Explorer Of The Seas

Sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean on Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas is a popular Royal Caribbean cruise ship for travellers who want a lively holiday with plenty to do at sea and memorable ports along the way. As a Voyager Class ship, she combines family-friendly attractions, varied dining and comfortable accommodation with itineraries that can include the Greek Isles, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean currently highlights features such as the FlowRider surf simulator, Rock Climbing Wall, The Perfect Storm waterslides and ice-skating entertainment, which helps explain why Explorer of the Seas cruises remain such a popular choice for couples, families and groups.

Whether you are dreaming of island-hopping in Europe or a warm-weather escape in the Caribbean, Explorer of the Seas offers the kind of cruise experience that suits both first-time cruisers and returning Royal Caribbean guests. You can spend your days exploring ashore, then come back to a ship packed with pools, restaurants, bars, entertainment and activities for all ages.

Why Cruise on Explorer of the Seas?

Explorer of the Seas suits travellers who want a classic big-ship cruise with a strong mix of fun, flexibility and value. There is enough onboard to keep sea days exciting, from waterslides and surf sessions to live shows and relaxed pool time, but the ship still feels easy to navigate and comfortable for a longer holiday. That balance makes it a strong option for families travelling together, couples who want variety, and groups with different interests.

Another reason travellers choose Explorer of the Seas is the breadth of itinerary options. Depending on the season, this Royal Caribbean ship can sail European routes with iconic ports such as Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Split, or head to the Bahamas and wider Caribbean for beach-focused holidays with sunny sea days and island stops. That variety gives travellers more choice when matching the ship to the kind of holiday they want.

Explorer of the Seas Itinerary and Destinations

Explorer of the Seas cruises are a strong fit for travellers who want destination variety as well as a fun ship experience. In Europe, the ship is well suited to Mediterranean Cruises, especially sailings that explore the Greek Isles and nearby coastal cities. Current Royal Caribbean itineraries show Explorer of the Seas operating voyages from Ravenna (Venice), with ports such as Santorini, Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus) and Split. That makes the ship a natural choice for travellers interested in Greece Cruises, time in Athens, or broader European holidays linked with Italy Cruises and Cruises from Venice.

Explorer of the Seas also appeals to travellers looking for warmer, beach-focused holidays. Royal Caribbean’s current ship page lists Bahamas & Perfect Day, Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean and Western Caribbean-style sailings, giving this ship strong relevance for travellers browsing Caribbean Cruises. This wider itinerary mix is one of her biggest strengths, because it means the ship can suit very different holiday styles across the year.

Accommodation on Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas offers a good range of accommodation for different budgets and travel styles, from simple staterooms to larger suite options. If you are the kind of traveller who spends most of the day out by the pool, enjoying the ship or heading ashore on port days, an entry-level room can be a practical choice. If you prefer more space and a few extra comforts, there are also room types that give you a more premium onboard experience. Cruise Guru’s ship page lists Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite-style options as the main room categories for Explorer of the Seas.

Interior and Ocean View Staterooms

Interior staterooms are a smart choice for travellers who want to keep their cruise budget focused on the overall holiday rather than the room itself. They suit guests who plan to spend most of their time enjoying the ship’s activities, dining and entertainment, or exploring each destination ashore. Ocean View rooms offer a similar value-friendly option with the added bonus of natural light and sea views, which can make the room feel more open and relaxing.

Balcony Staterooms

A Balcony stateroom is ideal for travellers who want their own private outdoor space during the cruise. This room type works especially well on scenic itineraries, sea days, or quieter mornings when you want to enjoy the view with a coffee before the day begins. For many guests, a balcony adds that extra sense of escape and makes the room feel more like part of the holiday experience, not just somewhere to sleep.

Suites

Suites are the best fit for travellers who want more room to spread out and a more elevated cruise experience. They can work particularly well for families, longer sailings or anyone who values extra comfort at sea. On Explorer of the Seas, suite accommodation adds more space, a more premium feel and extra convenience, making it a good option for travellers who want to upgrade their Royal Caribbean holiday.

 

Dining on Explorer of the Seas

Dining is a big part of the Explorer of the Seas experience, with a mix of included restaurants, casual favourites and specialty venues for guests who want more choice across their cruise. Explorer of the Seas boasts fantastic venues such as Main Dining Room, Windjammer, Café Promenade, Izumi, Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Johnny Rockets, giving travellers a good spread of dining styles from relaxed meals to more polished evening dining.

Main Dining Room

The Main Dining Room is a great choice for travellers who enjoy a more traditional cruise dining experience. It is well suited to relaxed breakfasts, multi-course dinners and those evenings when you want a proper sit-down meal after a day ashore. For many guests, this remains one of the easiest ways to enjoy included dining without sacrificing variety.

Windjammer

Windjammer is ideal for travellers who want flexibility and choice. It is a convenient option for breakfast before an excursion, a quick lunch on a sea day, or an easy dinner when everyone in the group wants something different. Families often appreciate this style of dining because it makes mealtimes simple and relaxed.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen

For travellers in the mood for comforting Italian flavours, Giovanni’s is one of the standout dining options on board. This is a great choice for a slower lunch or a relaxed dinner where you want something a little more special than casual poolside dining. It suits couples, families and small groups who enjoy hearty Italian dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.

Izumi

Izumi brings a different flavour profile to the ship and is a good option for guests who enjoy Japanese-inspired dining. This restaurant is the perfect choice for travellers who like mixing their dining choices across the cruise instead of sticking to the same venues each night. 

Chops Grille

Chops Grille is a strong choice for travellers looking for a more classic specialty dining experience. It is a popular venue for a date night, celebration dinner or simply an evening when you want a more refined atmosphere on board. If you enjoy the idea of a more polished meal during your cruise, this is one of the dining venues worth considering.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets adds a fun, casual American diner feel to the ship. It is a handy choice for burgers, fries, shakes and an easy meal when you want something familiar and satisfying. This venue tends to appeal to families, teens and anyone who wants an uncomplicated comfort-food option during the cruise.

Things to Do on Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas is designed for travellers who like having plenty of options between ports. Royal Caribbean promotes the ship’s FlowRider surf simulator, Rock Climbing Wall, The Perfect Storm waterslides and ice-skating entertainment as some of its standout experiences, and these attractions help give the ship a fun, energetic feel. If you enjoy sea days packed with activity, Explorer has plenty to keep you busy.

At the same time, the ship still works well for travellers who prefer a slower pace. You can spend time by the pool, enjoy a leisurely meal, catch a show in the evening or simply take in the ocean views between destinations. That mix of high-energy attractions and more relaxed cruise moments is part of what gives Explorer of the Seas broad appeal.

Explorer of the Seas Ship Facts

Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager Class ship that entered service in 2000. Royal Caribbean lists the ship at 137,308 gross tons, with an approximate passenger capacity of 3,286 guests at double occupancy, 1,185 crew and 14 passenger decks. These figures place Explor of the Seas in the sweet spot for travellers who want a large ship with plenty of features, while still feeling approachable and familiar compared with some of the line’s newest mega-ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Explorer of the Seas dock in Sydney?

When Explorer of the Seas sails in Sydney, Royal Caribbean directs guests to the Overseas Passenger Terminal, West 130 Argyle Street, The Rocks, opposite the Sydney Opera House. Terminal arrangements can change, so it is always worth checking your final cruise documents before departure.

How old is Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas?

Explorer of the Seas first entered service in 2000 and has been refreshed over the years with upgrades that have helped keep her cruise experience current. A major revitalisation in 2015 introduced signature Royal Caribbean features such as the FlowRider surf simulator, virtual balconies in select interior staterooms and new dining venues, giving guests more to enjoy on board while preserving the ship’s classic appeal.

How many passengers does Explorer of the Seas carry?

Explorer of the Seas carries around 3,286 passengers at double occupancy. Total guest numbers can be higher depending on cabin occupancy, but 3,286 is the standard comparison figure Royal Caribbean provides for the ship.

Book Your Explorer of the Seas Cruise

Explorer of the Seas is a great option for travellers who want a Royal Caribbean cruise with strong itinerary variety, family-friendly attractions and a ship that still delivers plenty of classic cruise fun. Whether you are planning a Mediterranean holiday or a Caribbean escape, this ship gives you a comfortable base, plenty of onboard choice and memorable destinations to look forward to. For the latest cruise deals, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Call us on 13 13 03, get in touch via Contact Us, or request a call back.

Facts

• Gross Tonnage: 138,000
• Length: 1,025 ft
• Max Beam: 157.5 ft
• Draft: 29 ft
• Cruising Speed: 22 knots