Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas is a beloved Voyager Class ship that pairs big-ship energy with familiar Royal Caribbean favorites. Expect the bustling Royal Promenade at the heart of the action, Studio B’s ice-skating shows, a sky-high rock wall, and sea-view pools balanced by a tranquil adults-only Solarium. Refreshed venues, family-friendly stateroom options, and an easy layout make it a versatile choice for port-rich itineraries and relaxed sea days alike.
Ship Facts
Class: Voyager Class
Entered Service: 2000
Gross Tonnage: ~137,000 GT
Length: ~311 m / 1,020 ft
Beam (max): ~39 m / 128 ft
Guests: ~3,100 (double occupancy)
Crew: ~1,150
Decks: 14 guest decks
Signature Features: Royal Promenade, Studio B Ice Rink, FlowRider surf simulator
Registry: Bahamas
Onboard Experience
Accommodation
Explorer of the Seas offers a wide spread of staterooms—from value-smart Interior and spacious Ocean View to sea-breezy Balcony rooms that frame sail-ins and sunsets. Families can book connecting cabins or selected Family Ocean View layouts, while accessible options are available across categories for a smoother cruise. Suites step things up with larger living areas, oversized balconies, and priority services that streamline boarding and dining. Expect thoughtful storage, a work-vanity, in-room safe, flat-screen TV, and daily housekeeping everywhere—your comfortable base between port adventures and late-night promenade strolls.Dining
Classic cruise dining anchors the experience in the elegant Main Dining Room with rotating multi-course menus, while Windjammer delivers global variety at your own pace. For celebratory nights, Chops Grille brings hand-cut steaks, Giovanni’s Table serves rustic Italian favorites, and Izumi covers sushi cravings; casual bites at Café Promenade and Park Café keep snacks, pizza, and coffee easy all day. Room service takes care of late returns from shore, and vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options can be planned across venues so everyone in the group eats well without hassle.Bars & Lounges
Evenings orbit the Royal Promenade—Explorer of the Seas’ social boulevard—where parades, live music, and pop-up moments create a lively, walkable scene. Settle into Schooner Bar for piano singalongs, compare vintages at the wine bar, or catch the big match in the sports bar. Poolside spots keep frozen favorites flowing on sunny afternoons, while the pub pours pints in a cozy setting. When you want quieter corners, head toward lounge nooks off the Promenade or a sea-view seat in the Viking Crown Lounge for skyline-level sunsets.Activities & Entertainment
Sea days stack up fast: scale the signature rock-climbing wall, challenge friends on the sports court or mini-golf, and try the FlowRider surf simulator for splash-happy bragging rights. Studio B hosts crowd-pleasing ice shows and open-skate sessions, the fitness center looks out to the ocean, and the Vitality Spa offers massages and salon services when it’s time to unwind. Nights bring production shows in the theater, table games and slots in the casino, trivia and game shows across lounges, plus dedicated Adventure Ocean and teen hangouts so younger cruisers chart their own fun.Highlights
Voyager Class DNA shines here: the Royal Promenade keeps dining, bars, and shopping steps apart; acres of open deck space frame sail-away views; and the adults-only Solarium creates a quiet, climate-friendly retreat. With refreshed venues and a mid-to-large footprint that’s still easy to navigate, Explorer hits a sweet spot for couples, families, and groups who want balance—plenty to do on board without the marathon walks of a mega-ship.
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Royal Caribbean Fleet
If you want to learn more about Royal Caribbean’s other ships, you’ll find them below. Tap a ship name to discover more!
Adventure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas
Brilliance of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas
Grandeur of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Icon of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas
Legend of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
Radiance of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Star of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
Vision of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
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Why Choose Explorer of the Seas? Top 5 Reasons
- Royal Promenade buzz: Explorer of the Seas’ signature boulevard is more than just a walkway—it’s the social core of the ship. Cafés, bars, shops, and live entertainment are clustered here, so you can sip a cappuccino, browse boutiques, and stumble upon a parade or performance without changing decks. At night the Promenade glows with music and lighting, creating a lively street-party atmosphere unique to Voyager Class ships.
- Studio B & FlowRider thrills: Few ships can boast an ice rink at sea, and Studio B makes the most of it with professional shows that mix athleticism, music, and dazzling costumes. Between productions, the rink opens for passengers who want to lace up and skate. Outdoors, the FlowRider surf simulator delivers a different kind of thrill, whether you’re learning the basics or cheering friends as they wipe out. Add the rock wall, mini-golf, and sports court, and you’ve got enough variety to keep sea days exciting for kids, teens, and adults.
- Balance of size and simplicity: At over 137,000 gross tons, Explorer of the Seas offers a wide array of dining, entertainment, and activity venues. Yet its Voyager-Class layout keeps everything surprisingly manageable. Elevators and stairwells are centrally placed, venues are easy to find, and moving from your stateroom to the pool deck or theater rarely feels like a marathon. This balance makes the ship ideal for first-time cruisers and multigenerational families who want plenty to do without feeling overwhelmed.
- Dining for every mood: Mealtimes can be as elegant or casual as you choose. The Main Dining Room sets the tone with multi-course menus that rotate nightly, while Windjammer Café covers global favorites in a relaxed buffet style. Specialty restaurants elevate the experience: Chops Grille satisfies steakhouse cravings, Giovanni’s Table brings rustic Italian classics, and Izumi tempts with sushi and Asian fusion. For snacks, pizza, and pastries, Café Promenade is open nearly around the clock—so late-night hunger never goes unanswered. Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options are also readily available.
- Spaces to unwind: Beyond all the action, Explorer of the Seas knows how to create calm. The adults-only Solarium wraps whirlpools and loungers in a serene, climate-controlled retreat, perfect for quiet afternoons. The Vitality Spa extends that tranquility with massages, facials, and full salon services, while the fitness center offers ocean-view treadmills and classes. For a change of pace, find tucked-away lounges and libraries where you can read, sip a drink, or simply watch the horizon drift by. It’s the kind of variety that lets you switch from high-energy days to peaceful evenings with ease.