Explorer of the Seas – Royal Caribbean International

Overview

The Explorer of the Seas was launched by Royal Caribbean in 2000 and is one of their five Voyager Class ships. The 142,000 ton ship offers 15 decks, accommodates 3,114 passengers, and boasts an impressive array of activity and entertainment options.

Her schedule in 2012 includes 5 and 7-night cruises from New York to Bermuda (Kings Wharf) and 9 and 10-night Bermuda and Caribbean cruises, also departing from New York.

Accommodation

The Explorer of the Seas boasts 1,557 cabins that can be divided into four main categories:

Suites

• Private balcony with ocean views
• Sitting area with sofa bed
• Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
• TV and telephone
• Refrigerator or mini-bar
• Private bathroom with bathtub, vanity area and hairdryer

Balcony Staterooms

• Private balcony with ocean views
• Sitting area with sofa bed
• Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
• TV and telephone
• Private bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer

Ocean View Staterooms

• Window with ocean view
• Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
• TV and telephone
• Private bathroom with shower
• Vanity area
• Hairdryer

Interior Stateroom

• Two twin beds or one queen-size bed
• TV and telephone
• Private bathroom with shower
• Vanity area
• Hairdryer

Dining

The Explorer of the Seas offers a wealth of dining options.

Meals from many restaurants, including the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Café, are included in the price of the cruise. There is a service charge ($20 – $25, 2009) if you choose to dine the Portofino Restaurant. In Johnny Rockets there is a service charge of $4.95 per person (2009).

Restaurants and other dining options include:

• Ben & Jerry’s – Premium ice cream. Charge.
• Café Promenade – 24-hour café in the Royal Promenade serving pizzas, pastries and sandwiches. No charge for meals, regular coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade. Charge for speciality coffee drinks, beer and wine.
• Johnny Rockets – 50’s style diner popular with teenagers. Offers burgers, fries and milkshakes. Cover charge. Casual.
• Main Dining Room – The elegant main dining room spans 3 levels, with each level named after a legendary explorer (Columbus, Da Gama and Magellan). Casual clothing for breakfast and lunch. Dress codes vary at dinner (e.g. on 9-night cruises there are typically two formal nights, one smart casual night, and six casual nights).
• Portofino Restaurant – Italian-themed restaurant with seating for 88 guests. Cover charge payable. Smart casual dress code (except on formal evenings). No children under 13.
• Room Service – 24-hour menu offering a range of meals and light snacks. Breakfast and meals from the main dining room menu also available. No charge for meals, coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade.
• Windjammer Café – Casual restaurant serving continental breakfast, full-buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night snacks. No reservations required. No charge for meals, regular coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade. Charge for speciality beverages, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Various dinner options are available in the main dining room:

• My Time Dining – Flexible dining between 6 and 9.30 pm.
• Traditional Dining – Passengers are assigned a table for the duration of the cruise based on their preferred seating time.
• My Family Time Dining – Expedited dining service for children aged 3 – 11 registered with Adventure Ocean Youth programme. Children leave early for activities.

On the 5-night cruises to Bermuda there are usually 3 casual nights, 1 smart casual night, and 1 formal dinner.

Entertainment & Public Areas

• Aquarium Bar – Intimate bar with 4 huge aquariums full of tropical fish.
• Casino Royale – Features blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, roulette and craps tables (16 in total) plus 293 slot machines.
• Champagne Bar – Sparkling wines, champagnes and canapés. Casual dress in the daytime. In the evening follow the planned dress code.
• Connoisseur Club – Cigar lounge selling premium cigars and liquors.
• Crown and Kettle – British-style pub offering beer by the pint.
• Library
• Maharajas – Indian-themed lounge. Live music every evening.
• Chamber – Gothic-style nightclub. Over 18s only.
• Observation Deck
• Pool Bar – Centred among all three Deck 11 swimming pools
• Royal Promenade – Mall spanning 4 decks. Features numerous restaurants, lounges and stores.
• Schooner Bar – Nautical-themed piano bar. Casual dress in the daytime. In the evening follow the planned dress code.
• Screening Room -
• Studio B – Professional ice shows.
• Sky Bar – Outdoor bar overlooking the pool area.
• Palace Theatre – The main show lounge seats up to 1,350 guests over three levels.
• Viking Crown Lounge – Lounge on Deck 14 comprising 5 connecting rooms: 19th Hole – Golf-themed sports bar, Cloud Nine – Lounge, Crow’s Nest – Observation lounge at the fore of the ship, Dizzy’s – Jazz club with live music nightly, Seven Hearts – Card room.
• Weekend Warrior – Sports bar in the Royal Promenade showing sporting events on multiple TVs.

Spa & Fitness

• Explorer Dunes Golf Course – 9-hole miniature golf course on Deck 13.
• Golf Simulator – Good practice for one of Bermuda’s golf courses. Fee payable.
• Ice Skating Rink – Studio B is open to guests for skating when not being used for shows. Skates and lessons available.
• In-line Skating Track – Situated on Deck 13. Skates available.
• Rock Climbing Wall – 30ft high rock climbing wall. Equipment and lessons are provided. Free, no reservations required.
• SeaTrek Scuba Diving Dive Shop – Take a PADI scuba diving course onboard. Participants must be at least 12 years old.
• Solarium – Adults-only pool area with bar and 2 whirlpools.
• Sports Court – Outdoor activity court on Deck 13 suitable for basketball and volleyball.
• Swimming Pools
• Running/Jogging Track
• Day Spa/Fitness Centre – 15,000 square foot fitness centre with ocean view gym, full-service spa and salon.
• Whirlpools

Other

• Board Room
• Conference Centre – Offers seating for up to 400 guests.
• Art Auctions
• Royal Caribbean Online – The ship’s internet café is situated on Deck 8 and is open 24 hours.
• Skylight Chapel – Situated on Deck 15 this chapel serves as both a wedding chapel and a nondenominational place of worship. It can accommodate up to 60 guests and boasts a stained glass skylight. It is the ship’s highest point.

Kid Stuff

• Royal Babies & Royal Tots – sessions for children aged 6 months to 3 years.
• Adventure Ocean – programme for children aged 3 to 11.
• Teen – programme for teens aged 12 to 17.