Explorer of the Seas

As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, the Explorer of the Seas - one of 42 vessels operated by Royal Caribbean International - is the perfect option for families, couples or groups of friends seeking an exciting holiday.

The ship is usually based at Cape Liberty Cruise Port, which is located in New Jersey. It regularly departs on voyages lasting six to ten nights along the eastern seaboard of the United States and towards destinations in the Caribbean. Ports of call include locations in Florida, Haiti, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Maarten, Bahamas and Bermuda.

Watch more videos here

Passengers may be interested to know that the Explorer of the Seas is home to the University of Miami's atmospheric and oceanographic laboratory, which is part of the Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Guests on-board the cruise liner can even enjoy some interesting displays about of the latest oceanographic research.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,840
Year entered service: 2000
Beam (ship width): 155.5 feet
Draught (ship depth): 28.8 feet
Length: 1,020.6 feet
Tonnage: 137,308
Crew: 1,181
Maximum speed: 23.7 knots
Number of passenger decks: 15
Number of lifts: 14
Number of swimming pools: 3
Number of cabins: 1,557

Food, cuisine and dining

The liner's main dining room is split over three levels, with each section named after a famous explorer: Columbus, Magellan and Da Gama. It is sumptuously decorated with velvet curtains and a breathtaking grand staircase. Three meals a day are served in this venue and the menu varies from day to day.

One of the most popular alternatives to the main dining room is The Windjammer Cafe, a buffet located at the back of the ship. It's open throughout the day for casual diners and is an ideal choice if you are looking for a bite to eat on a flexible schedule.

Breakfast options include various egg dishes, as well as sausages and bacon, pancakes, breakfast pastries, cereals and fresh fruit. At lunch, you can enjoy items from a carving station, or select from a range of salads, soups and sandwiches.

The dinner buffet features the same options as those being served in the main dining room and there are a number of delicious desserts to choose from as well.

Other alternative dining options include:
• Cafe Promenade
• Island Grill
• Portofino
• Johnny Rockets
• Sprinkles
• Room service

On-board entertainment and activities

One of the most popular locations on the liner is the Royal Promenade. This feature was first introduced on the Voyager class ships, and has been repeated on all subsequent Royal Caribbean vessels.

In this area, you'll find plenty to keep you busy, with various bars and entertainment venues lining the winding path. It's also the place to find cash points, as well as Guest Reception and the Shore Excursion counters.

If you're looking to do a bit of shopping, the Royal Promenade also serves as the ship's retail hub. Choose from souvenir shops, where you can pick up branded merchandise and postcards, as well as clothing and jewellery stores, spirits and tobacco merchants, providers of swimming and snorkelling gear and cosmetics retailers.

The Royal Promenade is also simply a nice place to hang out. Parades regularly march down the corridors, while the vicinity is also home to the captain's balcony, an intriguing moving sculpture and two atriums that soar 11 decks overhead.

Spas and fitness facilities

There's no doubt that passengers on the Explorer of the Seas will have a huge selection of activities to keep them busy: shows, bars and shore excursions are just some of the options available.

One of the most popular attractions is the rock-climbing wall, which measures 32.8 feet high. There are five separate climbing routes for various skill levels and beginners can enjoy one-on-one instruction to learn the basics. All equipment is provided free of charge.

Passengers can also enjoy activities like rollerblading on a dedicated inline track, ice skating at Studio B, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a basketball court and a large fitness suite with cardio and resistance machines.

If you'd prefer something a bit more laid-back, be sure to take some time to unwind in the ShipShape health spa. Spa and beauty treatments, as well as heat therapy, are all provided in tranquil surroundings.

Cabins

With 1,557 cabins and 22 different price categories to choose from, it's easy for anyone to find accommodation on the Explorer of the Seas that matches their specific requirements.

Staterooms differ by size and number of occupants, as well as the types of views they offer and the amenities that are available.

The most luxurious room, the Royal Suite, offers guests a large private bedroom with a huge en-suite bathroom. It includes a separate living room area with an entertainment centre, a refrigerator and wet bar, a dining room with room for four and even a baby grand piano. In addition, guests in the higher-priced rooms will benefit from complimentary Concierge Club service.

Whichever room you choose, you'll enjoy comfortable accommodation with plenty of storage space. Every stateroom includes a television with interactive menus and pay-per-view, as well as a vanity equipped with a hairdryer and a seating area.