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Is Explorer of the Seas Too Old? Honest Review 2026

Amy's Turnkey Travel
Amy's Turnkey Travel
🥈Expert
👁️ 11K views📅 5 months ago⏱️ 14:48
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
👶 Best for Family (Young Kids)Caribbean · Winter · 9 nightsVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Can I say a 10 out of 10 for food off the bat?

This is our 42nd cruise, and they may be the top waiters we've ever had.

I would have no problem sailing on Explore the Seas again.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Plan your time around the Adventure Ocean check-in process to avoid long lines.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Ship age and conditionThe ship has been renovated and is in good shape for its age.
Room noise in guaranteed ocean viewConsider using a travel agent to book a specific room instead of a guarantee.

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs Explorer of the Seas still a good choice for a vacation in 2026?
QDoes the ship feel dated or is it a classic favorite?

Topics Covered

Ship Condition3½ Happy BaconDining Main4½ Happy BaconDining Buffet4 Happy BaconEntertainment Shows4 Happy BaconPool Deck3 Happy BaconKids Family4½ Happy BaconService Crew4½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Aruba2½ Happy Bacon
Grand Cayman2½ Happy Bacon
Kurissowl2½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Are you wondering if Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas is still a good choice for your next vacation? As this Voyager-class ship celebrates 26 years on the water, many cruisers are asking if it feels dated or if it remains a classic favorite. In this full Explorer of the Seas review, we take an honest look at the state of the ship in 2026, covering everything from the condition of the staterooms to the quality of the dining and entertainment options available. We dive deep into the everyday experience, evaluating the staff and bar service, the typical clientele, and how the ship handles its various ports of call. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly getaway or you are an experienced cruiser curious about the maintenance of older Royal Caribbean ships, we break down the pros and cons to help you decide if this ship is "worth it" for you. We explore the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and the nightlife to see if the Explorer still delivers that signature Royal Caribbean energy. By the end of this tour and review, you will have a clear understanding of the ship’s layout, the current level of wear and tear, and why the Explorer of the Seas might—or might not—be the right fit for your travel style. 📍Book your next cruise with Amy’s Turnkey Travel: 🌐 amysturnkeytravel.com 📞 Call or Text: (813) 591-3823 📧 amysmith@cruiseplanners.com 📺 YouTube.com/@amysturnkeytravel 📸 Facebook: fb.com/@AmysTurnkey #RoyalCaribbean #ExplorerOfTheSeas #CruiseReview #ShipTour #CruiseTips #TravelReview #CruiseLife #VoyagerClass #RoyalCaribbeanReview #CruiseShip #CruiseAdvice #TravelVlog #Cruise2026 #CruiseVacation #ShipReview #FirstTimeCruiser #CruiseHacks