Explorer of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class. It followed the floating resort concept of Voyager of the Seas, the first ship of the same class.
It introduced entertainment, different facilities, and activities that appeal to every age group. In this guide, let’s explore the ship’s size, cabins, dining, entertainment, itineraries, and practical cruise tips.
30-Second Summary
- Launched in 2000, Explorer of the Seas was the largest ship in the world and introduced many onboard amenities.
- It belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class and features multiple spacious public areas and diverse itineraries.
- Travelers can expect multiple dining and entertainment options, along with specialty dining venues.
- Shore excursions are diverse, including adventure, cultural, culinary, and wildlife tours.
Overview of Explorer of the Seas
Being a Voyager-class ship, it redefined modern cruising with spacious public spaces and innovative onboard activities. It is not one of the newer Royal Caribbean ships, but it is popular for its strong entertainment options and diverse itineraries.
Here are some key facts about the ship.
- Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
- Class: Voyager class
- Year launched: 2000
- Gross Tonnage: Approximately 138,194 GT
- Length: About 1,020 feet (311 meters)
- Passenger capacity: Around 3,200+ guests
- Crew: Over 1,185 crew members
- Total cabins: Approximately 1,600+
- Passenger decks: 14
When it was launched, Explorer of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the entire world and introduced many features that later became the Royal Caribbean fleet’s staples.
Explorer of the Seas Deck Plan
The deck plan of the ship allows easy passenger flow. The majority of the cabins are located on stateroom-only decks, which means that passengers can enjoy quiet nights.
The restaurants are spread out over multiple levels instead of being packed into one or two decks. This clever layout ensures that crowds remain at a minimum even at peak times. There are 16 elevators that keep the flow of guests smooth.
The Royal Promenade is the center of attraction on the ship. It is extremely long and spacious with different shops.
Explorer of the Seas Cabins and Staterooms
There are plenty of cabins and stateroom options on the ship to fit different budgets and travel styles.
Cabin Categories
- Interior Cabins: best for budget-conscious travelers
- Oceanview Cabins: perfect to get natural light and watch sea views
- Balcony Cabins: ideal for guests who prefer a personal outdoor space
- Suites: offer more space, amenities, and comfort
Which Cabins Suit Who
Families: Balcony cabins or suites for more space
Couples: Oceanview or balcony staterooms
First-time Cruisers: Interior or oceanview cabins for affordability and value
Cabins to Avoid
The cabins on decks 2,3, and 6 can be problematic for people as they are right below, above, or adjacent to loud places that get foot traffic till late at night. Moreover, some aft-facing cabins with obstructed views should be avoided, too.
Explorer of the Seas Amenities
One of the strongest selling points of this ship is its onboard activities. It includes many well-known Royal Caribbean attractions, including
- FlowRider surfing simulator
- Ice-skating rink
- Rock-climbing wall
- Sports courts and multiple swimming pools
- Fitness center and spa facilities
Explorer of the Seas is widely considered a family-friendly cruise because it offers
- Supervised kids’ and teen programs
- Family-oriented activities and entertainment
- A layout that supports both energetic and quiet spaces
Dining on Explorer of the Seas
Dining on the ship is a mix of both included and specialty restaurants. Main dining options include a traditional main dining room, a casual buffet, and quick service venues for snacks and light meals.
The ship also has specialty dining restaurants. You can have your meals there by paying additional charges. They offer international-style cuisines and a more intimate dining experience.
Entertainment on Explorer of the Seas
Entertainment is lively onboard. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style theater productions, ice-skating performances, live music, and themed performances.
Additionally, the nightlife is also great. Passengers can enjoy social spaces for both quiet nights and lively gatherings. Lounges and bars with live music let travelers make the most of their journey.
Explorer of the Seas Itineraries
This ship sails from Port Canaveral, Barcelona, Rome, Civitavecchia, Piraeus, Laviron, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Everglades.
The ports of call include Eastern and Western Caribbean, Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Bahamas, and Southern Caribbean.
Shore Excursions
Here are some of the shore excursions offered by Explorer of the Seas.
Active Adventures: Horseback riding, zip-lining, mountain biking, parasailing, and off-roading.
Beach and Water Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, snuba, deep-sea fishing, and kayaking.
Culture and Sights: Tours to historical landmarks, museums, and local villages.
Culinary Delights: Food tasting tours exploring regional and local flavors.
Wilderness and Wildlife Tours: Opportunities to see animals like manatees, dolphins, and monkeys in their natural habitat.
Upgrades and Refurbishments
This is the refurbishment timeline of Explorer of the Seas.
2015 (Major Upgrade)
This upgrade changed the ship’s features. The main additions included the Flowrider surf simulator, virtual balconies, a 3D movie theater, and new specialty restaurants.
2023 (Spring)
In this refurbishment, more Royal Caribbean features were added, including The Perfect Storm waterslides and a mini-golf course.
2025 (October)
The ship underwent a dry dock for four weeks in Spain. It mainly focused on technical maintenance, refreshing public areas like the Solarium, and carpeting.
Who is it Best For?
Now comes the question that many cruisers are curious about: who should sail on this ship? Explorer of the Seas is suitable for a lot of travelers, including
- Families looking for onboard activities
- First-time cruisers wanting to have an all-rounded experience
- Travelers who enjoy active entertainment
- Guests seeking value rather than newer ship features
Explorer of the Seas Pros and Cons
Like every ship, Explorer of the Seas has its benefits and disadvantages.
Pros
- It has a vast range of onboard activities.
- This ship offers a family-friendly atmosphere.
- It has a Voyager-class design.
- It offers a solid entertainment lineup.
Cons
- It is not as modern as Royal Caribbean’s newer ships and can feel outdated.
- It also does not have high-tech features compared to newer classes.
Cruise Tips for First-Time Ship Guests
- Choose cabins carefully to avoid noise and motion sickness.
- Select itineraries that match your preferences, as some of them focus on sea days while others are port-heavy.
- Keep a good balance of high-energy activities with downtime to feel less overwhelmed.
- Decide on shore excursions early, as any of them tend to sell out fast.
The Bottom Line
Explorer of the Seas remains a reliable and engaging ship that has a mix of amenities, entertainment, and itineraries. While it does not have the newest features, it offers a well-balanced cruise experience for all travelers.
Plan your next journey by exploring in-depth travel guides on Cruise Tidal.
FAQs
How Old is Explorer of the Seas, and does it Feel Outdated?
Explorer of the Seas was launched in 2000, which makes it older than many of Royal Caribbean’s fleet. However, it has been upgraded for maintenance many times. It might feel outdated to travelers who want the latest attractions, but it still provides a solid classic cruise experience.
What Cabins are Best for Families on Explorer of the Seas?
For families, balcony cabins and suites are great because they provide extra space and a private outdoor area. Families on a budget may also find interior cabins suitable, particularly for shorter journeys.
What Destinations does Explorer of the Seas usually sail to?
Explorer of the Seas sails to a variety of destinations. The common ones are Europe and Caribbean cruises. These itineraries focus on popular ports, making them ideal for both beach and culture-focused travelers.
