Royal Caribbean - Explorer of the Seas (pre-cruise draft)
Voyager Class / 4290 Passengers / Maiden Voyage: 2000 / Revitalized in 2023
Ports: Port Canaveral, Ponta Delgada (Azores/Portugal); Seville Spain; Malaga Spain; Cartagena Spain; Palma De Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona
April 23 - May 7, 2026 (Spain & Portugal Transatlantic)
Cabin: 3250 - Oceanview Window (unless we upgrade)
Crowded? Kid-friendly?
Entertainment (Update: following from early 2026)
- Every ship has something for everyone. The Explorer of the Seas offered Production Shows (Invitation to Dance), Orchestral music, and an Ice Spectacular - which is a favorite. (We’ve seen ice shows on at least 3-4 ships and don’t need to repeat often, but the Explorer ice show was new to us, and quite enjoyable. Yes, I’ve seen Olympic skaters do “more,” but these skaters were quite proficient, displaying skills and performing in tight quarters - and…remember…the ice surface is on a moving vessel!). As always, front row seating is recommended; arrive 20 minutes early.
- Crazy Quest is presented on the penultimate night of most RC cruises. We’ve seen a couple of these over the years. (You will have several warnings and adequate time to excuse yourself if you are sensitive to bawdy/blue jokes, or don’t care to see other people’s underwear thrown about.)
- Music - several musical venues feature solos, duos and small groups. Schedules change frequently, so you can’t show up in the same place each night and expect the same performer.
- Miscellaneous - game shows, Silent parties, Name that Tune, Belly Flop competitions, Karaoke, dance classes, onboard movies (poolside), and more.
Dining (also, see Tips)
- We enjoyed the Windjammer (buffet) .
- Check your Ship App for up-to-date venue hours; breakfast or lunch times vary between port and sea days.
Port Highlights
Would We Cruise the Explorer Again?
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