The Explorer of the Seas cruise ship is operated by Royal Caribbean International and falls under the "Mainstream" category. This ship flies the flag of the Bahamas and was constructed at the Kvaerner Masa-Yards shipyard in Turku, Finland. Its inaugural voyage took place on October 28, 2000, and it was christened by Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
The ship boasts remarkable dimensions: a gross tonnage of 137,308, a length of 1,020 feet, and a beam (width) of 157.5 feet. Its cruising speed is approximately 22 knots, which is quite standard in the industry. The ship's draft is 29 feet, and in terms of capacity, it can accommodate 3,286 guests in double occupancy, although its total capacity is 4,290 passengers and 1,185 crew members of various nationalities.
In total, the Explorer of the Seas offers 15 decks, of which 14 are accessible to guests. For vertical mobility, it has 14 guest elevators and 4 bow thrusters that enhance the ship's maneuverability in the water.
Accommodation Options
The Explorer of the Seas has a total of 1,643 cabins, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs:
For example, accessible cabins are designed to meet the needs of passengers with reduced mobility, while cabins with virtual balconies use screen technology to simulate a window to the sea, an excellent option for those seeking the feeling of a balcony without the additional cost. Cabins with views of the promenade offer an internal view of the ship, particularly of the Royal Promenade, which can be appealing to those who enjoy social activity.
One of the most notable spaces is the Royal Promenade, which essentially serves as a four-story floating shopping center. Here, passengers can enjoy various shops, bars, and options for light dining.
For those looking to relax in the sun, the ship offers three outdoor swimming pools and a full spa.
When it comes to nighttime entertainment, there is a good variety of options such as the Casino Royale, with a capacity for 416 people, and several bars and lounges like the Crown & Kettle Pub and the Viking Crown Lounge. The crew of 1,185 members is international, although the officer ranks are often of Norwegian nationality. This diversity among the crew is often reflected in the variety of activities and entertainment options on board.
Capacity and Theme
Gastronomic options include restaurants such as the Ferdinand Magellan, with a capacity for 540 people; the Vasco de Gama, also with a capacity for 540 people; and the Christopher Columbus, with a higher capacity of 723 people.
Scenic Entertainment
For those interested in cultural and entertainment activities, the Explorer of the Seas offers the Palace Theatre, with a capacity for 1,350 people, and the Schooner Bar, which has a more intimate atmosphere with a capacity for 130 people.
| Explorer of the Seas | |
|---|---|
| Year built | 2000 |
| Beam | 49 m |
| Length | 311 m |
| Tonnage | 138000 tn. |
| Velocity | 22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 4290 |
| Crew capacity | 1185 |
| Ratio of crew per passenger | 3,62 |
| Decks | 15 |
| Cabins | 1643 |
| Lifts | 14 |
| Nationality | Bahamas |
| Class | Voyager |
| From 432 € | |
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When choosing a cruise, we often think about the destinations, facilities, and of course, entertainment options. But there's an aspect that tends to be crucial for the complete experience: gastronomy. That's why we set out to take a culinary journey through the restaurants aboard the Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Here, we're not just talking about eating; it's about savoring flavors, discovering cultures through their dishes, and enjoying unique moments in company.
This ship stands out for offering a diverse range of gastronomic options, suitable for both those seeking a quick meal and those who prefer a more elaborate dinner. We can categorize the onboard restaurants into several types: main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, casual establishments, and snack outlets.
Main Dining Room is the classic restaurant found on many cruises, divided into three levels to offer a varied experience. Here, you can enjoy a selection of international dishes in a formal setting.
Windjammer Café and Island Grill are excellent choices for when you prefer something more relaxed. Both offer buffets with a wide range of culinary options.
Café Promenade and Ice Cream Parlor are strategic points for those little cravings that arise during the day. From a coffee to an ice cream, they're perfect for a quick break.
For lovers of gourmet food, there are options like Chops Grille, Giovanni's Table, Izumi Japanese Cuisine, and The Tavern. Additionally, for a unique gastronomic experience, there's the option of the Chef's Table, where the ship's chef offers a personalized tasting menu.
The gastronomic diversity aboard the Explorer of the Seas is undoubtedly one of the most notable aspects of this ship. This variety is reflected not only in the wide range of options available but also in the quality and attention to detail in the preparation and presentation of each dish. While there isn't space here to detail every culinary corner that can be found, this list provides a good starting point for those interested in exploring the onboard culinary offerings.
| Name | Type | Food | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Rockets | Mesa | American | |
| Windjammer | Autoservicio | Buffet | |
| Chops Grille | Mesa | Steakhouse | |
| Café Promenade | Autoservicio | Cafe | |
| Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar | Mesa | Italian | |
| Restaurante Principal | Mesa | Main Restaurant | |
| Chef's Table | Mesa | Gourmet | |
| Izumi | Mesa | Japanese | |
| Playmakers Bar & Arcade | Mesa | American |
When we talk about cruises, it's easy for the imagination to conjure up images of vast food buffets or onboard entertainment. However, the truth is that an essential component for enjoying the journey is the bars and lounges found on the ship. On the Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas cruise, these spaces are designed to offer more than just a cold drink or a cocktail. They allow us to see that each bar or lounge has its own identity, designed to provide distinct experiences. Let's take a detailed tour of these bars and lounges.
Before delving into the details, it's worth noting the importance of having a variety of bars and lounges. Diversity allows each passenger to find their favorite spot, from those seeking a relaxed atmosphere to read a book, to those desiring a livelier space for socializing. Furthermore, this plays a vital role in distributing people throughout the ship, avoiding crowds, and improving the flow of passengers.
Something we could consider as a useful advancement is the integration of technology in these spaces. We find that some bars offer options like digital menus, where passengers can order directly from their mobile devices. These kinds of details reduce waiting times and streamline the process for everyone.
Many of these bars and lounges don't just serve drinks. For instance, there are spaces that function as coffee shops during the day and transform into cocktail bars at night. This versatility adds value to the available space on the ship.
When we talk about cruises, it often conjures images of relaxation and luxury, but what if we told you they can also be a floating amusement park full of entertainment and fun? Aboard the Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas, you'll find more than just beautiful views and exquisite meals; you'll have access to a wide variety of activities designed for all tastes. Let's break down all the activities you can enjoy during your time at sea, from the relaxing to the most adventurous.
Throughout the day and night, Explorer of the Seas offers activities that challenge the traditional idea of a cruise. If you're passionate about physical activity, there's a fully equipped gym and fitness classes, as well as FlowRider, a surf simulation, and a sports court. On the other hand, if you're looking to disconnect and relax, the Vitality Spa has a complete menu for all five senses. Interested in culture and entertainment? Take part in guest lectures or let loose to the rhythm in dance classes and live shows. The activities aboard the Explorer of the Seas are designed to ensure that every passenger has the option to do what they enjoy the most, even if that means doing absolutely nothing more than lounging in one of the many jacuzzis.
