Explorer of the Seas in 2026: Is This Old Ship Still Worth Booking?
Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.
Creator's Key Takeaways
Some things genuinely surprised me in a good way. Some things absolutely reminded me that this was an older ship.
The cabin was fine, but I would not book Explore expecting a modern room experience.
A ship can be missing the newest features and still be fun.
My final verdict is Explore of the Seas still worth booking in 2026. My answer is yes, but it is a price sensitive yes.
Creator's Tips & Advice
🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:
Questions This Creator Answers
Topics Covered
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 methodologyYouTube Video Description↓
Royal Caribbeans Explorer of the Seas launched in 2000, and in 2026, it's still sailing. But is this old ship still worth booking? 📺 More Explorer of the Seas Content: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDrzV_Rq0iTflh9EbhStR4gNB2HgflZj 🚢 NCL Getaway in 2026: Is It Still Worth Booking?:https://youtu.be/7ZMn1gmP2ZU In this video I cover what genuinely surprised me about sailing an older Royal Caribbean ship, where the age shows, and exactly who should (and should not) book Explorer of the Seas in 2026.Whether you are a first-time cruiser, a value-focused traveler, or someone comparing Explorer to newer Royal Caribbean ships like Oasis or Icon class, this breakdown will help you decide if this ship makes sense for your trip.What I cover: -What still works really well on Explorer of the Seas -Where the age shows the most (hint: the cabin) -What you give up compared to newer Royal Caribbean ships -What I actually appreciated about a simpler, classic cruise ship -The honest food situation on board -What I wish I knew before booking -Who should book Explorer in 2026, and who should look elsewhere LINKS & RESOURCES 🗺️ Book tours & excursions: https://www.viator.com/partner-shop/bradonboard 🗺️ 🇧🇸 Nassau Walking Tour (Viator): http://vi.me/oB2iv 👇 MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: 🔌 My cruise power favorites: USB-C and USB-A Charger Cube: https://amzn.to/3JSjLtg International Plug Adapter (Anker): https://amzn.to/4oTQfCk ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 1:06 Surprise #1: It Still Feels Like Royal Caribbean 2:16 Surprise #2: Where The Age Shows Most 3:40 Surprise #3: I Didn’t Miss the Newer Features as Much as I Expected 4:46 Surprise #4: Can The Simpler Ship Experience Actually Be Nice? 5:54 Surprise #5: Food Matters a Lot More on This Ship 6:54 What I Wish I Knew Before Booking 8:10 Who Should Book Explorer of the Seas And Who Should Skip It 9:20 My Final Verdict ------------------------------------------------------------- 🧳 Must-Have Cruise Essentials (most under $25): Casemate Waterproof Phone Pouch: https://amzn.to/3XjfoKU USB-C and USB-A Charger Cube: https://amzn.to/3JSjLtg International Plug Adapter (Anker): https://amzn.to/4oTQfCk Electronics Organizer Travel Case: https://amzn.to/4nIHMkg Magnetic Hooks for Cabin Walls (Heavy Duty): https://amzn.to/4oXwsSm Portable Lock box (Masterlock): https://amzn.to/4415b9E Rechargeable Fan: https://amzn.to/4849rYn Clothes Hamper: https://amzn.to/43n09Ed Downy Wrinkle Releaser: https://amzn.to/4qQ1cXi Shoulder Bag: https://amzn.to/4846VkU Magnetic Wallet: https://amzn.to/47O06CS Chacos Sandals: https://amzn.to/3LR69Pu Cruise Luggage Tags: *Celebrity: https://amzn.to/49DZlyI *Carnival and Seaborn: https://amzn.to/3JSuQdV *NCL: https://amzn.to/49HV6lI *Royal Caribbean: https://amzn.to/4osVf0O *Princess: https://amzn.to/3Lw2oPu *Holland America: https://amzn.to/3WLgr69 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 👉 My Current YouTube Gear List: Sony Alpha ZV-E10 Camera: https://amzn.to/4ouLrUf DJI Osmo Nano Camera: https://amzn.to/4qMIP5C Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti Nano USB Microphone: https://amzn.to/43YSEU6 Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit: https://amzn.to/43GAhDF Hollyland LARK A1 Wireless Microphone: https://amzn.to/3JJ1VJg NEEWER 9" LED Video Light Panel: https://amzn.to/4hRxLjx Aokeo AK-55 Desk Low Profile Adjustable Mic Boom: https://amzn.to/43SF04Z ---------------------------------------------------------------- ⚠️ This video is not sponsored, but the links above are affiliate links, which means anything you purchase may result in a small commission that goes towards supporting this channel.