Part of the Royal Caribbean Voyager Class, Explorer of the Seas blends energy, variety, and comfort that attracts not only families but also couples and adventure-seekers. Introduced in 2000 and upgraded in 2015 and 2023, the ship still provides new experiences with its combination of entertainment, dining, and relaxation. Guests will get to enjoy signature activities such as the Flowrider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall that is high above the sea, and the Royal Promenade that includes shops and cafes. Add in Ice-skating performances, themed nightlife, and an assortment of dining options, and it’s no wonder that this ship remains popular with travelers of all ages.
The Explorer of the Seas ship layout is meant to keep your every moment fresh. One deck brings the excitement of waterslides and sports courts, while another leads to the Solarium, adults deck, or Vitality Spa when you wish to totally relax. The dining options range from the classic Main Dining Room to specialty restaurants, such as Chops Grille and Izumi, to meet every appetite. The ship creates an experience with each venue that is both exhilarating and refreshing - a blend of excitement and ease that you will remember every sailing.
Technical Specifications
The cruise blends size, strength, and smart design to create a smooth and lively experience at sea. The Explorer of the Seas size places it firmly among Royal Caribbean’s popular Voyager Class, offering plenty of space for adventure while still feeling easy to navigate. These specifications give travelers a sense of the scale and comfort waiting on board.
Dimensions & Capacity
- Gross Tonnage: 138,194 GT
- Length: 1,020 ft.
- Passenger Accessible Decks: 14
- Total Guest Rooms: 1,715
- Ocean View Rooms: 228
- Balconies: 671
- Suites: 125
- Guest Capacity: 4,290
Construction and Launch Details
- Builder: Kværner Masa-Yards, Finland.
- Entered Service: 2000
- Refurbished: 2015. Updated amenities and modernized public spaces.
Environmental Features and Sustainability
- Energy-efficient lighting throughout public spaces and staterooms.
- Advanced wastewater treatment meets international standards.
- Shore power connectivity is available in select ports.
- Recycling and waste reduction systems are built into ship operations.
Explorer of the Seas Deck Plans and Layout
Distribution of activities, dining, and staterooms throughout the different levels of the ship gives each deck its own personality. The layout is practical and fun to navigate as guests can move between vibrant entertainment areas and more relaxing retreats.
Deck Highlights by Neighborhood
Deck 2
- Conference Center
- Loyalty Desk
- Ocean View Staterooms
- Wheelchair-Accessible Staterooms
Deck 3
- The Palace Theater
- Center Ice Rink
- Studio B
- Sapphire Dining Room
- Ocean View Staterooms
- Wheelchair-Accessible Staterooms
Deck 4
- The Schooner Bar
- Giovanni's Table
- Casino Royale
- The Tavern
- Art Gallery
- Sapphire Dining Room
- The Palace Theater
- Staterooms
Deck 5
- Star Lounge
- Observation Desk
- Connoisseur Club
- Café Promenade
- Ice Cream Parlor
- Royal Promenade
- Crown & Kettle Pub
- Promenade Shops
- R Bar
- Guest Services, the main reception desk of the ship.
- Shore Excursions for booking excursions.
Deck 6
- Next Cruise Office
- Staterooms (Balcony, Oceanview, Suites, & Interior)
Deck 7
- Library
- Staterooms (Promenade View Interior, Ocean View, Balcony & Suites)
Deck 8
- Balcony Staterooms
- Suites
- Interior Stateroom
- Ocean View Staterooms
Deck 9
- Concierge Club
- Grand Suite
- Junior Suite
- Ocean View Balcony
- Sunset Ocean View Balcony
- Ocean View Staterooms
- Interior Stateroom
Deck 10
- Interior Staterooms
- Balcony Staterooms
- Grand Suite
- Junior Suite
- Sunset Junior Suite
- Royal Suite
- Owner's Suite
Deck 11
- Vitality at Sea Fitness Center
- Solarium Bar
- Pool Bar
- Sea Trek Dive Shop
- Whirlpool & Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Movie Screen
- Chops Grille
- Windjammer Cafe
Deck 12
- Vitality Spa
- Sky Bar
- Video Arcade
- Optix Teen Disco
- Adventure Ocean
- Johnny Rockets
- Outdoor Youth Area
- Ocean View Panoramic Suite
- Ocean View Balcony
Deck 13
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Sports Court
- Perfect Storm
- FlowRider
- Explorer Dunes
Deck 14
- Dizzy’s
- Izumi
- Viking Crown Lounge
Deck 15
Explorer of the Seas Rooms and Suites
Staying onboard means more than just a place to sleep; it’s about comfort, views, and style that match the rest of your cruise journey. The Explorer of the Seas cruise ship offers a variety of options, from cozy interiors to spacious suites, so every traveler can find the right fit. Knowing about each of the cabin types will help you make the best decision for your stay.
Cabin Categories and Options with Features
Suite categories
- Junior Suite - Comes with a private balcony.
- Sunset Junior Suite - At the back of the ship, this room comes with a private balcony and ocean views.
- Grand Suite - Comes with two Royal King beds, perfect for 8 people.
- Owner’s Suite - A huge one-bedroom suite featuring a private balcony and a separate living space.
- Royal Suite - Largest suite with whirlpool tub, a baby grand piano, and other premium Explorer of the Seas amenities.
Balcony Staterooms
- Sunset Ocean View Balcony - Private balcony with beautiful ocean views.
- Ocean View Balcony - The standard balcony stateroom.
- Spacious Ocean View Balcony - Accessible
- Connecting Ocean View Balcony - Balcony stateroom that connects to the adjacent room.
- Sunset Ocean View Balcony - Private balcony at the back of the ship.
Interior Staterooms
- Promenade View Interior - In-stateroom window overlooking the Royal Promenade. Also comes as wheelchair accessible.
- Interior - The most budget-friendly option, can fit up to 4 people.
- Connecting Promenade Interior - Connects to the adjacent room.
Ocean View Staterooms
- Spacious Ocean View - Fits up to 4 people.
- Ultra Spacious Ocean View - Can fit up to 6 guests.
Explorer of the Seas Dining Options
Food is a big part of any cruise journey, and the Explorer of the Seas cruise doesn’t disappoint. Guests can choose from complimentary restaurants included in the fare or specialty venues for something more indulgent. With casual cafes, buffets, and elegant sit-downs, you’ll find every taste is covered.
Complimentary Dining Options
All the following venues are included in your cruise fare:
- Main Dining Room: A multi-story sit-down restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner courses with an international flair.
- Windjammer Café: Enjoy global cuisines and American favorites with spectacular ocean views.
- Café Promenade: For snacks, sandwiches, and pastries. Open 24 hours a day.
- Room Service: Available 24/7 for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack.
Specialty Dining Options
You need to pay extra for these venues:
- Chops Grille: Savor succulent steaks, fresh seafood, substantial side dishes, and decadent desserts in this classic Chicago setting.
- Giovanni’s Table: Italian trattoria offering pastas and family-style dining.
- Izumi: Sushi, sashimi, ishi-yaki plates, and Asian-inspired dishes.
- Johnny Rockets: Menu packed with American favorites like burgers, fries, and shakes.
- Chef’s Table: Exclusive, small-group, multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
Bar and Lounges
All these venues might not be included in your cruise fare. For the latest update, contact Infinity Travel Mate.
- Schooner Bar: Relax and enjoy cocktails and live piano music in this Royal Caribbean's signature piano bar with a nautical theme.
- Solarium Bar: Exclusive to adults only.
- Viking Crown Lounge: Stunning views of the ocean, live music, and a vibrant evening scene.
- English Pub: Perfect place for beer lovers.
- R Bar: This is a retro-themed bar offering a menu of classic and handcrafted cocktails.
- Pool Bar: Serves snacks and beverages in the main pool area.
Explorer of the Seas Entertainment
Entertainment onboard is a highlight of the Explorer of the Seas cruise ship, with a lineup that mixes family-friendly shows, unique venues, and nightly fun. From ice-skating spectacles to Broadway-style performances, the ship ensures evenings are just as lively as days.
Signature Productions and Venues
- RSVP to the Beat: An outstanding theatrical spectacle that blends theater, couture, and ballroom and Latin dance.
- Palace Theater: For live comedy shows and performances.
- Studio B: Enjoy ice-skating shows performed by professionals in a real rink.
- Royal Promenade: Witness lively parades and themed street parties.
- Poolside Movies: Outdoor film screenings on a large screen near the pool deck.
Nightlife and Live Music
On this ship, you’ll get several options to spend the night. Enjoy live band music where they play your favorite songs, or just relax with a cocktail in hand. Whatever you choose, the ship has venues for every kind of enjoyment.
- Casino Royale
- R Bar
- Crown & Kettle Pub
- Star Lounge
- The Tavern
- Dizzy's Jazz Club
- Schooner Bar
Onboard Facilities and Amenities
The Explorer of the Seas amenities cover everything from recreation to relaxation to shopping and arts and crafts. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly spaces, wellness retreats, or shopping, the ship balances fun with comfort. Guests can enjoy action-packed activities or quieter escapes, depending on their mood.
For Recreation
Active thrills:
- FlowRider® Surf Simulator: Attempt surfing or boogie boarding on this 12-foot-long surf simulator.
- Rock Climbing Wall: This is a 12 m wall with many levels of difficulty. Children under six are not permitted.
- The Perfect Storm: A duo of water slides, Typhoon and Cyclone, that send guests through three stories of twists and turns.
Pools and decks:
- Main pool area: Swimming pools, whirlpools, and enough space for sunbathing.
- Sports court: A full-sized court for sports like volleyball and basketball.
- Mini-golf: For a more relaxed kind of sport, try a miniature golf course.
- Jogging track: There is a designated outdoor running and walking track.
Other activities:
- Library and card room: Quiet areas for card games and reading.
- Arts and crafts: The cruise line provides workshops for crafts, including scrapbooking and jewelry making.
For Relaxation and wellness
- Adults-Only Solarium: A paradise for visitors who are at least eighteen years old. It has a retractable glass cover for all weather conditions and features pools, whirlpools, and lounge chairs in a peaceful setting.
- Vitality Spa and Fitness Center: Relax with massages, facials, body wraps, and acupuncture. You can also work out in the gym with weights.
For Kids and Teens
- Optix Teen Disco: Exclusively for teenagers, you’ll find here a dance floor, a DJ booth, a soda bar, and video games.
- Arcade: Play your favorite 1980s and 1990s games on the board.
- Adventure Ocean: This year-round program is divided into three groups and provides age-appropriate, supervised activities.
- Aquanauts (ages 3–5): Storytime, finger painting, music, and face painting are among the activities.
- Explorers (ages 6 to 8): This group can take part in scavenger hunts, science experiments, arts and crafts, and themed parties.
- Voyagers (ages 9–11): Older children can take part in arcade competitions, karaoke, foosball, and sports events.
For Shopping
- Shop branded items, watches, jewelry pieces, and beauty products from duty-free shops.
- For art lovers, the ship also holds art auctions from time to time.
Other Facilities and Services
- Every stateroom and suite has a phone, hair dryer, vanity, and private bathroom.
- High-speed Wi-Fi packages available.
- Medical center for emergencies.
Explorer of the Seas Itineraries and Destinations
The Explorer of the Seas itinerary covers a range of cruise options, from quick escapes to longer voyages. Guests can choose between Caribbean adventures, European sailings, or short island getaways, making it a versatile ship for different travel plans.
Spain & Canary Transatlantic Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Lisbon - Portugal
- Covers: Seville (Cadiz), Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: Cozumel, Perfect Day Cococay, Puerto Costa Maya
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: Perfect Day Cococay, Grand Bahama, Nassau
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: Labadee - Haiti, Perfect Day Cococay - Bahamas, Puerto Plata
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Bahamas Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: Perfect Day Cococay, Nassau
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Eastern Caribbean Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: Puerto Plata, Labadee - Haiti
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Southern Caribbean Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: George Town - Grand Cayman, Oranjestad - Aruba, Willemstad - Curaçao
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Western Caribbean Cruise Journeys
- Embark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Covers: Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Nassau - Bahamas
- Disembark: Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida
Best Explorer of the Seas Deals
Finding the right offer on an Explorer of the Seas cruise is often about timing. Prices can shift based on the season, length of sailing, and cabin choice. So, a little planning can make a big difference in overall value.
Smart Planning Tips for the Best Cruise Deals
- Book Ahead: Often, the best fares for cruises happen when you book the cruise well ahead of time and when cabin categories are available.
- Sail in Shoulder Seasons: You’ll generally get better pricing when the cruise lines are not so busy.
- Look for Similar Itineraries: The same destination can often be offered on a different itinerary route, and the Explorer of the Seas location at embarkation can affect the pricing of your cruise.
- Watch Out for Special Deals: Cruise lines may sometimes offer prices that include lower deposits, onboard credits for drinks, gifts, or a discount on specialty dining, excursions, and tours on all cruises.
- Consider Longer Cruises: Often, the per-night rate gets less expensive in the longer cruises. This allows travelers to enjoy more vacation for their money.
Explorer of the Seas Booking and Guidelines
The first step towards planning your next cruise voyage on the Explorer of the Seas is to find out what fits into your budget, travel style, and time. This ship has various types of cabins with different lengths of voyages, which makes it affordable to solo customers, couples, as well as families. Be it short hops around the island or long trips, it is always better to know how to do it to have a smooth sailing.
How to Book Explorer of the Seas with Infinity Travel Mate?
- Contact our travel specialist at (888) 325-0139.
- Talk about the place you want to go to, dates, and the type of cabin.
- To find the best match, our cruise specialists will compare itineraries and Explorer of the Seas prices on sailing dates.
- Personalized guidance on stateroom types based on travelers' needs and group size.
- You'll also receive some help with add-ons such as excursions, travel insurance, and pre- or post-cruise accommodation.
Onboard Policies and Guidelines
The Explorer of the Seas is large enough to have plenty of space and allows first-time cruisers to easily navigate the ship. But to experience an overall smooth ride, you need to be aware of the onboarding policies.
- On the day of boarding, passengers are only allowed to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne; all other alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- To board the ship and enter different countries, guests need to carry their valid government-issued identification and a visa.
- Knives are prohibited on the ship. So, don’t carry one with you.
- Learn about the specific dress codes of the ship and pack accordingly.
NOTE: For detailed guidelines, contact our travel experts. They will give you a comprehensive list of the onboarding policies.
What to Pack and How to Prepare?
What you need to pack for your next cruise journey will eventually depend on your chosen Explorer of the Seas itinerary. So, keep a note of the locations and ports you’ll be visiting. However, a general guideline will be as follows:
- For daytime wear, pack light clothes and comfortable footwear.
- Bring your swimwear, cover-ups, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- For dinners and specialty dining, bring smart casual outfits.
- A light jacket for breezy nights at sea.
- Don’t forget essentials like travel documents, chargers, and medications in your carry-on.
