Departing thursday december 28th for 11 days / 10 nights

Ring in the New Year aboard the beautiful Explorer of The Seas. Join us on this ‘Fun Filled’ cruise vacation to ring in the New Year… it’s time to party aboard Royal Caribbean's Explorer of The Seas which offers the ultimate "at sea" experience by combining speed, added comfort, greater open spaces, sweeping ocean vistas and an exceptional cruise staff committed to serving your every whim. Among her spectacular features are the 10-story glass-constructed Centrum, glass elevators facing the sea, and the highest percentage of outside staterooms in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The Explorer offers the ultimate in sightseeing with more glass, open space and balconies than any other cruise ship of its size. In fact, you'll find amazing views everywhere you go, from the Sports Court to the Day Spa to the glass elevators in the nine-story Centrum. Want to see for yourself? Book Now…

itinerary:

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1 – Home Airport to Miami, Florida

After checking-in at your designated departure airport, please go directly through to the departure gate so you don’t get caught in a long line for security.  When you arrive in Miami, FL proceed to the baggage re-claim area and an ABS Travel Group Representative will be there to meet you. Once all bags have been re-claimed, you will be directed to your transportation for transfer to the hotel in Miami for overnight.

Overnight Miami, FL – no meals included today

Day 2 – Miami & Transfer to your Cruise Ship
After breakfast and leisurely morning we transfer to your floating home for the next 9 nights. Once on board it’s time to explore this beautiful vessel… A buffet style lunch is available in the Windjammer restaurant located on deck 11 and dinner tonight is in the main dining room. We set sail at 4pm… Let the festivities begin… enjoy.
Overnight aboard ship – Breakfast, lunch and dinner included with some in between snacking if you wish!

Day 3 – A full day at Sea
A full day at sea cruising to our first Port of Call Punta Plata, Dominican Republic. With so many different activities to choose from you will never run out of things to do but who knows, maybe you just want to relax a little around the pool sipping on your favorite drink… the choice as always is yours.
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 4 – Punta Plata, Dominican Republic – 7.00am to 3.30pm (New Years Eve)
Puerto Plata is the Dominican Republic's oldest city in the north and a tourism pioneer. Nestled by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop, the city offers a lively pier, which is known as the Malecon, colorful shops, and opulent homes from the 1800s. The city is famous for Parque Independencia (also known as Parque Central), a park fringed by royal palms and Victorian architecture. In Puerto Plata, you can hop on a cable car for sky-high views, take a tour of the local cacao farms, and buy some of the clearest amber in the world..
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 5 – Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – 11.30am to 7.00pm 
Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbors; blue waters peppered with sailboats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for post-card perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St. Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes, and coconut patties. St. Thomas may technically be part of the U.S., but with its colorful markets, unspoiled beaches, and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 6 – St Johns, Antigua – 7.00am to 3.30pm
Antigua has a beach for every day of the year— literally. But the island experience goes beyond 365 distinct ribbons of white sand and clear waters. In the capital city of St. John's, you’ll discover charming candy-colored architecture, lively markets, and a beautiful baroque cathedral. And smiling locals greet you everywhere you go. On the southern coast, you can explore Nelson’s Dockyard, a centuries-old British naval base built by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Past Antigua’s yacht-studded coastline, you’ll find upscale boutiques, wild forest trails, hidden coves, and coral reefs bustling with tropical fish. But the best way to really see the island is from up above, so cruise to Antigua and hop into a helicopter for a panoramic look at lush jungles, golden beaches, and the nearby volcanic island, Montserrat.
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 7 – Bridgetown, Barbados – 8.30am to 4.00pm
You’ll find Bridgetown strikes a fine mix of island warmth and English heritage. Stately colonial buildings intermingle with colorful wooden homes, open-air markets, and catch-of-the-day cafes. Outside of the bustle of “Town,” as the locals call it, Barbados is a new kind of paradise in any direction. Cruise to Barbados and head towards the shore for pink-and-white-sand beaches that stretch on endlessly and crystal clear turquoise waters. Or stick to the center of the island, you’ll find rolling hills and valleys, sugarcane fields and historic plantations. You can even travel underground to discover limestone caves with their own waterfalls.
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 8 – Philipsburg, St Maarten – 12.30pm to 7.00pm
What makes St. Maarten so unique is its blend of cultures. The island is home to 120 different nationalities speaking over 80 languages, and is governed by two countries: the Netherlands and France. In fact, it’s the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. While it may be less than 40 square miles, there’s plenty to do on this little island: you can travel back in time while exploring centuries-old ruins and get your adrenaline fix ziplining through lush tropical forests. If you’re after a little rest and relaxation during your cruise to St. Maarten, you’ll find plenty of secluded beaches where you can work on your suntan before treating your taste buds to some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 9 – Cruising at sea
Catch up with what you have missed aboard this beautiful vessel
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 10 – Cruising at sea
Our last full day to relax by the pool with your favorite drink in hand.
Overnight aboard ship – All meals aboard ship included

Day 11 – Miami, FL - Arrive into the Port of Miami at 6.30am…
Alas after breakfast it’s time to head back home.
Dependent on your flight schedule will determine your departure time off the ship.

Pricing - Your Choice of Staterooms Onboard:

$3,995 per person double occupancy sharing an Inside Stateroom 

$4,295 per person double occupancy sharing an Ocean View Stateroom 

$4,495 per person double occupancy sharing an Ocean View Stateroom with Private Balcony

Weather averages:

Itinerary at a Glance

Starts: Thursday December 28th 2023
Ends: Sunday January 7th 2024
    

What's Included

• Round trip flight from Rapid City and most other USA Airports to Miami, FL with transfer to the hotel & overnight
• Pre-cruise overnight
• Transfer to the ship and then 9 nights aboard Explorer of The Seas
• Cruise Gratuities for Stateroom Attendant and main Dining Room Staff
• All main meals and entertainment aboard ship 

• Fully Escorted from Rapid City, SD

Pricing

• Price: from $3,995pp (double occupancy)
• Single Supplement: Call for pricing

Tour Brochure

• Itinerary (PDF)

How to Book

• Deposit of $1,250pp due at time of booking
• June 15th 2023 - further $1,250pp due
• September 14th 2023 - Final Balance due 
• Booking Form

What You'll Need

• A camera is a must. Swimwear & Party Hat! well maybe a little more…
• Passports are required for this tour (note a Passport Card WILL NOT be sufficient, full Passport is required)