Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas is the second Voyager-class ship and Royal Caribbean’s second attempt at the mega-resort-at-sea experience after Voyager of the Seas in 1999. This ship is almost a carbon copy of Voyager, featuring many of the ideas that made it a big success, from the Royal Promenade to the ice-skating rink and multiple waterslides. It’s essentially a mega-resort at sea from 25 years ago and a great option for families seeking an affordable Caribbean vacation departing from Port Canaveral. Join us as we explore what works and what could use some improvements aboard this ship.

What we like about Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas might be the most affordable Royal Caribbean mega-resort ship visiting the Caribbean. It offers some very good prices, starting at $380 for a 5-night Caribbean cruise that includes Perfect Day at CocoCay, along with a dozen other Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries to choose from. While Explorer of the Seas is older by today’s standards, it still offers a solid lineup of activities and fun for those looking for a quick vacation or a chance to get a nice tan. For the price, it’s an excellent way to test the waters with Royal Caribbean before moving on to the newest ships.

Even if you won’t find as many things to do onboard Explorer of the Seas as on the huge Star and Icon of the Seas, it still offers a ton of entertainment options for the price. It has the Perfect Storm dual water slides, mini-golf, arcade, ice-skating rink, 3D movie theater, FlowRider, rock-climbing wall, and a very good Kids Club. For standard 5-night Caribbean cruises, it’s more than enough to keep children entertained, especially considering you’re paying less than $400 for an entry-room.

The dining onboard is also pretty good, and a lot of guests do think that it’s better when you compare it to Voyager of the Seas. Funny enough, both ships share the main four specialty venues - Chopps Grille, Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi. Explorer of the Seas, however, adds a Johnny Rockets that has amazing service, offers lunch and dinner for a very affordable price. 

Explorer of the Seas also delivers when it comes to shows. The ice show, called Spirits of the Seasons, is a big highlight, taking guests on an adventure through Summer, Winter, Autumn, and Spring. It’s a fun performance where the costumes, colors, and music reflect each season, creating a beautiful and energetic experience.

What we don’t like about Explorer of the Seas

This is an older ship, so don’t expect cabins to be completely up to date, nor public spaces to always look fully modernized. You may notice scuffs or small dents in places and a bit of surface rust. Another common complaint is that many balcony cabins have balconies that are inset into the ship’s structure, so the glass panel doesn’t extend all the way down to the deck and might bother some guests.

This is also a very affordable cruise that sails from one of the world’s most popular ports and visits the Caribbean, so it can get crowded during peak season. Lines can form at popular venues like the Windjammer Café, and there are often many children onboard depending on when you travel.

Conclusion

Explorer of the Seas is a great entry point into the world of mega-resorts at sea and an excellent stepping stone for anyone wanting to experience all the entertainment and activities Royal Caribbean offers onboard. It’s a top-tier cruise for children and for those looking for a short getaway to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay.