Explorer of the Seas Overview
Updated By Erica Silverstein, Features Editor, and Jodi Thompson, Cruise Cruise Contributor
(4.5)
The second of five in the revolutionary Voyager-class series that started with
Voyager of the Seas in 1999, Explorer of the Seas follows the floating resort concept, boasting an a wealth of facilities, activities and entertainment. Amenities include a 60-foot-by-40 foot ice skating rink/concert venue/TV Studio, rock-climbing wall, inline-skating rink, a shopping/dining/entertainment boulevard, miniature golf, wedding chapel, florist, full-court basketball and spa/solarium complex. Active cruisers of all ages, from children to seniors, will find something to enjoy. There is plenty to appeal to every age group, making this a great ship for multi-generational reunions.
Despite all the amenities, we'd be remiss in not mentioning that the ship been out-sized and out-classed by the line's Freedom- and Oasis-class ships -- but Explorer certainly has its advantages. It's Royal Caribbean's dedicated New Jersey-based vessel and one of the line's most reasonably priced. (It's not uncommon to see fares starting in the $60 - $75 a night range.) And with so much going on, you may not end up missing Freedom's surf simulators or Oasis' Central Park.
Explorer of the Seas Fellow Passengers
Royal Caribbean typically appeals to couples and singles in their 30's to 50's as well as families of all ages. The median age is in the low 40's on seven-night cruises and in the 30's on three-and four-night cruises, passengers 50-55 and over tend to dominate 10-night and longer cruises. Royal Caribbean attracts passengers that are looking for an affordable, active vacation.
Explorer of the Seas Dress Code
During the day, dress is casual. Evenings are either casual, smart casual or formal. On casual nights, suggested attire is sports shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women. On smart casual evenings, men should don jackets and tie, with women wearing dresses or pantsuits. On the one or two formal nights per cruise, men can choose from tuxedos or suits and ties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses.
Explorer of the Seas Gratuity
Royal Caribbean passengers are charged $12 per person, per day ($14.25 for suite guests). Gratuities can be prepaid or will be added on a daily basis to passengers' SeaPass accounts during the cruise. Passengers can modify or remove gratuities by visiting the guest services desk while onboard. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.
Having been to Bermuda for the first time in 2009 we have been wanting to go back for quite some time. I found a very good price for this June cruise with Royal Caribbean.
The weather was fantastic, the shows were great, and the new menu ...continue |
Check in at the Port was fast and organized. Do not let the age of the ship fool you, while the Explorer is showing some signs of time on the outside, on the inside she remains a majestic beauty. This ship is very well maintained with her public ...continue |
My husband and I traveled with other family members on the Explorer out of Bayonne N.J. We drove from Massachusetts, and joined up with them in Connecticut for the rest of the trip. Driving down on Saturday morning wasn't bad we were there in ...continue |
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