Explorer of the Seas
From Cruise Wiki
Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean. It is the second vessel of the Voyager Class, following Voyager of the Seas and preceding Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas. Built by Aker Finnyards in Turku, Finland, the ship entered service in October 2000.
Overview
- Class: Voyager Class
- Operator: Royal Caribbean International
- Entered Service: 2000
- Gross Tonnage: ~137,308 GT
- Length: 311 m (1,020 ft)
- Passenger Capacity: approx. 3,114 (double occupancy), up to 3,840 maximum
- Crew: ~1,185
Explorer of the Seas was designed to expand the Voyager Class concept with upgraded entertainment venues, enhanced dining, and family-friendly features.
Ship Features
- FlowRider – Surf simulator with 30,000 gallons of rushing water (added during amplification).
- Rock Climbing Wall – Signature Royal Caribbean adventure activity.
- Ice Skating Rink – Studio B hosts skating shows and passenger sessions.
- Royal Promenade – Indoor boulevard with shops, bars, and parades.
- Splashaway Bay – Waterpark for kids with slides and splash zones.
- Perfect Storm Waterslides – Duo of twisting slides for thrill-seekers.
- Dining Options – Specialty restaurants including Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, and Johnny Rockets.
- Entertainment Venues – Broadway-style productions, live music, and comedy clubs.
Destinations
Explorer of the Seas sails primarily from Miami, Florida, and seasonal homeports in Europe.
- Caribbean Cruises – Eastern and Western itineraries including Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico.
- Bahamas Cruises – Short voyages to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- European Cruises – Seasonal voyages visiting Spain, Italy, France, and the Canary Islands.
- Transatlantic Cruises – Repositioning voyages between Europe and North America.
Things to Do Onboard
- Family Fun – Splashaway Bay, Adventure Ocean kids’ program, and arcade games.
- Adventure Activities – Surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice skating, and waterslides.
- Relaxation – Solarium for adults, Vitality Spa, and multiple pools.
- Entertainment – Broadway-style musicals, ice-skating shows, parades on the Royal Promenade, and live music.
- Dining – Specialty restaurants, casual eateries, and international cuisine options.
Accommodations
Explorer of the Seas offers a wide variety of staterooms and suites:
- Interior cabins with modern amenities.
- Oceanview and balcony staterooms.
- Family staterooms with extra space and kid-friendly layouts.
- Luxury suites, including the Royal Suite Class with exclusive benefits.
Notable Facts
- Explorer of the Seas was the second ship in the Voyager Class, launched in 2000.
- The ship underwent a major amplification in 2015, adding new waterslides, dining venues, and entertainment options.
- It is popular for Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami.
See Also
- Royal Caribbean
- Voyager Class
- Voyager of the Seas
- Adventure of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
References
- Royal Caribbean – [Explorer of the Seas Ship Overview](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/explorer-of-the-seas)
- Cruise Critic – [Explorer of the Seas Activities](https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruise/royal-caribbean/explorer-of-the-seas/activities)
- Cruise Hive – [Explorer of the Seas Facts](https://www.cruisehive.com/explorer-of-the-seas/153428)
- The Points Guy – [Explorer of the Seas Review](https://thepointsguy.com/guide/explorer-of-the-seas-review/)
- Cruise Mapper – [Explorer of the Seas Deck Plans and Features](https://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Explorer-Of-The-Seas-2027)
