2 November 2026 — Cartagena, Spain Explorer of the Seas I woke up at 7:00 this morning with a simple plan: stay on the ship and relax. I’ve been to Cartagena, Spain, before, so I decided to pass on another day of sightseeing and enjoy some time aboard Explorer of the Seas. After several days of excursions and activities, this was a chance to slow things down. There was no excursion to get ready for and no meeting time ashore. My schedule was straightforward: breakfast, some r

Palma de Mallorca, Spain — my port call on 1 November 2026. 1 November 2026 — Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Explorer of the Seas At 8:00 this morning, I enjoyed an excellent Pinnacle breakfast and talked with my fellow travelers before heading ashore. We left the port of Palma at 9:00 for our excursion. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny morning—a good morning to have my camera ready. Our first stop was Bellver Castle, a Gothic castle on a hill overlooking Palma. I had time to walk

31 October 2026 — Barcelona, Spain Explorer of the Seas I am now on the third leg of this trip, and we’ll soon be heading across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s hard to believe that two weeks have gone by. I only have two more weeks on this fabulous trip. Today was turnaround day in Barcelona. My plan was to complete customs, get back aboard, and spend the day resting and relaxing. Barcelona was our turnaround port today. I planned to spend my day aboard. At 7:00 a.m., I began the t

Marseille, France — my port of call on 30 October 2026, with an excursion to Aix-en-Provence. 30 October 2026 — Marseille, France Excursion to Aix-en-Provence I woke up at 6:30 this morning after an excellent night’s sleep, ready for a day ashore in France. By 7:00, I was enjoying my Pinnacle breakfast. It’s always a great way to start the morning: sitting at a table by myself, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and taking my time. A quiet breakfast before an excursion gives

29 October 2026 — Ajaccio, Corsica, France Aboard Explorer of the Seas I woke up at 6:00 a.m. and decided to stay on the ship today. After all the activities of the last couple of days, I was ready to rest and relax. Ajaccio was our port of call, but my destination for the morning was the spa. This was going to be my big spa day. At 8:00 a.m., I had booked an Aroma Spa Seaweed Wrap with Massage. There was just one problem: the spa had run out of seaweed powder. I was disappoi

28 October 2026 — Civitavecchia, Italy (Port for Rome) 6:00 AM — Up and Ready I woke up, got myself dressed, and got ready for the day’s activities. 7:30 AM — A Hearty Pinnacle Breakfast Time for a hearty Pinnacle breakfast with my friend Judy Kunhardt. She is always a breath of fresh air. We discussed our plans for the day and yesterday’s adventures. It was a very pleasant breakfast. 9:00 AM — Bracciano Lake & Wine Tasting Shore Excursion We boarded our air-conditioned motor

Naples, Italy — October 27, 2026 October 27, 2026 | Naples, Italy | Explorer of the Seas I woke up at 5:00 this morning, ready for a long day of adventure. Our shore excursion, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast by Motorboat and Pompeii, promised beautiful scenery, good Italian food, and a walk through history. It certainly delivered! A Beautiful Morning on the Amalfi Coast At 7:00 a.m. we set off on our approximately nine-and-a-half-hour excursion. After a coach ride to Salerno, we boa

A foggy visit to Mount Etna, an uphill adventure through Taormina, a wonderful lunch at Granduca, and an Italian evening aboard Explorer of the Seas.

A bright Mediterranean sea day aboard Explorer of the Seas: Patty Verbeeck’s Pinnacle celebration, a veterans tribute, spa time, wine, cocktails, and friendship.

A smooth turnaround in Ravenna, an afternoon at the spa, new excursion plans, dinner with Patty, and a reminder to enjoy life’s new beginnings aboard Explorer of the Seas.

A sunny day in Split brings Croatian food and olive oil, a fond spa farewell, a favorite treatment with Megan, and reflections as my first cruise segment draws to a close.

A sea day aboard Explorer of the Seas: a relaxing spa morning, a meaningful veterans ceremony, Japanese lunch, Champagne, and dinner with fellow travelers before Split, Croatia.

October 21, 2026 — Athens, Greece. A day of Greek flavors, music, a little creativity, and just enough pampering to keep this traveler in good working order. A Fresh Start with Ritee I woke up at 7:00 a.m. feeling rested and refreshed, ready for a full day in Athens. By 7:45, I was down at the spa for a complete facial and shave with Ritee. As she worked, she told me about her life in Mumbai, India. Those conversations are part of what I enjoy about cruising: getting to know

A wonderful day in Santorini with Patty, baklava, Greek dancing and plate smashing, followed by a relaxing massage and an exceptional Chef’s Table dinner.

Sea Day - 19 Oct 2026 Aboard Explorer of the Seas, a day between ports brought old friends, seven wines, a lovely dinner with Patty, and a very well-prepared face for tomorrow’s adventures. You would think a day at sea would be an opportunity to sleep late and take things slowly. Well, I was up at 6:00 a.m. There were people to see, appointments to keep, and pancakes to catch before breakfast closed. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I intended to fit in a nap. Even a rela

A little morning pampering, a taste of the Croatian countryside, a well-earned nap, and an evening with friends who are always ready for another adventure.

A luxurious Venetian breakfast, private Murano glassmaking tour, a glass cat for Roseann, dinner at Antico Martini, and an unforgettable musical evening.

An exceptionally smooth departure from Venice, a reunion with old friends, a little pampering, and one suitcase that apparently had travel plans of its own.

An exceptionally smooth arrival, a little Italian style, and a day spent finding my feet in Venice.

Continue the Journey Back to the Explorer of the Seas 2026 Journey Hub — follow the complete voyage and all daily stories.