A Voyager Class favorite that splits the year between the Mediterranean and Florida.
Best for: Couples and families who want a mid-size Royal Caribbean ship for the Greek Isles and Mediterranean in summer or an easy Florida Caribbean cruise in winter, with waterslides and a FlowRider but a calmer feel than the mega-ships. Sails from Ravenna (Venice), Port Canaveral (Orlando), Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Athens (Piraeus), Fort Lauderdale in 2026 and 2027.
Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship that entered service in 2000. A 2015 revitalization added the FlowRider surf simulator, virtual-balcony interior staterooms, Izumi, Giovanni’s Table and a 3D theater, and a 2023 dry dock finally brought The Perfect Storm Typhoon and Cyclone racer slides to Deck 13. At about 137,000 gross tons she carries 3,286 guests at double occupancy on 14 guest decks, with the Royal Promenade, Studio B ice rink and rock climbing wall that define the class.
She is a good match for couples and families who like a mid-size ship with a European flavor: a London-style Crown & Kettle Pub, the 1950s-style R Bar, Boleros for salsa, the Viking Crown Lounge up top and an adults-only Solarium. Shows include Wild, Cool & Swingin’, Fast Forward and the Spirits of the Seasons ice show, and Explorer Dunes mini golf, a sports court and outdoor movie nights fill the sea days.
In 2026 Explorer spends the summer in Ravenna (Venice) on 7-night Greek Isles and Adriatic cruises, crosses to Port Canaveral for winter 2026-27 4 to 9 night Bahamas and Caribbean sailings with Perfect Day at CocoCay, then returns to Europe for summer 2027 from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Ravenna and Athens before a Fort Lauderdale Caribbean season from November 2027. SmartCruiser adds bonus onboard credit on her sailings where Royal Caribbean allows it, not available booking direct.
The Perfect Storm racer waterslides Typhoon and Cyclone, added in 2023
FlowRider surf simulator and rock climbing wall
Studio B ice rink with the Spirits of the Seasons ice show
Virtual-balcony interior staterooms with live ocean views
Crown & Kettle Pub, R Bar and Boleros on the Royal Promenade
Explorer Dunes mini golf and a 220-square-foot outdoor movie screen
Adults-only Solarium pool and Vitality Spa
Summer 2026 Greek Isles from Ravenna, winter from Port Canaveral
Staterooms and suites
Interior
Standard interiors, Interior Staterooms with Virtual Balcony (Category J) that show a live ocean view on a floor-to-ceiling screen, and Promenade View interiors over the Royal Promenade.
Ocean View
Picture-window rooms on the lower decks including larger family ocean-view rooms that sleep up to six.
Balcony
Superior Ocean View Staterooms with Balcony (Category D1) and standard balconies with a private verandah, the best choice for Greek Isles and Adriatic scenery.
Junior Suite
A larger balcony room with a sitting area and walk-in closet, Sea Tier of Royal Suite Class.
Suites
Grand Suite (Category GS), Owner’s Suite and the Royal Suite; Sky Tier suite guests get concierge service, a suite lounge, priority boarding and reserved seating for shows.
Explorer of the Seas deck plans
Deck by deck, straight from our booking engine: the plan, the stateroom categories on that deck and the public rooms. Pick a deck.
IzumiFrom delicious sushi rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri, Izumi serves up an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. Savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls that range from classic to imaginative.
Attire: Smart Casual
Cost: $$
Cuisine: Japanese
Open for: Lunch, Dinner
Viking Crown LoungeA fixture on nearly every cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and a true architectural wonder, the iconic Viking Crown Lounge® is the ultimate spot to soak up panoramic views while you sip your favorite cocktails. Catch the sunset through its floor-to-ceiling windows, then stick around as the space comes alive with the sounds of live entertainers, flashing strobe lights, and plenty of hip-swinging action on the dance floor.
Deck 13
Rock-Climbing Wall, Sports Court, Explorer Dunes, Flowrider.
Rock ClimbingThe view alone is worth every step. Climb forty feet above deck on the signature Rock Climbing Wall, where everyone from beginners to speed climbers can strap in and go vertical.
Cost: Included
Restriction: 6 years old
Sports CourtWhether it's a pick-up game or one-on-one, go all in for basketball and volleyball action at sea, but with an awesome energizing ocean view.
Cost: Included
Explorer DunesThe 9-hole miniature golf course will entertain adults and children alike.
The Perfect StormGet ready to tackle hair-raising twists, turns and adrenaline-amping fun on The Perfect Storm, the boldest waterslides at sea.
FlowRiderThe surf's always up on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator. Grab your board and get ready, 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome are headed your way.
Cost: Included
Restriction: Height 52", Stand up 58"
Deck 12
The Lime and Coconut, Running Track, Vitality at Sea, Adventure Ocean, Optix Teen Area, Johnny Rockets, Video Arcade, Outdoor Youth Area, Sky Bar, Staterooms.
1L Spacious Panoramic Ocean View StateroomVP Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)CB Connecting Ocean View with Balcony4D Ocean View with Balcony
Spa and Fitness CenterEmerge renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the Vitality Spa. Massages, wraps, facials, and acupuncture, or choose med-spa treatments to smooth wrinkles, lift and tone.
Cost: Additional Fee
Restriction: 16 and above
Adventure OceanWhen the kids are happy, parents are happy. And the award-winning Adventure Ocean Youth Program is designed with that in mind. Tiny travelers ages 3-5 will have an education blast in the Aquanauts group.
Cost: Included
Restriction: 3-11 years
Johnny RocketsJohnny Rockets has been serving up delicious American fare to diners around the world since 1986. Its menu features fresh, never frozen, made-to-order hamburgers, sides, shakes and desserts.
Attire: Casual
Cost: $
Cuisine: American
Open for: Lunch, Dinner
Deck 11
Solarium, Whirlpool, Swimming Pool, Johnny Rocket, Outdoor Screen, Chops Grille, Vitality At Sea Center, Windjammer, Sea Trek Dive Shop, Pool Bar, Solarium Bar.
Spa and Fitness CenterEmerge renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the Vitality Spa. Massages, wraps, facials, and acupuncture, or choose med-spa treatments to smooth wrinkles, lift and tone.
Cost: Additional Fee
Restriction: 16 and above
SolariumDiscover the Solarium, a relaxing indoor-outdoor retreat just for the adult guests. Perfectly positioned at the front of every Royal Caribbean ship, the crystal canopy area presents fantastic views and stays warm while you enjoy swimming pools, whirlpools, and lounge area, as well as cascading lagoons on select ships.
Cost: Included
Restriction: 18+ years old
PoolThe pool is the place to be. And each ship has several to choose from. Bask in the sun or relax in the shade while you sip a cool tropical cocktail and enjoy the complimentary loungers and live music.
Cost: Included
WhirlpoolsDiscover a different type of hot spot. Each Royal Caribbean® ship has multiple whirlpools. Find the warm and bubbly whirlpool that's calling your name.
Cost: Included
Solarium BarRelaxation can be thirsty work. While you're soaking up the vibe of the adults-only Solarium, grab a refreshment from the Solarium Bar, where friendly bartenders serve wine, beer, cocktails and chilled umbrella drinks perfect for sipping beneath your poolside umbrella.
Cost: $
Pool BarYou don't have to stray too far from your comfy poolside lounger to enjoy a cool and creamy pina colada, a tropical Mai Tai, a glass of bubbly, or your favorite ice cold brew — just pull up a chair at the Pool Bar.
Cost: $
Outdoor Movie NightsWhy watch a movie inside? Lounge on the pool deck with an ocean breeze, the moon, and movie stars as big as all outdoors. The 220 square foot movie screen presents first-run movies, live sporting events and more at the pool area on select ships.
Cost: Included
Chops GrilleFor more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand-cut steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant. Now, they give you a fresh twist on a favorite, with a revamped menu that brings contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings.
Attire: Smart Casual
Cost: $$
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Open for: Dinner, Lunch
WindjammerThe Windjammer is your go-to restaurant for tantalizing global flavors served complimentarily. Like just-pressed paninis packed with all your favorite meats and cheeses.
Attire: Casual
Cost: Included
Cuisine: Global
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Deck 10
Staterooms.
J4 Junior SuiteJT Sunset Junior Suite2U Interior Stateroom with Virtual BalconyCB Connecting Ocean View with Balcony4V Interior Stateroom3V Interior Stateroom1V Interior Stateroom4U Interior Stateroom with Virtual Balcony3B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4D Ocean View with BalconyJ3 Junior Suite GS Grand Suite - 1 BedroomRS Royal Suite - 1 BedroomOS Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom5V Interior StateroomSG Spacious Sunset Ocean View with Balcony
Deck 9
Staterooms.
4M Spacious Ocean View StateroomJ4 Junior Suite1K Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom4N Ocean View Stateroom2U Interior Stateroom with Virtual Balcony3M Spacious Ocean View StateroomCP Connecting Promenade Interior StateroomSB Sunset Ocean View with Balcony4V Interior Stateroom3V Interior Stateroom1V Interior Stateroom1B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony3B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4D Ocean View with BalconyJ3 Junior Suite GT Grand Suite Two Bedrooms5V Interior Stateroom
Deck 8
Staterooms.
1K Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom2T Promenade View Interior3M Spacious Ocean View StateroomCB Connecting Ocean View with BalconyCP Connecting Promenade Interior Stateroom4V Interior Stateroom3V Interior Stateroom3B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2D Ocean View with Balcony4D Ocean View with Balcony5D Ocean View with BalconyGT Grand Suite Two Bedrooms5V Interior StateroomSG Spacious Sunset Ocean View with Balcony
Deck 7
Library, Staterooms.
4M Spacious Ocean View Stateroom1K Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom2T Promenade View InteriorJT Sunset Junior Suite4N Ocean View StateroomCB Connecting Ocean View with BalconyCP Connecting Promenade Interior StateroomSB Sunset Ocean View with Balcony4V Interior Stateroom3V Interior Stateroom3B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2D Ocean View with Balcony4D Ocean View with Balcony5D Ocean View with Balcony5V Interior Stateroom
Onboard LibraryIn the mood to curl up with a good book? Or show off your poker face? The well stocked Library and Card Room offers great reads across many genres. Plus tables for cards and board games.
Cost: Included
Deck 6
4M Spacious Ocean View Stateroom1K Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom2T Promenade View InteriorJT Sunset Junior Suite4N Ocean View Stateroom3M Spacious Ocean View StateroomCB Connecting Ocean View with BalconyCP Connecting Promenade Interior StateroomSB Sunset Ocean View with Balcony4V Interior Stateroom3V Interior Stateroom3B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony4B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2B Spacious Ocean View with Balcony2D Ocean View with Balcony5D Ocean View with Balcony5V Interior Stateroom
Star LoungeThe Live music, dancing, and entertainment.
Connoisseur ClubThe dimly-lit lounge is perfect for sipping on a cognac.
Cafe PromenadeWhen it comes to quick and easy come-and-go eats, there's no better place than Cafe Promenade. This casual, complimentary hotspot bustles 24 hours a day, so you can drop by any time — whether it's for a steaming cup of coffee and a warm glazed cinnamon bun in the morning, or late-night bites.
Attire: Casual
Cost: Included
Cuisine: Deli
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Royal Promenade and ShopsThe mall, a naturally lighted four-story area lined with bars and shops, the heartbeat of the ship. Distinctive storefronts offer an array the merchandise ranging from logo items, perfume and jewelry to liquor and cruise wear.
Ice Cream ParlorThey give a good Ice cream in to Ice Cream Parlor bar.
Guest Service DeskThe Questions or concerns? Stop by the Guest Services desk, where the knowledgeable staff is available to assist with general ship information, reporting lost or damaged goods, exchange money, cash traveler's checks and more.
R BarSwanky, sophisticated, and suffused with retro style, R Bar serves up classic cocktails garnished with vintage vibes.Â
Cost: $
Sapphire Dining RoomThe three-tier dining room features a wide variety of menu items and impeccable service.
Deck 4
The Palace Theatre, Schooner Bar, Giovanni's Table, Casino RoyaleSM, The Tavern, The Centrum, Art Gallery, Sapphire Dining Room, Bar.
The Palace TheatreThe theatre - five stories from orchestra pit to domed ceiling - features contemporary musical stage productions
Schooner BarWrap up your night at Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together in a warm-lit nautical-themed lounge.
Cost: $
Giovanni's TableEvery meal at Giovanni's Table is a family-style celebration of rustic Italian flavor. You'll find all your favorite Old-World classics on the menu here, like house focaccia served with marinated artichokes, olives and pesto, fluffy gnocchi tossed in a thyme-scented sauce of lamb and root vegetables.
Attire: Smart Casual
Cost: $$
Cuisine: Italian
Open for: Lunch, Dinner
Casino Royale®The glittering casino features electronic Slot Machines, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Caribbean Stud Poker.
Art CollectionWhether you're looking for a Renaissance work or a contemporary masterpiece, the Art on Royal enrichment program invites you to browse and bid on original works and limited-edition prints from featured artists.
Cost: Included
Sapphire Dining RoomThe three-tier dining rooms feature a wide variety of menu items and impeccable service.
Deck 3
The Palace Theater, Center Ice Rink, Studio B, Focus, Sapphire Dining Room, Staterooms.
Plans are the cruise line’s current drawings as supplied to our booking engine. Layouts change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the exact stateroom when you book.
On board Explorer of the Seas
Wine TastingWindjammerWild Cool SwinginSports CourtSpirit Of The SeasonSpa And Fitness CenterSolarium BarNight LifeMystery Dinner TheatereGiovannis TableWhirlpoolsWeekend Warrior
Dining on Explorer of the Seas
Main Dining RoomIncluded
Sweeping multi-level dining room with daily breakfast, sea-day lunch and a rotating dinner menu inspired by world capitals.
Windjammer CaféIncluded
Buffet with global stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Café PromenadeIncluded
24-hour coffee, pastries, deli sandwiches, pizza and late-night bites on the Royal Promenade.
SprinklesIncluded
Soft-serve ice cream near the pool deck.
Chops GrilleSpecialty
Signature steakhouse with premium steaks and seafood.
Giovanni’s TableSpecialty
Trattoria-style rustic Italian.
Izumi Hibachi & SushiSpecialty
Sushi, hot-rock cooking and teppanyaki.
Johnny RocketsSpecialty
Retro diner burgers, fries and milkshakes.
Chef’s TableSpecialty
Five-course tasting dinner led by the chef de cuisine with wine pairings.
Entertainment and activities
Royal Theater productions Wild, Cool & Swingin’ and Fast Forward with guest entertainers
Spirits of the Seasons ice show and open skating in Studio B
The Perfect Storm racer slides, FlowRider and rock climbing wall
Explorer Dunes mini golf, sports court, pickleball and table tennis
Two main pools with outdoor movie nights, adults-only Solarium and whirlpools
Vitality Spa and Fitness Center
Crown & Kettle Pub, R Bar, Boleros, Club Twenty, Schooner Bar and Viking Crown Lounge
Casino Royale, game shows, dance classes and Royal Promenade parades
Families and who it suits
Adventure Ocean runs complimentary age-grouped activities with themed play areas, there is a kids’ pool on the pool deck, and the FlowRider, racer slides, ice skating and mini golf keep older kids and teens busy; Explorer does not have a Splashaway Bay aqua park.
Best for: Couples and families who want a mid-size Royal Caribbean ship for the Greek Isles and Mediterranean in summer or an easy Florida Caribbean cruise in winter, with waterslides and a FlowRider but a calmer feel than the mega-ships.
Sails from: Ravenna (Venice), Port Canaveral (Orlando), Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Athens (Piraeus), Fort Lauderdale · Regions: Greek Isles and Adriatic, Mediterranean, Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, Southern Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas questions we answer every day
How big is Explorer of the Seas?
Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship of about 137,308 gross tons and 1,020 feet in length. Royal Caribbean’s fact sheet lists 3,286 guests at double occupancy, 4,290 guests in total, 1,185 crew, 14 guest decks and 1,643 staterooms. She is mid-sized for the fleet, with the same Royal Promenade and ice rink layout as Adventure, Mariner, Navigator and Voyager of the Seas.
Where does Explorer of the Seas sail in 2026 and 2027?
Summer 2026 is spent in Ravenna, the port for Venice, on 7-night Greek Isles and Adriatic cruises. She crosses the Atlantic in late October 2026 to Port Canaveral for winter 4 to 9 night Bahamas and Caribbean sailings, returns to Europe for summer 2027 with 7-night cruises from Barcelona, Rome, Ravenna and Athens, then starts a Fort Lauderdale Caribbean season in November 2027.
Has Explorer of the Seas been refurbished?
Yes. A 2015 revitalization added the FlowRider, virtual-balcony interiors, a 3D theater, Izumi and Giovanni’s Table and raised capacity. A planned 2020 Royal Amplified makeover was cancelled by the pandemic, but a 2023 dry dock in Cadiz added The Perfect Storm Typhoon and Cyclone racer slides on Deck 13, and a routine 2025 dry dock refreshed public areas.
Which staterooms are best on Explorer of the Seas?
For Greek Isles and Mediterranean sailings a balcony is worth it; midship rooms on Decks 7 to 9 are the quietest. Virtual-balcony interiors are a clever budget option with a live ocean view on screen, and Promenade View interiors look down on the Royal Promenade. Families should compare the larger ocean-view rooms that sleep up to six against connecting balconies.
What is included in the fare on Explorer of the Seas?
The Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Café Promenade and Sprinkles are included, as are the production shows, ice show, waterslides, FlowRider, rock climbing wall, mini golf, sports court, pools, Solarium, outdoor movies and Adventure Ocean. Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Johnny Rockets, Chef’s Table, alcohol and spa treatments are extra.
Is Explorer of the Seas good for families?
She works well for families with school-age kids and teens, who get the FlowRider, racer slides, ice skating, mini golf, rock wall and the Adventure Ocean program. Families with toddlers should note there is a kids’ pool but no Splashaway Bay aqua park, which Adventure, Mariner and Navigator of the Seas do have.
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Prices are per person, double occupancy, in US dollars, and include cruise fare, taxes, fees and port expenses as published by the cruise line at the moment you load this page. Fares are capacity controlled and change daily; the fare is confirmed when you book. Flights, hotels and transfers are extra unless the line’s offer says otherwise. Onboard credit shown on a sailing is per stateroom and applies to the lowest category offered unless stated otherwise.
