Explorer of the Seas Review: Full Ship Overview (Is It Worth It?)
If you are researching an honest Explorer of the Seas review, you are likely wondering one thing: is this older Royal Caribbean ship still worth booking? Explorer of the Seas is a strong fit for travelers who value itinerary and price over cutting-edge thrills — but it is not the right choice if you want waterslides, neighborhoods, and the newest tech at sea.
As part of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class, this ship delivers a classic cruise experience with solid entertainment, family-friendly activities, and very competitive pricing. If you’re comparing ships, I always recommend looking at the full picture of the Royal Caribbean cruise fleet and planning strategies before deciding.
If you would like help comparing this ship to others sailing the same itinerary, you can request a personalized cruise quote here, and I’ll walk you through the smartest options.
Quick Answer: Is Explorer of the Seas Worth It?
- Best for: Budget-conscious families, first-time cruisers, and travelers prioritizing itinerary over ship size.
- Not ideal for: Guests wanting the newest mega-ship features like water coasters or Royal Promenade “neighborhood” districts.
- Overall value: Often very good for the price point.
- Biggest consideration: It’s an older Voyager Class ship — updated, but not cutting-edge.
- What to know first: Choose cabin location carefully if you’re sensitive to motion.
Quick Facts About Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Voyager Class |
| Original Launch | Early 2000s |
| Last Major Refurbishment | Amplified with updated dining and public areas (check sailing year for specifics) |
| Passenger Capacity | Approximately 3,000+ guests double occupancy |
| Best For | Families, multi-generational groups, value-focused cruisers |
| Not Ideal For | Travelers seeking mega-ship attractions and newest design concepts |
Explorer of the Seas Review Overview
Explorer of the Seas is a mid-sized cruise ship that feels large enough to offer variety but small enough to navigate easily. For many of my clients, that balance is actually a positive — particularly for first-time cruisers who don’t want to feel overwhelmed.
Overall ratings based on client feedback tend to look like this:
- Food: Good, especially in specialty venues
- Cabins: Comfortable but not ultra-modern
- Entertainment: Strong ice skating shows and solid production value
- Value: Frequently excellent compared to newer ships
If itinerary matters more to you than onboard bells and whistles, this ship often checks the right boxes.
Is Explorer of the Seas Worth It?
Who will love this ship?
The best choice for budget-conscious families is often Explorer of the Seas. It provides:
- Adventure Ocean youth programming
- An ice skating rink (a standout feature)
- A rock climbing wall
- A Royal Promenade atmosphere without Oasis-level crowds
Who may want a newer ship instead?
If your priority is thrill attractions like waterslides, zip lines, surf simulators with upgraded features, or the multi-neighborhood concept found on Oasis Class ships, you may feel underwhelmed.
Many travelers compare this ship against Freedom Class or Oasis Class vessels. If this were my client seeking high-energy, resort-style scale, I would usually suggest upgrading.
Common Concerns
- “Is it outdated?” — décor in some areas shows its age.
- “Is it rough at sea?” — Voyager Class ships can feel motion more than larger Oasis Class ships.
- “Is it crowded?” — Less than mega ships, but peak sailings can feel busy in the Windjammer.
In short: it’s worth it for the right expectations.
Ship Overview: Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
This Voyager Class ship features a central Royal Promenade, ice skating rink, multiple pools, Vitality Spa, and Broadway-style theater.
Size and Layout
It’s large enough to offer variety but walkable. Many first-time cruisers underestimate how helpful that is. You’re not walking 15 minutes between venues.
Compared to Freedom and Oasis Class
- Vs Freedom Class: Slightly smaller, fewer thrill features.
- Vs Oasis Class: Significantly smaller; fewer specialty restaurants and no themed neighborhoods.
What matters most here is your vacation style. If you plan to spend full days on the ship, newer classes may justify higher pricing.
Cabins and Suites
Stateroom Types
- Interior: Smart for budget-focused travelers.
- Ocean View: Natural light without balcony pricing.
- Balcony: My most commonly booked category.
- Suites: Larger space and added perks.
Best Cabins for Families
Connecting balcony cabins work well for families wanting separation without the cost of full suites.
Cabins to Avoid
- Directly below pool deck (noise early mornings).
- Forward-facing cabins if you’re prone to motion.
- Above theater or nightclub spaces for light sleepers.
Bathrooms are functional but compact. Storage is adequate, not spacious. This is where setting expectations prevents disappointment.
Dining on Explorer of the Seas
Main Dining Room
Consistent and traditional. Service tends to be a highlight.
Windjammer Buffet
Good variety, but peak breakfast times can feel crowded. I always recommend going early on sea days to avoid the busiest periods.
Specialty Restaurants
- Chops Grille – Reliable steakhouse upgrade.
- Izumi – Sushi and hibachi.
- Giovanni’s Table (sailing dependent).
If food is a major priority, I advise budgeting for at least one specialty dining evening to enhance your experience.
Entertainment and Activities
The ice skating shows are genuinely impressive and often exceed expectations. Families especially love this feature.
- Ice skating rink performances
- Rock climbing wall
- Pool deck games
- Adults-only Solarium
- Adventure Ocean kids club programming
Sea days are active but not overwhelming, making it easy to balance relaxation and fun.
Motion and Ship Stability
Is Explorer of the Seas rough?
In higher seas, yes — you may feel more movement than on larger ships. If you are sensitive to motion, consider cabin placement carefully.
Best Location for Stability
- Mid-ship
- Lower decks
- Balcony over forward interior for sensitive cruisers
First-time cruisers often worry too much. Smart cabin placement makes a significant difference in comfort.
Pros and Cons of Explorer of the Seas
Pros
- Strong value pricing
- Family-friendly programming
- Awards-worthy ice skating entertainment
- Simpler, easy-to-navigate layout
Cons
- Older décor in some areas
- Fewer thrill attractions than newer ships
- Can feel motion in rough seas
Top Mistakes First-Time Explorer of the Seas Cruisers Make
- Booking cheapest forward cabin without understanding motion.
- Skipping specialty dining entirely.
- Assuming it offers the same features as Oasis Class ships.
- Boarding late and missing prime dining reservations.
Explorer of the Seas vs Other Royal Caribbean Ships
- Vs Voyager sister ships: Very similar layout and experience.
- Vs Freedom Class: Freedom offers waterslides and larger common areas.
- Vs Oasis Class: Oasis provides destination-level onboard entertainment and more dining variety.
If itinerary is identical and price difference is modest, I usually compare what onboard features matter most to your travel style.
Decision Support: Is Explorer of the Seas Right for You?
Consider these questions to help decide if Explorer of the Seas fits your cruise expectations:
- Are you prioritizing itinerary and price over onboard amenities?
- Do you prefer a manageable ship size that’s easy to navigate?
- Are you traveling with family or multi-generational groups looking for value?
- Are you comfortable with classic ship styling rather than the newest designs?
- Do you want solid entertainment like ice skating shows without mega-ship crowds?
- Are you sensitive to motion and willing to select cabins mid-ship and lower decks?
If you answered yes to most, Explorer of the Seas is likely a great fit. If you want the latest thrills and mega-ship features, consider newer Royal Caribbean ships like the Oasis Class.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Explorer of the Seas outdated? Updated but not ultra-modern. Expect classic ship styling with some areas showing age.
- Is it good for kids and teens? Yes, especially elementary and middle school ages benefit from Adventure Ocean and ice skating.
- Are there enough sea day activities? Yes, though less variety than mega ships, activities are well-suited for families and casual cruisers.
- How crowded does it feel? Moderate. Windjammer peak times are busiest but less crowded than mega ships.
- What should you prioritize booking first? Specialty dining and entertainment reservations to secure prime times.
- Is a balcony worth it? For Caribbean or scenic Europe sailings, I usually recommend it if budget allows for better views and fresh air.
- How can I avoid seasickness? Choose mid-ship, lower deck cabins and consider over-the-counter remedies or consultation with your doctor.
- Are there family-friendly dining options? Yes, the ship offers kid-friendly menus and casual dining venues suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict: Should You Book Explorer of the Seas?
This ship is best for:
- Families seeking value
- First-time cruisers
- Travelers prioritizing ports over onboard thrills
It is not ideal for travelers wanting cutting-edge attractions or ultra-modern design.
In my experience, expectations determine satisfaction. If you board expecting Oasis-level scale, you may be disappointed. If you board expecting a well-priced, family-friendly cruise with solid entertainment, you’ll likely be very happy.
If you would like personalized help deciding whether Explorer of the Seas is right for your sailing dates and itinerary, I would be happy to guide you. You can request a custom cruise quote here.
And if you’d like more cruise tips and planning insight, you can follow along on Instagram at Traveling Ears Vacations.
When you’re ready, we’ll design a cruise plan that feels effortless from embarkation to disembarkation. That’s the difference thoughtful planning makes.
