and some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean.
Exotic Islands - Itinerary day 3: Ship at Sea
Exotic Islands - Itinerary day 4: Willemstad
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This little Dutch island is slowly beginning to creep onto the tourist radar, and for good reason. It offers up an unbeatable mix of footprint-free beaches and pretty colonial towns. The UNESCO-listed port of Willemstad leads the pack, with its candy-coloured, red-roofed houses that gild the downtown area.
- Take in Willemstad’s best bits on the trolley train tour. You’ll see the Pietermaai Cathedral, Queen Wilhelmina Park, and a quirky building known as the ‘Wedding Cake House’.
- Push the boat out with a rib ride, followed by snorkelling in the coral reef. Parrotfish, moray eels and green sea turtles hang around here.
- Sink your toes in coconut-coloured sand at Knippa Beach. It’s split into two sections – the busier Big Knip and the quieter Little Knip, which is popular with the locals.
Exotic Islands - Itinerary day 5: Oranjestad
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Nowhere showcases Aruba’s Dutch roots quite like Oranjestad. With its gable-topped houses and colonial clock towers, the island’s capital is like a little slice of Amsterdam. It’s got some typically Caribbean credentials, too – expect cushiony sands that stretch on for miles, and underwater spots that are great for snorkelling. Plus, all along the coast, you’ll find ramshackle beach bars serving up fresh seafood and rum cocktails.
Exotic Islands - Itinerary days 6: Kralendijk
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If you’re in any doubt concerning what Bonaire’s all about, just look at an island number plate – above every registration number you’ll find the words ‘Divers’ Paradise’. This island in the Leeward Antilles is consistently rated as one of the best dive and snorkelling destinations in the world. Shipwrecks, tropical fish and seahorses are ripe in the waters that surround the island. Above the waterline, meanwhile, there are wild flamingo herds to see and craggy national parks to explore.
Exotic Islands - Itinerary days 7: St George's
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Grenada can’t fail to spice things up. It’s known as the ‘Spice Island’ after all. Wherever you head, the fragrant scent of ginger, almond, nutmeg and vanilla follows you. Plus you can see cinnamon, cocoa beans and every tropical fruit imaginable growing here. Alongside its basket of goodies, this lush landscape hides Bounty-like beaches, mountain ranges and thick rainforests. And don’t miss a wander around St George's, one of the Caribbean’s prettiest harbours, with its pastel-coloured buildings, cobbled streets and even the odd lipstick-red London phone box.
Exotic Islands - Itinerary day 8: Bridgetown
A hypnotic calypso isle, Barbados is the ultimate Caribbean dream. And at just 21 miles by 14 miles, the island really is your oyster. Of course, it’s most famous for its palm-fringed beaches, but there’s more than talcum powder sands here. We’re talking a duty-free shopping scene and sights that are second to none. In a coconut shell, it’s the small island with a big fan base.
- Take a tram ride through a labyrinth of underground caverns at Harrison’s Cave in St Thomas. A natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed, it’s all sparkling streams, playful waterfalls and stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer in shady tunnels.
- Go snorkelling in search of hawksbill and green turtles. Once endangered because of over-fishing, these creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the island.
- Take it easy on Carlisle Beach, one of the island’s best stretches of sand. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, slip on a pair of flippers and propel your way past the underwater shipwrecks just off the shore.
- The Atlantis Submarine lets you scuba dive without getting wet. As this underwater ship descends into the ocean, you can look out the portholes for tropical fish and sea turtles.
Cruise Ship Details - Marella Explorer 2 :
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- 10 restaurants
- 9 bars
- Casino
- Coffee shop
- Outdoor pool
- Beauty salon
- Spa
- Gym
The adults-only Marella Explorer 2 flaunts a range of exciting facilities, from a large spa to a chic bar-club-casino space. You’ve got ten bars and ten restaurants on this ship, too. Top spots include The 19th Hole – a golf-themed bar with a golf simulator – Flutes, where you can sip Champagne* or Prosecco to the sounds of a pianist, and Beach Cove – a relaxed restaurant with barbecue-inspired menus and quirky swinging seats. Not to mention the outdoor spaces, like The Veranda, where you can enjoy far-reaching sea views.