Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, measuring 311 meters in length with a capacity of 3,282-3,938 passengers and 1,180 crew members. Built in 2000 and recently refurbished in 2025, the ship features 1,641 cabins across 15 decks, ranging from 150-160 ft² standard rooms to the 1,090 ft² Royal Suite. The vessel offers modern amenities including virtual balconies with HD screens in interior cabins and improved Wi-Fi coverage throughout the ship. Advanced digital touchscreen wayfinders were installed during the 2025 upgrade to enhance passenger navigation onboard.
The ship boasts extensive entertainment facilities including multiple dining venues, the Palace Theatre, various lounges, a casino, pools, spa, and unique attractions like a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, and FlowRider surf simulator. A Royal Promenade shopping mall serves as the ship's central hub for retail and social activities. Explorer of the Seas emphasizes family-friendly experiences with good wheelchair accessibility and event spaces for special occasions like weddings. The vessel operates under the Bahamas flag and belongs to a fleet of sister ships including Adventure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas.
Complimentary Dining Options
Cafe Promenade
Grab a slice of pizza or a sandwich at the Cafe Promenade, or indulge in some Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
Island Grill
Island Grill is a casual dining venue offering a variety of grilled dishes.
Main Dining Room
The main dining room is a multi-course dining experience with a menu that changes nightly.
Windjammer
The Windjammer is a buffet with a wide variety of food options.
Speciality Dining Options
Chops Grille
Chops Grille is a steakhouse with a menu that includes filet mignon and New York strip steak.
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar is an Italian restaurant with a menu that includes pasta and pizza.
Izumi
Izumi is a Japanese restaurant with a menu that includes sushi and hibachi.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a burger restaurant with a menu that includes burgers and milkshakes.
Amenities
Adventure Ocean
Adventure Ocean is a kids club with activities for kids of all ages.
Library and Card Room
The Library and Card Room is a library with a wide variety of books.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale is a casino with slot machines, table games, and tournaments.
Chapel
The Chapel is a chapel with a wide variety of religious services.
Conference Center
The conference center is a conference center with a wide variety of meeting rooms.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center is a fitness center with a wide variety of fitness equipment.
FlowRider Surf Simulator
The FlowRider Surf Simulator is a surf simulator that lets you surf or boogie board.
Jogging Track
The Jogging Track is a jogging track that goes around the ship.
Library
The Library is a library with a wide variety of books.
Medical Center
The medical center is a medical center with a wide variety of medical services.
Mini Golf
The mini golf course is a 9-hole mini golf course.
Optix Teen Disco
The teen disco is a disco for teens with music and dancing.
Outdoor Pools
The Outdoor Pools are a pool area with a pool and two hot tubs.
Outdoor Poolside Movie Screen
The Outdoor Poolside Movie Screen is an outdoor movie screen with a wide variety of movies.
Photo Gallery
The photo gallery is a photo gallery with a wide variety of photos.
Rock Climbing Wall
The rock climbing wall is a 30-foot rock wall with five different routes.
Royal Theater
The Royal Theater is a theater with Broadway-style shows and other performances.
Solarium
The Solarium is an adults-only pool area with a pool and two hot tubs.
Sports Court
The Sports Court is a full-size basketball court.
Studio B
Studio B is an ice skating rink with open skating and ice shows.
The Perfect Storm
The Perfect Storm is a water slide complex with three water slides.
Video Arcade
The video arcade is an arcade with a wide variety of games.
Vitality at Sea Spa
The Vitality at Sea Spa is a spa with a wide variety of treatments.
Whirlpools
The Whirlpools are a pool area with a pool and two hot tubs.
Frequenty Asked Questions
What is the Explorer of the Seas?
The Explorer of the Seas is a massive cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International. This floating city launched back in 2000 and just got a fresh makeover in 2025. She's part of the Voyager-class fleet, which means you're looking at serious size and amenities.
At 311 meters long (that's over 1,000 feet), this ship stretches longer than three football fields. The beam reaches 49 meters wide, giving everyone plenty of room to spread out. With a gross tonnage of 137,308 GT, she's definitely not your average boat.
The ship cruises at about 24 knots, powered by a Wartsila engine pumping out 75.6 MW of power. That's roughly 101,381 horsepower pushing this giant through the waves.
How many people can the Explorer of the Seas hold?
The numbers are pretty impressive. Depending on the sailing, you'll find between 3,282 and 3,938 passengers aboard. The crew of 1,180 keeps everything running smoothly, which works out to about one crew member for every three guests.
The ship has 1,641 cabins spread across 15 decks. Fourteen of those decks are accessible to passengers, while eight decks are dedicated specifically to cabins. That's a lot of real estate for everyone to find their perfect spot.
What types of cabins are available?
Interior Cabins
These rooms typically measure around 150-160 square feet. Some interior cabins feature something called "virtual balconies" - large HD screens that show live views from outside the ship. It's a clever way to bring the ocean view inside, even when you don't have a window.
Oceanview and Balcony Cabins
Oceanview cabins give you that real window to the sea, while balcony cabins add about 50 square feet of private outdoor space. Perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks with an ocean backdrop.
Suites
The crown jewel is the Royal Suite at 1,090 square feet, plus a 215 square foot terrace complete with a Jacuzzi. Now that's what I call traveling in style.
Every stateroom comes equipped with HDTVs, so you won't miss your favorite shows while sailing.
What dining options does the ship offer?
The Explorer of the Seas takes its dining seriously, with venues named after famous explorers. You'll find:
- Ferdinand Magellan dining room
- Vasco de Gama restaurant
- Christopher Columbus dining venue
These aren't just clever names - they're full dining experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences throughout your cruise.
What entertainment and activities are onboard?
Theater and Shows
The Palace Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions and entertainment. Whether you're into musicals, comedy shows, or specialty acts, there's usually something happening.
Bars and Lounges
- Star Lounge offers a more intimate setting
- Viking Crown Lounge provides panoramic views
- Multiple other bars scattered throughout the ship
Active Entertainment
This is where the Explorer really shines. You've got:
- Rock-climbing wall for the adventurous
- Ice-skating rink (yes, really, on a ship!)
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Multiple pools for cooling off
Shopping and Relaxation
The Royal Promenade acts as the ship's main shopping mall. You can browse, people-watch, or just enjoy the bustling atmosphere. There's also a full-service spa when you need to unwind completely.
What improvements came with the 2025 refurbishment?
Royal Caribbean didn't just give the ship a fresh coat of paint. The 2025 upgrades focused on making life easier for guests:
Wi-Fi coverage got a major boost shipwide. Finally, you can stay connected whether you're in your cabin or hanging out by the pool.
Digital touchscreen wayfinders were installed throughout the ship. These help you navigate what is honestly a pretty massive vessel. No more wandering around looking for that restaurant or theater.
How accessible is the ship for guests with mobility needs?
The Explorer of the Seas puts real effort into wheelchair accessibility. The design considers guests with mobility challenges, ensuring they can enjoy most of what the ship offers. The newer touchscreen wayfinding systems also help everyone navigate more easily.
Can you host special events on the Explorer of the Seas?
Absolutely. The ship has dedicated spaces for special occasions, including weddings. Imagine saying "I do" with the ocean as your backdrop. The crew is experienced in handling everything from intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations.
What are the Explorer of the Seas' sister ships?
If you like what you see, there are more ships in the same class:
- Adventure of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Voyager of the Seas
Each offers similar size and amenities with their own unique touches.
Where was the Explorer of the Seas built?
The ship was constructed by Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Turku, Finland. She flies under the Bahamas flag and operates as part of the Royal Caribbean Group fleet.
The Finnish shipyard has a reputation for quality construction, which shows in how well the Explorer has held up over more than two decades of service.