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Explorer of the Seas: The SHOCKING Upgrade That Beat Newer Ships (Full Review 2026)

CruiseTalesToday
CruiseTalesToday
๐ŸฅˆExpert
๐Ÿ‘๏ธ 3K views๐Ÿ“… 3 months agoโฑ๏ธ 21:28
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review๐ŸฅˆExpert Creator
Caribbean ยท 7 nightsVeteran Cruiser

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

Creator's Key Takeaways

Explorer of the Seas falls into that rare category of ships that somehow manages to feel both massive and intimate at the same time.

The Flow Rider surf simulator deserves special mention because it's genuinely fun, even if you've never surfed in your life.

The adults only solarium pool area is a revelation for anyone who's ever tried to relax by a pool while kids are doing cannonballs nearby.

The ship's age works in its favor rather than against it. The 2019 renovation addressed outdated elements while preserving the features that made the ship popular in the first place.

Creator's Tips & Advice

โœ“Book specialty dining and spa appointments early, especially on sea days.
โœ“Plan shore excursions in advance as popular tours sell out quickly.
โœ“Use the ship's excursion desk for detailed information on difficulty levels and duration.

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs Explorer of the Seas worth the hype after its 2019 renovation?
QHow does a Voyager-class ship from 2000 compete with newer floating palaces?
QWhat dining, activity, and accommodation options does the ship offer?

Topics Covered

Value Pricing3 Happy BaconCrowd Capacity3ยฝ Happy BaconDining Specialty3ยฝ Happy BaconEntertainment Activities4ยฝ Happy BaconPool Deck4 Happy BaconCabin Suite4 Happy BaconWifi Connectivity1ยฝ Sad BaconShip Condition4 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Perfect Day at CocoCay4ยฝ Happy Bacon
Top:
Cozumel4 Happy Bacon
Top:
Jamaica4 Happy Bacon
Top:
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon โ€” creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon โ€” creators took issue with this
Meh โ€” no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0โ€“5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = โ€œmehโ€, 5 = โ€œbacon blissโ€. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Descriptionโ†“

Discover the ultimate Explorer of the Seas review from a cruise expert who's sailed dozens of ships. After Royal Caribbean's massive 2019 renovation, this Voyager-class giant delivers massive cabins (from 155 sq ft interiors to 1,146 sq ft Royal Suites with baby grand pianos), unlimited pizza at Windjammer, specialty dining like Chops Grille steaks and Izumi sushi, FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating rink, Solarium adults-only pool, and Adventure Ocean kids programs. We cover balcony staterooms, family suites, accessible cabins, Caribbean ports like Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay, shore excursions, spa treatments, and real guest experiences. Is Explorer of the Seas worth it in 2025? Get the honest pros/cons, pricing, and why it feels both massive and intimate. Perfect for families, couples, solos โ€“ book your Royal Caribbean cruise now! Get The Best Deals and Book Your Cruise: https://expedia.com/affiliate/JWCrsf2 - Explorer of the Seas: The Intro That Changed My Cruise Views - Explorer of the Seas Cabins: Interiors, Balconies, Suites & Family Options - Explorer of the Seas Dining: Windjammer Pizza, Chops Grille & Izumi - Explorer of the Seas Pools: Solarium, Sports Pool & Hot Tubs - Explorer of the Seas FlowRider & Deck Activities - Explorer of the Seas Entertainment: Rock Wall, Ice Rink & Shows - Explorer of the Seas Fitness Center & Classes - Explorer of the Seas Spa: Thermal Suite, Massages & Salon - Explorer of the Seas Kids Clubs: Adventure Ocean & Teen Fuel - Explorer of the Seas Ports: Cozumel, Jamaica, CocoCay Excursions - Explorer of the Seas Pros, Cons & Final Verdict Credit: @GouverneurNL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOSidlYNjZc @TheAverage TravelGuys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN_LU9DfoBA @Department of Conservation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOE_ubrmtGY @Damien Travels https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2PYrfy8VIs Disclaimer: Stock footage used in this video is for visualization purposes only and is not from the hotel itself. It is meant to illustrate our review points. The main footage of real places and the hotel does not have 'stock footage' markings. โญ For any copyright inquiries, please contact us at qurtu123@gmail.com Disclaimer: Some information may be outdated or incorrect. Please do your own research before making cruise reservations. Disclaimer: All links in the video description are affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.