The next stops on our all-luxury Explora Journeys cruise were Deshaies, Guadeloupe, Gustavia, St. Barth’s kept us in an ocean state of mind.
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My travel agency earned a complimentary cruise with Explora Journeys but we have also purchased several more tickets because we love the product. This trip report traces that journey taken in late November 2023.
Trip Report Table Of Contents
- Overview
- Miami: Kimpton Epic
- Explora Journeys
- Key West, Florida
- Sea Days
- Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands (Virgin Gorda)
- St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
- Deshaies, Guadeloupe
- Gustavia, St Barthélemy
- Basseterre, St. Kitt’s and Nevis
- Castries, St. Lucia
- Bridgetown, Barbados
Reports From Shore Kept Us From Guadeloupe
Of the many destinations that we were looking forward to on this cruise, Guadeloupe was toward the top. The reason is that it was unknown to me for most of my life until Norwegian began a quirk route from New York to the island a few years ago on a 737. This was a permissible route because Guadeloupe is a foreign overseas territory of France. The island leans heavily on its natural beauty and the appeal of stops like this, so small that even our small ship can’t dock but rather guests must arrive by tender, that most captivated us about visiting.
However, others on the ship we knew made landfall. The dock was described as chaotic and unprepared with few cabs to be found and not a lot to do. In reality, we needed very little incentive to enjoy the day on the ship mostly to ourselves. The reports we heard from shore weren’t entirely fair, but like those we knew onshore, we didn’t have an excursion plan for Guadeloupe and we were a little tired from the prior days.
We will be back in February and won’t miss it this time.
For what it’s worth we did capture an amazing photo of a double rainbow and the only time in my life I have seen both ends of a rainbow.
St. Barth’s Was A French-Caribbean Dream
Our arrival at St Barth’s was like waking up in a James Bond film. Gray-hulled villain boats anchored beside us, we watched a helicopter launch from another headed out to a far corner of the island. It was incredible, intimidating, and captivating. We weren’t going to miss St Barth’s (locals suggested that St. Barth’s is preferred to St. Bart’s.)
We disembarked our tender and found ourselves on Rue De La Republique opposite a Longchamps store. Continuing south toward the port, the hideaway for the well-kept was living up to its reputation. International fashion brands were one after another, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and on and on down the road. One boutique had beautiful ashtrays (we don’t smoke) that would set you back more than €900.
A mix of French and international cuisine was sprinkled throughout. One near the port was a Michelin-starred restaurant with so many awards they had them tumbling over each other in the window (A’telier de Joël Robuchon St Barth’s) and on a longer visit, we might try to secure a table.
We liked the French-Caribbean simplicity and beauty. A quiet street with charming boutiques, a croque monsieur, and a little bit of a sunburn – this island was a great stop, especially for those looking to shop.
Conclusion
While we missed out on Deshaies, perhaps it was better that we vowed to return with a plan and arrangements. St Barth’s was every bit of the postcard we had envisioned and while we don’t come to the islands to shop for designer clothes and handbags, the casual experience and delightful weather live up to the island’s reputation.
What do you think?
It’s too bad you missed Deshaies. It’s the town where Death in Paradise is filmed.
But go back in late spring and you can see the action as the next series takes plac
Did not know Death in Paradise was filmed there.. Love that show… Have been to St. Barts many times and will return for our big 50 anniversary…