In January 2026, we sailed a 9-night Central America itinerary aboard Explora II — embarking in Miami, with calls at San Andrés Island (Colombia), Colón (Panama), Puerto Limón (Costa Rica), and Grand Cayman. This is an advisor's look at the ship, the food, and the ports.

The author and her husband with Explora II behind them.
Us, with Explora II behind us in San Andrés, Columbia.

The ship

Explora II is the second ship from Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group. She carries around 922 guests in 461 suites — every one oceanfront with a private terrace. The line's philosophy is an "Ocean State of Mind": unhurried days, dine when you choose. Six restaurants, a dozen bars and lounges, the Chef's Kitchen for hands-on classes, multiple pools, and a spa with a complimentary thermal area.

On board: the food

We took a cooking class in the Chef's Kitchen — the Italia theme that the chef made gluten free for me to be able to taste it all— and dinner at Fil Rouge, the French-inspired restaurant. There was a birthday cake along the way made Gluten Free just for me!

A cooking class in the Chef's Kitchen aboard Explora II.
A cooking class in the Chef's Kitchen — the Italia theme.
Beet carpaccio served at Fil Rouge.
Beet carpaccio at Fil Rouge, the French-inspired restaurant.
A birthday cake served on board.
A birthday celebration on board.

Sea days

Sea days were slow on purpose: Scrabble on deck, sunsets from the rail, and a pink-sky sail-away.

A game of Scrabble on deck.
Scrabble on deck.
Sunset over the ocean.
Sunset at sea.
Sailing away at sunset.
Sailing away at sunset.

The ports

San Andrés Island brought lighthouses and a coastal fort; Colón brought the Atlantic Bridge spanning the canal; Puerto Limón brought a black-sand beach.

The ship at anchor off a Caribbean island.
At anchor off a San Andrés island.
A lighthouse on the shore.
A lighthouse on the shore.
Approaching the island by water.
Homes and lighthouses adorn the coastline.
Old cannons at a coastal fort.
Old cannons at a coastal fort.
The Atlantic Bridge over the Panama Canal at Colón.
The Atlantic Bridge over the Panama Canal at Colón.
A welcome sign for Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.
Welcome to Puerto Limón, Costa Rica.
Lounge chairs on the beach.
A beach day in Grand Cayman on 7 mile beach.
A white church among palm trees.
A white church among the palms.

An advisor's take

Explora Journeys suits travelers who want a small ship, open-seating dining, and a slower pace. Each ship has a Special Diets Officer too on board to help make your dining experience custom for your allergies. If Central America by sea is on your list, I can help you pick the sailing and the suite and get you connected with the right people to ensure your dining experience is amazing!

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