When the ice, snow and sleet return to the Big Apple, Royal Caribbean International will offer the perfect respite from the season. The cruise line known for its innovative cruise ship designs and friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, today announced winter 2013-14 vacations aboard Explorer of the Seas, totaling 22 sailings on 16 itineraries to eight tropical ports. 

Continuing its year-round service for the New York metropolitan area at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., Explorer of the Seas offers weather-worn residents convenient and rejuvenating cruises to the ever-welcoming sun, sand and surf of the Caribbean. The new winter 2013-14 vacations aboard Explorer of the Seas are now open for booking.

Explorer of the Seas will begin with an 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise, departing Nov. 3, 2013, which calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Antigua and St. Kitts. Vacationers also can choose a range of nine- or 10-night itineraries that take guests to three paradisiacal Eastern Caribbean ports, plus Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on the north coast of Haiti. Eastern Caribbean ports include San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Samana in the Dominican Republic.

Vacationers also can choose seven-night Bahamas cruises, featuring calls at Nassau , Bahamas; Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay. The December 22 and 29 departure will see guests celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Day, respectively, at Nassau; while the Mar. 21, 2014 sailing will offer guests an eighth night at sea.

In Apr. 2014, Explorer of the Seas will offer a pair of five-night Bermuda and nine-night Bermuda & Caribbean itineraries. The shorter sailing features an overnight at Kings Wharf, while the longer itinerary calls at Kings Wharf, St. Maarten, San Juan and Labadee.