8 Night Western Caribbean Holiday

The 8 Night Western Caribbean Holiday is a 8-night Caribbean cruise aboard Explorer of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean. Departing Fort Lauderdale on December 18, 2027, the voyage visits 5 ports. Fares start from $1,452 per person.

Length: 8 nights
Departs: Dec 18, 2027
Returns: Dec 26, 2027
Ports of call: 5
Days at sea: 3

from $1,452

$181 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 18, 2027 Fort Lauderdale Departs 17:00 With its heady mix of Creole culture and French sophistication, there is more than a pinch of je ne sais quoi in Fort de France. The capital of Martinique, and by far the biggest city in the whole of the French West Indies, if you are looking for Paris in the Caribbean, you’ll find it in Fort de France. The island has been under French govern since 1638 when the first governor of Martinique Jacques Dyel du Parquet commissioned a fort (from which the city takes its name) to keep out invaders. Not even an unsuccessful attack by the British in 1720, nor the French Revolution in 1789, has been able to shake the French govern of the island and today the city’s French and Creole heritage are impossible to untangle. The colonial past is everywhere, take a stroll down the narrow streets and enjoy the remarkable architecture of the Schœlcher Library, St. Louis Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. Among the many legacies Dyel du Parquet left on the island is sugarcane. A drive through the tropical forests will not only reward you with trees bending under the weight of papayas, mangoes and bananas, but will also afford superb vistas of the elegant plant swaying in the breeze. The arrival and subsequent export of sugar brought the French bourgeoisie in their droves and many of their mansions are still standing. Josephine de Beauharnais, the Napoleonic Empress of “not tonight” fame, hails from the island and those interested will find her childhood home, La Pagerie in nearby Trois Ilets. Fort Lauderdale port guide Search cruises visiting Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale photo — Day 1 Dec 18, 2027 Fort Lauderdale Departs 17:00 With its heady mix of Creole culture and French sophistication, there is more than a pinch of je ne sais quoi in Fort de France. The capital of Martinique, and by far the biggest city in the whole of the French West Indies, if you are looking for Paris in the Caribbean, you’ll find it in Fort de France. The island has been under French govern since 1638 when the first governor of Martinique Jacques Dyel du Parquet commissioned a fort (from which the city takes its name) to keep out invaders. Not even an unsuccessful attack by the British in 1720, nor the French Revolution in 1789, has been able to shake the French govern of the island and today the city’s French and Creole heritage are impossible to untangle. The colonial past is everywhere, take a stroll down the narrow streets and enjoy the remarkable architecture of the Schœlcher Library, St. Louis Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. Among the many legacies Dyel du Parquet left on the island is sugarcane. A drive through the tropical forests will not only reward you with trees bending under the weight of papayas, mangoes and bananas, but will also afford superb vistas of the elegant plant swaying in the breeze. The arrival and subsequent export of sugar brought the French bourgeoisie in their droves and many of their mansions are still standing. Josephine de Beauharnais, the Napoleonic Empress of “not tonight” fame, hails from the island and those interested will find her childhood home, La Pagerie in nearby Trois Ilets. Fort Lauderdale port guide Search cruises visiting Fort Lauderdale

Day 3 Dec 20, 2027 Falmouth,Jamaica 10:00 – 17:00 7.0 hrs ashore Reggae, rum, beautiful beaches, spicy cuisine and lush, green countryside have long lured visitors to Jamaica and particularly the city of Falmouth, one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns located on the island’s northern coast. On an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise to Falmouth, you’ll have the opportunity to observe how the oldest buildings in the city centre - the clock tower, the Victorian market, the courthouse and Vermont House, all dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries - stand in contrast to the newly built port. During colonial times, Falmouth was a flourishing port. Ships loaded with sugar and rum would sail to Britain and return bringing slaves from Africa. Today, Falmouth has become famous for the different varieties of rum produced in the distilleries scattered around the city. To get a glimpse of plantation life, and taste some rum in the process, join an MSC excursion to the Good Hope Estate, with its impressive Great House and colonial village. Originally established in the mid-1700s to serve as a sugar plantation, the estate spans a total of 2,000 acres and is home to several buildings, most of which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Or combine nature and history on a relaxing guided bamboo rafting trip along the Martha Brae River, passing clusters of whispering bamboo and ferns along the 3-mile journey. During this MSC excursion, you’ll visit St. Peter’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest and largest in Jamaica, before reaching the charming village of Martha Brae. It was founded by a plantation owner in 1762 when he sectioned off part of his estate. Beyond Falmouth, venture out on an MSC excursion to Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls, where you’ll be guided up the 600-foot cascading falls in an unforgettable experience. Or take a chairlift up 700 feet of mountainside through the tropical forest canopy for an exhilarating bobsled run full of twists and turns down the mountain. For the equestrians among you, ride bareback into the Caribbean Sea on an MSC excursion that takes you along the scenic Jamaican coastline before plunging into the water for a refreshing swim with your horse. Falmouth,Jamaica port guide Search cruises visiting Falmouth,Jamaica

Falmouth,Jamaica photo — Day 3 Dec 20, 2027 Falmouth,Jamaica 10:00 – 17:00 7.0 hrs ashore Reggae, rum, beautiful beaches, spicy cuisine and lush, green countryside have long lured visitors to Jamaica and particularly the city of Falmouth, one of the Caribbean’s best-preserved Georgian towns located on the island’s northern coast. On an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise to Falmouth, you’ll have the opportunity to observe how the oldest buildings in the city centre - the clock tower, the Victorian market, the courthouse and Vermont House, all dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries - stand in contrast to the newly built port. During colonial times, Falmouth was a flourishing port. Ships loaded with sugar and rum would sail to Britain and return bringing slaves from Africa. Today, Falmouth has become famous for the different varieties of rum produced in the distilleries scattered around the city. To get a glimpse of plantation life, and taste some rum in the process, join an MSC excursion to the Good Hope Estate, with its impressive Great House and colonial village. Originally established in the mid-1700s to serve as a sugar plantation, the estate spans a total of 2,000 acres and is home to several buildings, most of which have been lovingly restored to their former glory. Or combine nature and history on a relaxing guided bamboo rafting trip along the Martha Brae River, passing clusters of whispering bamboo and ferns along the 3-mile journey. During this MSC excursion, you’ll visit St. Peter’s Anglican Church, one of the oldest and largest in Jamaica, before reaching the charming village of Martha Brae. It was founded by a plantation owner in 1762 when he sectioned off part of his estate. Beyond Falmouth, venture out on an MSC excursion to Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls, where you’ll be guided up the 600-foot cascading falls in an unforgettable experience. Or take a chairlift up 700 feet of mountainside through the tropical forest canopy for an exhilarating bobsled run full of twists and turns down the mountain. For the equestrians among you, ride bareback into the Caribbean Sea on an MSC excursion that takes you along the scenic Jamaican coastline before plunging into the water for a refreshing swim with your horse. Falmouth,Jamaica port guide Search cruises visiting Falmouth,Jamaica

Day 4 Dec 21, 2027 George Town, Cayman Islands 08:00 – 17:00 9.0 hrs ashore Christopher Columbus called the Cayman Islands, with their tranquil blue waters, "Las Tortugas" for its abundance of turtles. Located between Cuba and Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are comprised of three Caribbean islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Beautiful landscapes, bountiful wildlife and colourful streets embody this British Overseas Territory, with George Town, its capital, located on Grand Cayman, the largest and most populous island. When you arrive in George Town on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, you’ll discover that wildlife conservation is at the core of Grand Cayman’s offerings. For the chance of a lifetime to swim, feed and interact with stingrays, book an MSC excursion to Stingray City, where you’ll get an up-close experience with Cayman’s most graceful marine creatures. On yet another MSC excursion to the Cayman Turtle Centre, encounter the green turtles that return each and every year to lay their eggs on one of the beaches, visit the turtle hatchery, snorkel alongside yearlings in the Turtle Lagoon and meet the island’s endangered blue iguanas. For a special experience, ride horses bareback into the Caribbean Sea at Barker’s National Park on an exclusive Martha Stewart excursion curated just for MSC Cruises, followed by lunch at Vivo café, a spot beloved for its mostly vegan cuisine, with organic ingredients sourced straight from local farms. To learn about Cayman’s past and culture, explore Cayman Heritage House and visit the sumptuous Government House, the governor's residence built in 1964 located in front of Seven Mile Beach, one of the most prestigious beaches of Grand Cayman, in the heart of West Bay. Shopaholics will also delight in this destination. The Cayman Islands are entirely duty free. You just have to choose what catches your fancy among the myriad of watches, liqueurs, jewellery and porcelain on offer. George Town, Cayman Islands port guide Search cruises visiting George Town, Cayman Islands

Day 6 Dec 23, 2027 Puerto Costa Maya 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore Puerto Costa Maya, where the Caribbean and Antilles MSC cruise ships dock, is out of sight north of Mahahual, but its influence is felt on cruise-ship days, when the village springs to life with souvenir stands and jet-ski rentals along the slick seafront promenade, an extremely miniature version of Playa del Carmen. The two towns in the area, Mahahual and the smaller Xcalak, were hit hard by Hurricane Dean in 2007. Mahahual was rebuilt, but Xcalak is still quite battered. On an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise you will typically stay around Mahahual, while divers and anglers head south to Xcalak. If you stop for only one ancient site in the Río Bec area, Kohunlich is your best excursion choice. The ruins, seldom visited by anyone other than enormous butterflies and wild parrots, are beautifully situated, peering out above the treetops. The buildings date from the late pre-Classic to the Classic periods (100–900 AD) and the majority are in the Río Bec architectural style. Foliage has reclaimed most of them, except for the Templo de los Mascarones, which is named after the five 2m-high stucco masks that decorate its facade. Disturbing enough now, these wide-eyed, open-mouthed images of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, once stared out from a background of smooth, bright-red-painted stucco. Also look for an elite residential area called the 27 Escalones, worth the detour to see the great views over the jungle canopy from the cliff edge on which it is built. Set in a drier area with sparse trees, these two neighbouring ruins are an interesting contrast to Kohunlich. Kinichná’s hulking pyramid, built in metre-high stones, layer upon layer by successive leaders, barely clears the trees, but you can look over the surrounding terrain (and spot a glimpse of the Dzibanché ancient Maya archaeological site), now broken into farmland. Puerto Costa Maya port guide Search cruises visiting Puerto Costa Maya

Puerto Costa Maya photo — Day 6 Dec 23, 2027 Puerto Costa Maya 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore Puerto Costa Maya, where the Caribbean and Antilles MSC cruise ships dock, is out of sight north of Mahahual, but its influence is felt on cruise-ship days, when the village springs to life with souvenir stands and jet-ski rentals along the slick seafront promenade, an extremely miniature version of Playa del Carmen. The two towns in the area, Mahahual and the smaller Xcalak, were hit hard by Hurricane Dean in 2007. Mahahual was rebuilt, but Xcalak is still quite battered. On an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise you will typically stay around Mahahual, while divers and anglers head south to Xcalak. If you stop for only one ancient site in the Río Bec area, Kohunlich is your best excursion choice. The ruins, seldom visited by anyone other than enormous butterflies and wild parrots, are beautifully situated, peering out above the treetops. The buildings date from the late pre-Classic to the Classic periods (100–900 AD) and the majority are in the Río Bec architectural style. Foliage has reclaimed most of them, except for the Templo de los Mascarones, which is named after the five 2m-high stucco masks that decorate its facade. Disturbing enough now, these wide-eyed, open-mouthed images of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, once stared out from a background of smooth, bright-red-painted stucco. Also look for an elite residential area called the 27 Escalones, worth the detour to see the great views over the jungle canopy from the cliff edge on which it is built. Set in a drier area with sparse trees, these two neighbouring ruins are an interesting contrast to Kohunlich. Kinichná’s hulking pyramid, built in metre-high stones, layer upon layer by successive leaders, barely clears the trees, but you can look over the surrounding terrain (and spot a glimpse of the Dzibanché ancient Maya archaeological site), now broken into farmland. Puerto Costa Maya port guide Search cruises visiting Puerto Costa Maya

Day 8 Dec 25, 2027 Nassau 09:30 – 17:30 8.0 hrs ashore Proclaimed a pirate republic by the early 1700s, Nassau once sheltered more than 1,000 pirates, outnumbering the hundred inhabitants of the town. While its pirate history runs deep, today Nassau, located on the island of New Providence, is the capital and commercial centre of the Bahamas and the archipelago’s largest city. AS you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, take in Nassau’s charming colonial-style buildings and pastel-coloured wooden shops that alternate with Georgian-style structures. Founded by the British in 1670, Nassau stretches from the harbour to Bay Street, the main drag through town that is replete with shops, souvenirs, restaurants and entertainment. At Straw Market, where typical Bahamian souvenirs are sold, be prepared to bargain – it’s a tradition that is almost a duty. A popular tourist area is Cable Beach, a 4-mile stretch of beach and resorts on the north central coast of New Providence, 3 miles from Nassau. Paradise Beach, on Paradise Island, is one of the best beaches in the area. For a nearly private beach experience, take an MSC excursion to Blue Lagoon Island, a private island with one of the most secluded beaches in the Bahamas, or opt for a VIP beach cabana experience at the offshore picture-perfect oasis of Balmoral Island. Book an MSC excursion to Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, where you can enjoy a diverse choice of attractions. These range from Aquaventure, an exhilarating 141-acre waterpark where you can ride swells of rapids and fly down 7-story slides, to the Dig, a faux archaeological site that recreates the ruins of ancient Atlantis, or Predator Lagoon, home to sharks, rays, barracudas and sawfish. For something special, take a bush medicine gardens and tea tour, an exclusive Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises excursion, to learn about local traditions and botany. Then sip afternoon tea and dine on scones and dainty finger sandwiches at the lavish Graycliff Hotel, a landmark property that since 1740 has housed pirates, privateers and prisoners alike. Don’t miss the magnificent views of Nassau, Paradise Island and a good portion of the Bahamas from the top of Queen’s Staircase at Fort Fincastle. Watch as water cascades alongside the his-torical staircase, comprising 65 steps hand-carved out of solid limestone rock by 600 slaves between 1793 and 1794. Nassau port guide Search cruises visiting Nassau

Nassau photo — Day 8 Dec 25, 2027 Nassau 09:30 – 17:30 8.0 hrs ashore Proclaimed a pirate republic by the early 1700s, Nassau once sheltered more than 1,000 pirates, outnumbering the hundred inhabitants of the town. While its pirate history runs deep, today Nassau, located on the island of New Providence, is the capital and commercial centre of the Bahamas and the archipelago’s largest city. AS you arrive on an MSC Caribbean and Antilles cruise, take in Nassau’s charming colonial-style buildings and pastel-coloured wooden shops that alternate with Georgian-style structures. Founded by the British in 1670, Nassau stretches from the harbour to Bay Street, the main drag through town that is replete with shops, souvenirs, restaurants and entertainment. At Straw Market, where typical Bahamian souvenirs are sold, be prepared to bargain – it’s a tradition that is almost a duty. A popular tourist area is Cable Beach, a 4-mile stretch of beach and resorts on the north central coast of New Providence, 3 miles from Nassau. Paradise Beach, on Paradise Island, is one of the best beaches in the area. For a nearly private beach experience, take an MSC excursion to Blue Lagoon Island, a private island with one of the most secluded beaches in the Bahamas, or opt for a VIP beach cabana experience at the offshore picture-perfect oasis of Balmoral Island. Book an MSC excursion to Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, where you can enjoy a diverse choice of attractions. These range from Aquaventure, an exhilarating 141-acre waterpark where you can ride swells of rapids and fly down 7-story slides, to the Dig, a faux archaeological site that recreates the ruins of ancient Atlantis, or Predator Lagoon, home to sharks, rays, barracudas and sawfish. For something special, take a bush medicine gardens and tea tour, an exclusive Martha Stewart & MSC Cruises excursion, to learn about local traditions and botany. Then sip afternoon tea and dine on scones and dainty finger sandwiches at the lavish Graycliff Hotel, a landmark property that since 1740 has housed pirates, privateers and prisoners alike. Don’t miss the magnificent views of Nassau, Paradise Island and a good portion of the Bahamas from the top of Queen’s Staircase at Fort Fincastle. Watch as water cascades alongside the his-torical staircase, comprising 65 steps hand-carved out of solid limestone rock by 600 slaves between 1793 and 1794. Nassau port guide Search cruises visiting Nassau

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 75-day span: $1,452 · range $1,452–$1,857

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $1,452

$181 / night

Fare rows

Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,452

$181 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,721

$215 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior With Virtual Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,797

$224 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior with Virtual Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,829

$228 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Promenade View Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,916

$239 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,948

$243 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $1,632

$204 / night

Fare rows

Ocean View Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,632

$204 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,892

$236 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,942

$242 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,123

$265 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Panoramic Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,462

$307 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,614

$576 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $1,925

$240 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $1,925

$240 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,371

$296 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,436

$304 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,457

$307 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,618

$327 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,693

$336 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sunset Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,865

$358 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $3,144

$393 / night

Fare rows

Suite - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,144

$393 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,354

$419 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,674

$459 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sunset Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,304

$538 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Suite - 1 bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,394

$674 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite - 1 bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,435

$929 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Suite - 2 bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $8,385

$1,048 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Royal Suite - 1 bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,144

$1,518 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 27, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Royal Caribbean and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 42 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Not listed
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	1B	Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	2B	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	2D	Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	3B	Balcony
Spacious Ocean View Balcony	4B	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	4D	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	5D	Balcony
Oceanview Balcony	CB	Balcony
Sunset Balcony	SB	Balcony
Spacious Sunset Balcony	SG	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed	XB	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony Quad GTY	XQ	Balcony
Interior	1V	Inside
Promenade View Interior	2T	Inside
Interior with Virtual Balcony	2U	Inside
Interior	3V	Inside
Interior With Virtual Balcony	4U	Inside
Interior	4V	Inside
Interior	5V	Inside
Interior	CP	Inside
Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed	ZI	Inside
Interior Quad GTY	ZQ	Inside
Ultra Spacious Ocean View	1K	Oceanview
Spacious Panoramic Ocean View	1L	Oceanview
Ocean View	1N	Oceanview
Ocean View	2N	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	3M	Oceanview
Ocean View	3N	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	4M	Oceanview
Ocean View	4N	Oceanview
Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)	VP	Oceanview
Ocean View Stateroom - Guaranteed	YO	Oceanview
Ocean View Quad GTY	YQ	Oceanview
Grand Suite - 1 bedroom	GS	Suite
Grand Suite - 2 bedroom	GT	Suite
Junior Suite	J3	Suite
Junior Suite	J4	Suite
Sunset Junior Suite	JT	Suite
Owner's Suite - 1 bedroom	OS	Suite
Royal Suite - 1 bedroom	RS	Suite
Suite - Guaranteed	WS	Suite