Oct
2019
Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas France & Spain Mini Cruise – 20th October 2019
Few mini cruises from Southampton have the luxury of being able to reach Spain.
This five-night mini cruise on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas heads straight to Bilbao and squeezes in Le Havre on the way back.
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
About this cruise
The cruise departs Southampton on Sunday 20th October 2019 and sails across to Le Havre in France. This is the cruise gateway to Paris, although it is a two hour journey to get there. The long day in port means you can have plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the country's capital if you so wish. Alternatively, Le Havre boasts restaurants and attractions that will keep you busy throughout the day.
On Monday you'll continue your way through the Bay of Biscay. It takes a while to transit the infamous waters, so you will have a sea day on Tuesday to do as you please onboard. Relax and unwind, or try out some of the many activities on this great ship.
On Wednesday morning you will arrive at Getxo, the closest cruise ship port to Bilbao. A short bus journey onwards and you will be in the city centre. Here you could do many things, but my favourite is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Puppy, a gigantic floral artwork by artist Jeff Koons, sits proudly outside the building. Jump on Funicular de Artxanda to enjoy magnificent views over the city from its summit.
That night you'll start heading back northwards. Thankfully, the vast distance means you get an extra relaxing sea day on Thursday to do as you please. The October weather may not lend itself to sunbathing (you can always hope), but there's plenty of things to see and do inside the ship. Enjoy a drink or two, take part in the entertainment, pamper yourself in the spa, or shop 'till you drop on Royal Promenade.
On Friday morning you'll dock back in Southampton, drawing this adventure to France and Spain to a close.
The Route
The itinerary for this mini cruise is:
| Day | Date | Port | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday 20th October 2019 | Southampton | 4.30pm |
| 2 | Monday 21st October 2019 | Le Havre | 7am to 7pm |
| 3 | Tuesday 22nd October 2019 | At sea | All day |
| 4 | Wednesday 23rd October 2019 | Getxo for Bilbao | 7am to 5pm |
| 5 | Thursday 24th October 2019 | At sea | All day |
| 6 | Friday 25th October 2019 | Southampton | 5.30am |
Why choose this taster cruise?
- 5 nights on Royal Caribbean's family-friendly ship, Explorer of the Seas
- Departs on Sunday 20th October 2019
- Sail round-trip from Southampton
- Spend a day in Spain and another in France, with two relaxing days at sea
So you know, the map above shows point-to-point lines which may cross land. Don't worry, your cruise ship will not sprout legs and run across dry land. Instead it's water all the way! Mapping is approximate, and the scheduled times are estimates. Your trip is subject to change as, occasionally, operators have to alter itineraries due to bad weather or unforeseen events.
The Price
Oh no, the ship has sailed on this cruise
Sorry, the ship has sailed on this mini cruise and I'm sure it was a blast! Never mind though, there are plenty more mini cruises to choose from.
More choices
Not quite right? Here are some other suggestions that may suit better.