Public Areas & Facilities

Explorer of the Seas was the second of Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class vessels, which were introduced one per year over a five-year period in a truly massive building program. With their rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, in-line skating tracks, miniature golf, and multiple dining venues, Voyager-class ships are destinations in their own right. Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with nonstop daytime action.

Only the unique horizontal, multiple-deck promenade-atriums on Voyager-class vessels can stage some of the pageantry for which Royal Caribbean is noted. Fringed with boutiques, bars, and even coffee shops, the mall-like expanses set the stage for evening parades and events, as well as simply spots to kick back for some people-watching.

Other public rooms are equally dramatic. Though it's considered to be three separate dining rooms, the triple-deck height of the single space is stunning. These ships not only carry a lot of people, they carry them well. Space is abundant, and crowding is seldom an issue.

Restaurants

Triple-deck-high formal dining rooms serve meals in two evening seatings and are supplemented by Portofino, a reservations-only Italian restaurant that charges a supplement. The casual Lido buffet offers an Island Grill for casual dinners and does not require reservations.

What Works & What Doesn't

Active families will surely find something to keep everyone busy -- rock climbing, ice-skating, full-size basketball courts, in-line skating, miniature golf. The good news is that equipment to participate in all those sports activities is provided at no additional charge. The bad news is that, with the exception of the gym and some fitness classes, nearly everything else on board -- including soft drinks, specialty coffees, meals in the alternative dining venues, spa services, bingo, and alcoholic beverages -- carries a price tag. More good news is that snacks and pizza in Café Promenade are free.

Accommodations

Layout: As on other Royal Caribbean ships, cabins are bright and cheerful. Although more than 60% are located outside -- and a hefty 75% of those have private balconies -- there are still plenty of bargain inside cabins, some uniquely configured with a bowed window for a view overlooking the action-packed promenade. Cabins in every category have adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. Junior Suites have a sitting area, vanity area, and bathroom with bathtub. Family ocean-view cabins with a window sleep up to six people and can accommodate a roll-away bed and/or crib, have two twin beds (convertible into queen-size), additional bunk beds in a separate area, a separate sitting area with a sofa bed, vanity area, and a private bathroom with shower.

Amenities: Wood cabinetry, a small refrigerator-minibar, computer connection, vanity-desk, TV, personal safe, a hair dryer, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical Voyager-class features in all categories. Bathrooms have shampoo and bath gel.

Good to Know: Twenty-six staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Royal Suite	1,188-1,325
Other Suites*	277-610
Superior/Deluxe/Family Ocean View++	173-328
Large/Standard Ocean View	211 /161-180
Interior	153-167
*Owner's (506-618 sq. ft.), Grand (381-390 sq. ft.), Royal Family (512-610 sq. ft.), Jr. (277-299 sq. ft). ++Superior (202-206 sq. ft.), Deluxe (173-184 sq. ft.), Family (265-328 sq. ft.).

Favorites

Best Place to Escape the Crowds: The clubby and quiet cigar bars are comfortable retreats day and night. Even nonsmokers can't fail to be impressed with a ventilation system that eliminates any lingering scent.

Fun & Funky: In the sports bars, at the ship's rail, and around the pools, colorful sculptures add a touch of whimsy.

Best Added Value: Although you could spend extra for specialty coffee and ice cream, it's possible to grab a complimentary snack instead in the Café Promenade.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Music and drinks with a view gets our vote -- the jazz clubs in the Viking Crown Lounge have it all.

Suite Stuff: Full suites and family suites have concierge service, balconies, and sitting areas. All suites are furnished with a DVD/VCR player and stereo; bathrooms with a tub and double sinks; and (in many) walk-in closets. Top-category suites have flat-screen TVs, whirlpool tubs, dining rooms, multiple bedrooms, and even hot tubs on balconies.