The 137,308-ton, 3,114-passenger cruise ship Explorer of the Seas has been bypassed in size and conveniences by the Freedom-class trio and the massive Oasis-class twins. However, it's still between the largest ships in the world, with a range of the most uncruise-like places at sea. The revolutionary Voyager-class vessels follow the floating resort concept and boast a wealth of amenities, activities and amusement. Among the special facilities are a sixty-foot-by-forty foot ice skating rink, a shopping and dining boulevard, rock-climbing wall, wedding chapel, complete-court basketball and spa complex. There is a lot to appeal to each age group, making Explorer an amazing cruise vessel for multi-generational reunions. Explorer of the Seas is also one of Royal Caribbean's most reasonably priced ships.
Explorer of the Seas itinerary program is based on cruises from Southampton, UK to the Canary Islands and Western Mediterranean. In 2016 the RCI ship will offer for the first time voyages in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, with departures out of Sydney and Singapore.
Explorer Of The Seas has a total of 1557 cabins (of which 119 Suites, 517 Balcony rooms) in 25 grades. Most Explorer of the Seas staterooms are 150-sq.foot insides (480). Almost 50% of ship's accommodations have private balcony views. 26 are the wheelchair accessible rooms. The largest aboard Explorer of the Seas are the Royal Suites (1090 ft2 - more than 100 m2!).
From the meals in the main dining room to the buffet choices in Windjammer Cafe and options available at 24-hour Cafe Promenade, food aboard Explorer of the Seas is well prepared with plentiful choices, especially considering ship's capacity. The main dining room offers flexible "My Time Dining" during dinner. Guests can choose between assigned early or late dining, or opt for flexible dining. The 3-level formal dining room is between the most stunning in moderately priced cruise lines: it's an unique space linked by grand staircase, with gold-leaf columns and golden velvet curtains. Explorer's MDR also features a ceiling dome with gold rays and stars. Each of its three levels is themed to legendary explorers: Magellan, Da Gama and Columbus.
The Windjammer buffet restaurant features mediocre cuisine with kudos to the egg station at breakfast and the carving station at lunch. Vegetarians will do better in the MDR at lunch. The Windjammer, however, is an option for the nights when flexibility is expected. The buffet features the items offered on the main dining room menu. The Italian-themed Giovanni’s Table charges a US$20 per-person cover charge (specialty beverages, wine, beer and soda are paid separately), and offers a multi-course meal. Johnny Rockets is another specialty eatery, 1950's-style burger joint, where passengers can indulge in hot dogs, burgers, chili fries and onion rings.
Follows the complete list of Explorer of the Seas restaurants and food bars.
At night, Explorer of the Seas offers Broadway-style revues at the 4-deck Palace. Bar venues offer various musical performances aimed to please everybody at any time with classical guitar, jazz and country. Beyond the usual, where this cruise vessel excels is the unique, like Studio B ice rink which hosts ice skating show "Ice Planet" with falling "snow" - worth the effort to get a ticket (free of charge but the venue is tiny, so tickets are limited). Another unusual activitiy is the rock-climbing wall competition. And while the Royal Promenade is the spot for a street-fair atmosphere, the intimate spaces for quiet time onboard include the Aquarium Bar, with nice tanks with 56 tons of saltwater and variety of tropical fish; the nautical-themed Schooner Bar and Seven Hearts Card Room.
Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Supervised Youth program, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry.
Follows the complete list of Explorer of the Seas lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.
Build Year : 2000 |
Width : 48.00 |
Length : 311.00 |
Speed : 24.00 |
Capacity : 3114 |
Deck Quantity : 15 |
Cabin Quantity : 1557 |
Restaurant Quantity : 4 |
Lift Quantity : 14 |
Balancer : Yes |