Explorer of the Seas vs Harmony of the Seas

What are the main differences in size between Explorer of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas?

The size difference between these two Royal Caribbean ships is pretty dramatic. Harmony of the Seas absolutely dwarfs Explorer of the Seas - we're talking about a ship that's 65% larger in gross tonnage. While Explorer clocks in at 137,308 gross tons, Harmony weighs in at a massive 226,963 gross tons.

This size difference translates to real space you'll notice as soon as you step aboard. Harmony can accommodate around 5,479 passengers compared to Explorer's capacity of roughly 3,100-3,800 guests. That means Harmony has about 1,104 more cabins and significantly more deck space to spread out.

Explorer belongs to the Voyager Class of ships, which launched in 2000, while Harmony represents the newer, grander Oasis Class that debuted in 2016. Think of it this way - if Explorer feels like a floating resort, Harmony feels like a floating city.

How do the dining options compare between these ships?

Here's where the age and size difference really shows up on your plate. Explorer of the Seas offers about 9 restaurants, including specialty spots like Giovanni's Table with its Tuscan-inspired cuisine. It's a solid selection that covers most tastes and dietary preferences.

Harmony of the Seas takes dining to another level entirely with roughly 20 different venues. The newer ship benefits from Royal Caribbean's evolution in culinary offerings over the past decade and a half. You'll find everything from casual grab-and-go spots to innovative specialty restaurants that push the boundaries of what cruise dining can be.

The variety on Harmony means you could probably cruise for a week and never eat at the same place twice. Explorer's dining scene, while quality, requires a bit more planning if you want maximum variety throughout your cruise.

What entertainment and activities set these ships apart?

Both ships pack plenty of fun, but they approach entertainment quite differently. Explorer of the Seas focuses on what you might call "classic adventure" activities. You'll find the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing walls, ice skating rink, and The Perfect Storm water slides. These features were pretty revolutionary when Explorer launched, and they're still a blast today.

Harmony of the Seas showcases Royal Caribbean's latest entertainment innovations. The ship features the Ultimate Abyss - a ten-story slide that'll get your heart racing. There's also a zip line that soars over the Boardwalk neighborhood, immersive sensory dining experiences, and entertainment venues that simply weren't possible on older ships.

Unique features worth noting

Explorer shines with its ice skating shows and the intimate feel of its entertainment venues. The ship feels more manageable, and you're less likely to feel overwhelmed by choices.

Harmony offers experiences you literally can't find anywhere else at sea. The sheer scale of entertainment options means there's something for every family member, but it can feel overwhelming for cruisers who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Which ship offers better itinerary options?

This is where your cruising style really matters. Explorer of the Seas typically offers itineraries with more port days, making it ideal for travelers who want to spend significant time exploring destinations. The ship serves as your comfortable base between adventures ashore.

Harmony of the Seas tends toward fewer port days with more time at sea. This makes sense given the ship's extensive onboard offerings - Royal Caribbean wants you to experience everything they've built into this floating resort.

If you're someone who gets antsy spending full days on a ship, Explorer might suit you better. But if you love the idea of never being bored during sea days, Harmony's approach could be perfect.

How do the cabin experiences compare?

The cabin experience reflects each ship's era and design philosophy. Explorer's staterooms offer comfortable accommodations with the essentials done well. The cabins feel proportional to the ship - cozy but functional, with enough storage and amenities for a pleasant cruise.

Harmony's cabins benefit from newer design trends and passenger feedback from years of cruise operations. The ship offers more cabin categories and configurations, including some unique options that take advantage of the Oasis Class design.

Both ships offer interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite categories. However, Harmony's newer construction means things like USB outlets, improved lighting, and better bathroom layouts that reflect how people actually use their cruise cabins.

What about the overall atmosphere and crowd experience?

Explorer of the Seas creates a more intimate cruise atmosphere despite being a large ship by most standards. With fewer passengers, you're more likely to see familiar faces throughout your cruise and feel like part of a smaller community.

The ship attracts families and couples who want adventure without overwhelming choices. The pace feels more relaxed, and you can easily navigate from activity to activity without feeling rushed.

Harmony of the Seas buzzes with energy that comes from having thousands of people enjoying themselves. The ship never feels empty, and there's always something happening somewhere. This creates an exciting atmosphere, but it can feel crowded during peak times like formal nights or popular shows.

Which ship represents better value for your cruise budget?

Explorer of the Seas typically costs less than Harmony of the Seas for similar itineraries and cabin categories. The older ship offers solid value for cruisers who want Royal Caribbean's quality without paying premium prices for the newest amenities.

You're getting proven entertainment, reliable dining, and comfortable accommodations at a more accessible price point. For many families, Explorer delivers 90% of what they want from a cruise at 70% of the cost.

Harmony commands higher prices, but you're paying for cutting-edge cruise experiences and the newest ship features. If having the latest and greatest matters to you, the premium feels justified.

The value equation really depends on what you prioritize. Explorer offers better bang for your buck if you plan to spend lots of time in ports. Harmony justifies its higher cost if you want the most impressive ship experience possible.