Explorer of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class ships. Launched in 2000, she is one of the older ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
Explorer of the Seas Size
Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 137,308 GT. Not to be confused with weight, gross tonnage is a measure of the internal volume of a ship. It’s the best way to compare ships by size.
Explorer of the Seas is 311 metres (1,020 feet) long, which is about the same length as 10 blue whales or 2.8 football fields!
Explorer of the Seas has a beam of 48 metres (158 feet). Beam is another word for width, when we’re talking about the size of cruise ships.
There are 15 decks on Explorer of the Seas and 8 of these have cabins. These are accessed by a whopping 14 guest elevators, with more elevators that are just for crew members.
Explorer of the Seas Occupancy
Explorer of the Seas is considered to be large compared to most ships at sea, but is medium-sized when compared to other Royal Caribbean ships. She can accommodate 3,286 based on double occupancy. However, if every bed on the ship is in use, then this ship can accommodate up to 4,290 as well as 1,185 crew members.
Explorer of the Seas Speed
You may be wondering how fast Explorer of the Seas can go? Well, the top speed is 22 knots, which equates to 25.31716 miles per hour. However, the ship usually sails much slower than this as the speed is dictated by the itinerary and the weather.
Building Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas was built in 2000 in Turku, Finland by the shipbuilder STX Finland. Like many Royal Caribbean ships, she was registered in Bahamas.
The ship cost $500,000,000 to build. She was Christened by Jackie Joyner-Kersee and made her maiden voyage on October 28, 2000.
Explorer of the Seas has 4 sister ships in the Voyager Class:
Facilities onboard Explorer of the Seas
You’ll find plenty to do onboard Explorer of the Seas. Here’s what you can expect to find on board:
Adventure Ocean
Adventure Ocean is the Royal Caribbean kids club, and includes AO Babies and AO Junior for younger guests. Children will love the huge range of activities on offer, and the dedicated spaces just for them.
Arcade
Get your game on at the arcade, where you’ll find a host of different machines suited to all ages. There’s a selection of video games, classic games such as skeeball, and prize games too.
Broadway-Style Entertainment
The live entertainment on Royal Caribbean is stunning, with Broadway-style shows that are packed with incredible live music and incredible visual effects. Get comfy in the on-board theatre and enjoy being whisked away to magical worlds through immersive stories.
Casino Royale
Whether you’re a poker or blackjack player, or you prefer to stick to machines, Casino Royale has it all. Play some games and potentially win some amazing jackpots in a lively, exciting atmosphere.
Conference Center
The conference facilities on a Royal Caribbean ship can accommodate up to 400 guests, and include facilities for meetings, theater-style events and even trade shows. These rooms can be hired for no additional fee by sailing guests.
FlowRider
Hop on a surfboard or bodyboard and ride the waves with FlowRider, the only surfing simulator at sea. Included in your fare, this is a thrilling attraction for newbies and experienced surfers too.
Ice Skating
Strap on a pair of ice skates and head onto the rink. Whether you’re grabbing the sides all the way around, or confident enough to perform figure-eights and elaborate spins, you’ll have a great time skating as a family.
Mini Golf
Enjoy a fun mini golf course on your ship where you can putt around various tricky obstacles. This is included in your fare, so if you have a bad round…just play again!
Outdoor Movie Screen
Cosy up on a lounger, grab the popcorn and enjoy epic entertainment on the outdoor movie screen. Newly-released movies, classic films and live sport events will be shown at various times.
Rock Climbing Wall
Whether you’re a beginner or a speed-climber, the rock climbing wall is a cool place to hang out and enjoy amazing views. Included in your fare and with no reservation needed, you can scale the wall as many times as you like during your cruise.
Royal Promenade
The hub of the ship, the Royal Promenade is where you’ll board but also where you’ll find a wide range of bars, restaurants and stores. This is a lively part of the ship day and night, where you might even spot a parade or two during your cruise.
Running Track
If you want to keep up your fitness routine while on your cruise, the running track is the ideal place. Enjoy amazing views across the ocean as you complete every lap of the track, passing many of the ship’s best features.
Solarium
Exclusively for adult guests, the Solarium is an indoor and outdoor venue designed with pure relaxation in mind. Relax in the quiet pools, grab a cocktail and sit in a lounge space, or enjoy the cascading lagoons on some ships as you let stresses melt away.
Sports Court
The sports court is an outdoor area that hosts various different sporting activities during your cruise, aimed at the whole family. Games include basketball, volleyball and other court sports, with tournaments often arranged during your cruise.
Studio B
Studio B is a fun venue that doubles up as both a live entertainment theatre and a TV studio ideal for family game shows. The retractable floor also reveals the ice rink for shows and for your own use during downtime too.
Vitality at Sea Fitness & Spa / Spa
At the Vitality Spa, guests can enjoy a range of treatments designed to help them relax and recharge. From beauty treatments such as facials and body wraps, to soothing massages and bathing rituals, there is something for everyone – including a range of services aimed at teens and tweens.
Places to eat on Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas has a huge selection of restaurants, cafes and snack bars where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a quick bite to eat. Some of these are included in your cruise fare and some have an extra charge.
Here are all of your dining options onboard Explorer of the Seas :
Ben & Jerry’s
Cool off on a warm sea day with a trip to Ben & Jerry’s, serving a range of their popular ice cream flavours. Grab yourself a cup or get a milkshake or ice cream float from this popular booth with a host of extra toppings also available. Charges apply.
Cafe Promenade
Cafe Promenade is an included dining venue serving a selection of deli treats and tasty breakfast items. Grab a croissandwich in the morning, or a packed wrap for lunch. There are some great sweet items here as well, with menu options rotating daily.
Chef’s Table
If you want a formal, gourmet dining experience then Chef’s Table is ideal. You’ll be served five stunning courses during this white-tablecloth dinner in an exclusive setting, with every course perfectly paired with a different wine by the ship’s onboard sommelier.
Chops Grille
The Chops Grille steakhouse is an iconic Royal Caribbean restaurant, known for its excellent selection of steak, fish and other meat dishes. This speciality restaurant is smart casual and offers a lighter menu for lunch alongside its main dinner selections.
Giovanni’s Table
Experience an elevated Italian dining experience at this smart casual venue that serves a mix of classic and contemporary dishes. Sample the incredible house focacia, try an anitpasti platter, or save all your room for the hearty, flavour-rich main courses.
Izumi
Izumi is a smart casual speciality restaurant that specialises in Asian cuisine, specifically focussing on Japanese classics such as sushi and sishimi. Over four courses (including two mains) you’ll discover some amazing flavours whether you dine at lunch or dinner.
Johnny Rockets
Enjoy Royal Caribbean’s classic take on the American diner with Johnny Rockets, a casual speciality restaurant serving all your favourite burgers, sandwiches and fries. Don’t forget the hand-spun shakes and malts to go with them, too.
Main/Traditional Dining
If you choose Traditional Dining, you’ll be given a set dining time for the Main Dining Room every night. You’ll also likely have the same waiter throughout your cruise, who will learn all your favourites and make meal times even more special.
My Family Time Dining
With My Family Time Dining, you get the best of family time dinner while also being able to relax. Your kids will complete their meals within 45 minutes, before they are escorted to the Adventure Ocean kids club while you enjoy the rest of your meal.
My Time Dining
With My Time Dining, you can choose when you take dinner, and you don’t need to make a reservation (although you may have to wait for a table). You’ll need to pre-pay your gratuities if you want this extra flexibility.
Room Service
Whether you want a late night snack or just a lazy morning in your stateroom, the room service menu has you covered. There are various hot and cold food items and drinks you can choose to have delivered to you.
Windjammer Cafe
The Windjammer Cafe is the buffet restaurant on the ship. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can help yourself to a fantastic selection of hot and cold foods in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Bars & Lounges Onboard Explorer of the Seas
There’s no shortage of places to relax and enjoy a drink onboard Explorer of the Seas. You’ll find lots of bars and lounges including outdoor pool bars, cocktail bars and live music venues.
Here are the places you can enjoy a drink on Explorer of the Seas:
Concierge Club Lounge
Suite guests and those at the necessary level of the Crown & Anchor loyalty program can enjoy a quiet drink in the Concierge Club. As well as grabbing a drink, guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, make reservations and borrow movies and CDs too.
Diamond Club
The Diamond Club is an exclusive venue for the use of Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club guests only. Here you can enjoy a calm atmosphere with cocktails (complimentary during the early evening) whilst making reservations for the rest of your cruise.
English Pub
The English Pub on-board your ship is an ideal place to grab a traditional beer or ale, or sample a UK-themed cocktail such as a James Bond Martini. Pop-up music performances keep the lively atmosphere going throughout the evening.
R Bar
If you prefer your cocktails to be a little more classical and sophisticated, head to the R Bar. This classy venue serves up dry Martinis, Old Fashioneds and other traditional favourites in a venue that oozes style and swank.
Schooner Bar
This friendly, relaxing piano bar is the ideal place to unwind at the end of the night. Grab a seat next to the ship’s mast, or next to a porthole and enjoy the view, while the singalong kicks in.
Secondary Lounge
The Secondary Lounge is a large space with ultra-luxurious chairs where you can unwind with a drink and take in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Decorated in a modern style, you can sit back and enjoy good music and even better company.
Viking Crown Lounge
The Viking Crown Lounge offers stunning views with its floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a great spot to watch the sunset. At night, live music kicks in and the dance floor starts to fill up.
