You've probably seen the photos of those massive, city-sized Icon-class ships and wondered if the older vessels are even worth the suitcase space anymore. Honestly, there is a weird misconception that Explorer of the Seas Royal Caribbean is just a "budget" backup or a dated relic of the early 2000s. It isn’t. Launched in 2000 as the second ship in the game-changing Voyager Class, this 137,308-ton vessel actually holds a specific spot in maritime history that most cruisers completely overlook. It was the first ship ever to house a legitimate atmospheric and oceanographic laboratory. While other ships were just focusing on buffets, Explorer was literally gathering data for the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
It's a workhorse. It has survived massive waves, multiple refurbishments, and a shift in the way people vacation.
If you are looking for a ship that feels like a floating amusement park with 20-minute wait times for a "thrill" slide, this might not be it. But if you want a layout that actually makes sense—where you can find the ocean without a GPS—Explorer is arguably better than the newer giants. It’s big enough to have a Royal Promenade (the "indoor street" concept Royal Caribbean pioneered) but small enough that you won't need a nap halfway through walking from the helipad to the Windjammer.
The 2023 Refresh and What Actually Changed
People keep asking if the ship is "rundown." Let’s be real: any ship with 3,000+ people trampling the carpets every week for twenty years is going to have some wear. However, the 2023 dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, did some heavy lifting. Royal Caribbean dumped millions into "amplifying" the ship, which is basically cruise-speak for a massive facelift.
They added the Perfect Storm water slides. These aren't the wimpy slides you see at a local pool; they are high-speed, translucent tubes that hang over the edge of the ship. They also overhauled the pool deck to match the "Caribbean" vibe found on the newer ships. Think bright colors, lime-green accents, and the addition of The Lime & Coconut bar. This bar is a multi-level beast that serves as the heartbeat of the upper decks. It’s where you go if you want a drink that tastes like a vacation, but fair warning, the music can get loud enough to vibrate your sunglasses.
What they didn't change—thankfully—is the classic Voyager-class DNA. You still have the ice-skating rink (Studio B). It still feels surreal to watch professional skaters doing triple axels while you’re technically floating in the middle of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. The ship also kept its FlowRider surf simulator. It’s a polarizing feature. You’ll either love the rush of trying to stand up on a sheet of rushing water, or you’ll spend your afternoon watching strangers wipe out in spectacular fashion. Both are valid forms of entertainment.
The Stateroom Reality Check
Don't expect the ultra-modern, USB-C-everywhere tech you find on Wonder of the Seas. The rooms on Explorer of the Seas Royal Caribbean are comfortable, but they show their age in the cabinetry and the bathroom sizes. If you’re a family of four trying to squeeze into an interior cabin, you're going to feel the pinch.
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- Interior Promenade View: These are the "secret" budget win. You get a window that looks down onto the Royal Promenade. It’s great for people-watching and catching the parades without leaving your room, but the curtains are thick for a reason—the lights on the Promenade stay on late.
- Balcony Cabins: Standard. If you can snag an aft-facing balcony, do it. The view of the wake is hypnotic, though the walk to the elevators from the very back of the ship is a genuine workout.
- Suites: You get the "Royal Suite Class" perks, though it’s not the full "Star Class" experience found on the Oasis-class ships. You get more space and better linens, but the "Genie" service isn't a thing here.
Eating Your Way Across the Ship
The food situation is where things get interesting. The Main Dining Room (MDR) is a three-deck masterpiece. It’s grand. It’s classic. It’s also where you’ll find the most consistent quality if you don't want to pay extra for specialty dining.
But let's talk about the Windjammer. The buffet layout on Explorer is actually superior to some newer ships because of the way the stations are spaced out. It doesn't feel like a mosh pit for scrambled eggs quite as often.
If you want to spend the extra cash, Chops Grille is the gold standard for a reason. It’s the classic American steakhouse experience. Then there’s Izumi. On Explorer, it’s tucked away, offering sushi and hibachi. The hibachi is basically dinner theater—expect flying shrimp and onion volcanoes. Is it cheesy? Yes. Is it delicious? Also yes. Giovanni’s Table replaced the old Portofino years ago, focusing on family-style Italian. It’s heavy, it’s carb-loaded, and it’s usually the best meal on the ship.
The "Secret" Spots You’ll Actually Use
Most people cluster around the main pool or the Promenade. If you want to actually enjoy the ship, you have to go to the Helipad. Unlike the newer ships where this area is often restricted, on Explorer, you can usually walk right out to the bow. It is the best place for sail-away and the absolute best place for stargazing at 2 AM.
Then there’s the Peek-a-Boo Bridge. This is a small viewing platform located above the Bridge where you can look through windows and see the officers navigating the ship. It’s a geeky detail that Royal Caribbean stopped putting on their newer designs, and it’s a shame because it’s fascinating to see the tech behind the scenes.
Why the Itineraries Matter
Explorer doesn't just sit in Miami. It moves. In recent years, it has become a staple for European summers, specifically the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greek Isles. This is where the ship’s size becomes a massive advantage.
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Large ships like the Odyssey of the Seas often have to anchor further out or are limited in which piers they can use. Explorer can get into tighter spots. When you’re docking in places like Kotor, Montenegro, or Split, Croatia, being on a slightly smaller vessel makes the logistics of getting on and off much smoother.
In the winter, it often heads back to North America, sometimes sailing out of Portmore (Cape Liberty) in New Jersey or various Florida ports. Sailing out of the Northeast in the winter on this ship is a trip—you spend the first day and a half in a parka watching the ice rink, and by day three, you’re in shorts at the Lime & Coconut.
The Technical Side (For the Nerds)
The ship is powered by six Wärtsilä diesel engines. It uses a diesel-electric propulsion system that drives three Azipod units. Two of these can rotate 360 degrees, which gives this massive hunk of steel the maneuverability of a much smaller boat.
The most impressive part? Even with the 2023 upgrades, the ship’s gross tonnage didn't change much, but its efficiency did. They’ve worked hard on hull coatings and energy-saving measures because, frankly, fuel is expensive and maritime environmental regulations are getting stricter every year.
Is It Right For You?
Let's be blunt. If you need a "Bionic Bar" with robot arms mixing your drinks, or a 10-story slide that ends in a dry landing, go book Symphony or Wonder. Explorer of the Seas is for the cruiser who wants the "traditional" Royal Caribbean experience.
It’s for the person who likes the 70s disco street party on the Promenade. It’s for the traveler who wants a world-class gym (which is huge on this ship, by the way) and a decent spa without paying $8,000 for a week in a loft suite.
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It’s also surprisingly good for multi-generational families. The Adventure Ocean kids' program is top-tier, and because the ship isn't five football fields long, it’s easier to meet up with Grandma for dinner without needing a walkie-talkie.
Real Talk on the Cons
No ship is perfect. The Wi-Fi (Voom) is generally okay since they upgraded to Starlink, but on an older hull like this, you will find "dead zones" in certain interior cabins where the signal just can't penetrate the steel.
Also, the elevators. They are beautiful glass pods, but during peak times—like right after a theater show—they are slow. Painfully slow. You will learn to love the stairs.
And finally, the smoking policy. Like most ships, there are designated areas, but depending on the wind, you might catch a whiff of it near the casino or certain deck areas. It’s a common complaint on older designs where ventilation wasn't as optimized as it is on the 2024-era builds.
Actionable Tips for Your First (or Next) Trip
If you’re ready to book Explorer of the Seas Royal Caribbean, don't just click "pay" and wing it.
- Book the "The Key": If you hate lines, this is the one ship where "The Key" (Royal Caribbean’s VIP pass) is actually worth it. It gets you priority access to the FlowRider and the slides, which can get backed up on sea days.
- Download the App Early: Everything—and I mean everything—happens on the app now. You’ll need it to book your muster drill (which is now digital and takes 5 minutes) and to see the "Cruise Compass" daily activities.
- Check the Itinerary for "Tender" Ports: If your route includes places like Santorini or Belize, you’ll be taking small boats to shore. Explorer is efficient, but if you have mobility issues, these ports are much harder than "docked" ports.
- Visit the Solarium: It’s the adults-only pool area. It’s not fully enclosed on Explorer like it is on some other ships, but it’s significantly quieter than the main pool. It’s the best place to read a book without a "belly flop contest" happening three feet away.
- Don't Skip the Ice Show: Seriously. Even if you don't like skating, the tech and the talent they jam into that small rink in the middle of the ocean is genuinely impressive.
Explorer of the Seas is a survivor. It represents a pivot point in cruise history where ships stopped being just transportation and started being the destination itself. It’s classic, it’s updated where it matters, and it still offers one of the best value-for-money experiences in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Go for the slides, stay for the helipad views, and don't forget to try the "Ranger Cookies" at the Cafe Promenade—they are a cult favorite for a reason.
Final Insight for the Modern Traveler
When booking, look specifically for "Amplified" sailings. While the ship itself has been updated, some specific amenities vary depending on the dry-dock schedule and current staffing. The 2023 updates have solidified Explorer's place for at least another decade of service. It remains a top-tier choice for those who want the scale of a mega-ship without the overwhelming complexity of the Oasis or Icon classes. Use the money you save on the lower fare to book an extra excursion in a port like Mykonos or Cozumel—that's where the real value lies.