Voyager class · Royal Caribbean · In service since 2000

Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas is a Voyager class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, in service since 2000. At about 138,194 gross tons, it carries roughly 3,114–4,029 guests and ranks #21 by size in the 30-ship Royal Caribbean fleet we cover.

138,194 gross tons
3,114–4,029 guests
1,020 ft long

Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Ship class: Voyager class
Entered service: 2000 (26 years ago)
Gross tonnage: 138,194
Guests: 3,114–4,029
Length: 1,020 ft (311 m)
Beam (width): 161 ft (49.1 m)
Speed: 24 knots
Builder: Kvaerner Masa-Yards
Flag: The Bahamas
IMO number: 9161728

About Explorer of the Seas

Explorer of the Seas, the second Voyager-class ship from 2000, was known for years for a working ocean and atmospheric science lab run with the University of Miami. Today it is a straightforward, active ship with the class signatures: the Royal Promenade, the Studio B ice rink, a rock-climbing wall and mini-golf up top. Later refits added newer dining and pool-deck features without changing its character. Explorer is a good fit for cruisers who want a busy, family-friendly ship but find the Oasis class overwhelming, and it has sailed a wide variety of itineraries over the years.

Best for: Families and repeat Royal Caribbean cruisers who want a mid-size, activity-rich ship on a wider range of itineraries.

Explorer of the Seas highlights

Royal Promenade with cafés, a pub and evening parades
Studio B ice rink with skating shows
Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course
Solarium, an adults-only pool area
Adventure Ocean kids’ club

How Explorer of the Seas compares in size

Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.

Voyager class sister ships

Sailing with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the big-ship, high-activity line: surf simulators, water slides, ice rinks and Broadway shows on some of the largest cruise ships ever built. It suits families, groups and active couples who want a floating resort and a private-island beach day, and it’s less suited to anyone who wants quiet, small ships or an all-inclusive fare.

Read our full Royal Caribbean guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →

Where Royal Caribbean sails

Explorer of the Seas FAQs

How big is Explorer of the Seas?

Explorer of the Seas measures about 138,194 gross tons and is about 1,020 feet (311 m) long. That makes it #21 of 30 Royal Caribbean ships we cover by tonnage, and #71 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.

How many passengers does Explorer of the Seas carry?

About 3,114–4,029 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.

When was Explorer of the Seas built?

Explorer of the Seas entered service in 2000 and was built by Kvaerner Masa-Yards. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.

What class of ship is Explorer of the Seas?

Explorer of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean's Voyager class, alongside Voyager of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.

Is Explorer of the Seas good for families?

Kids are a core audience. Adventure Ocean runs supervised, age-grouped programs for children 3 to 12 (with group babysitting late in the evening for a fee), and teen clubs give 12- to 17-year-olds their own lounge and activities. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Explorer of the Seas offers for your kids' ages.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Royal Caribbean official site.