Royal Caribbean InternationalVoyager class
Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship of the Voyager class, in service since 2000. She measures 138,194 gross tons and carries 3,286 guests with a crew of 1,180. She sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Bahamas itineraries. We rate her 4.0 out of 5.
Sails from Port Canaveral, Florida · fly into MCO
- Guests
- 3,286
- Crew 1,180 · 1:2.8
- Entered service
- 2000
- Refitted 2015
- Length
- 311 m
- Longer than 84% of 574 ships
- Decks
- 15
Explorer of the Seas is bigger than 83% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 87%. At 42.1 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 66% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
About Explorer of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas, completed in 2000, is the second Voyager-class ship and was briefly the world's largest passenger ship by tonnage. For several years she carried an atmospheric and ocean laboratory run by the University of Miami, a program that ended in 2007. A 2015 dry dock replaced her inline skating rink with a FlowRider surf simulator, while a bigger upgrade planned for 2020 was shelved during the pandemic in favor of technical work. In 2026-27 she sails Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral in winter and Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Ravenna and Piraeus in summer.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 4/5, fleet average 4.2
- Dining
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Entertainment
- 5/5, fleet average 4.9
- Service
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Pools & decks
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Value
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Royal Caribbean International fleet average across 30 rated ships in service.
Sister ships: Voyager class
Explorer of the Seas is one of 5 Voyager class ships. Mariner of the Seas (2003), Navigator of the Seas (2002), Adventure of the Seas (2001) and Voyager of the Seas (1999) are in service.
| Ship | Year | Gross tons | Guests | Space | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer of the Seas this ship | 2000 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Mariner of the Seas | 2003 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Navigator of the Seas | 2002 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Adventure of the Seas | 2001 | 4.0/5 | |||
| Voyager of the Seas | 1999 | 4.0/5 |
Where she sails
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
- Transatlanticcrossings between Europe and the Americas, mostly in spring and autumn
- Bahamasshort trips from Florida, often with a day on a line's private island
Home port: Port Canaveral, Florida.
Flying in for your cruise?
Explorer of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. The airport is Orlando International (MCO), with 6 lounges to wait in before you board.
- Plaza Premium LoungeMCO Terminal C4.7 ★
- The Club MCO (Airside 4)MCO Terminal B4.5 ★
- American Airlines Admirals ClubMCO Terminal B4.0 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Explorer of the Seas?
Explorer of the Seas is operated by Royal Caribbean International and belongs to its Voyager class.
What are Explorer of the Seas' sister ships?
Explorer of the Seas is one of 5 Voyager class ships. Mariner of the Seas (2003), Navigator of the Seas (2002), Adventure of the Seas (2001) and Voyager of the Seas (1999) are in service.
How big is Explorer of the Seas?
Explorer of the Seas measures 138,194 gross tons and 311 metres in length, with 15 decks.
How does Explorer of the Seas compare in size with other cruise ships?
Explorer of the Seas is bigger than 83% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruise Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 87%. At 42.1 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 66% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Explorer of the Seas feel?
Explorer of the Seas has a passenger space ratio of 42.1: 138,194 gross tons for 3,286 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Explorer of the Seas feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Explorer of the Seas carry?
Explorer of the Seas carries 3,286 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 1,180 (about 2.8 guests per crew member).
When did Explorer of the Seas enter service?
Explorer of the Seas entered service in 2000 and was last refurbished in 2015.
Where does Explorer of the Seas sail?
Explorer of the Seas sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Transatlantic and Bahamas itineraries. Her home port is Port Canaveral, Florida.
Which airport should I fly into for Explorer of the Seas?
Explorer of the Seas sails from Port Canaveral, Florida. Fly into Orlando International (MCO), which has 6 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Explorer of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean International publishes the deck plans for Explorer of the Seas; this page links to Deck plans.
How is Explorer of the Seas rated?
Cruise Frog rates Explorer of the Seas 4.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on entertainment (5/5) and lowest on dining (3/5).
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