Explorer of the Seas, which entered service in 2000, is the second Voyager-class ship. She is about 137,308 GT and 1,020 feet long, with a typical capacity around 3,114 guests (double occupancy) and up to 3,938 at full occupancy. Explorer shares the revolutionary features of Voyager: the Royal Promenade, ice rink, rock wall, etc., and added her own touches – for instance, an onboard atmospheric and oceanographic lab (as part of a University partnership) was installed in her early years. Explorer has been a workhorse, serving in the Caribbean and elsewhere. A planned 2020 amplification was postponed due to global events, but the ship did receive some upgrades recently. In a 2023 drydock, Explorer of the Seas was retrofitted with dual Perfect Storm water slides (racer slides) on her top deck. She continues to offer beloved activities like basketball, mini-golf, ice shows, and the Promenade street parties. Explorer’s design features a grand three-story dining room and venues like the Aquarium Bar (with large fish tanks). She offers a classic cruising atmosphere with new splashes of fun from her latest upgrades.
Unique features:
Science at sea: Uniquely, Explorer originally housed a “FlowRider” prototype? (No, it was Voyager that tested Dynamic Positioning) – actually, Explorer is known for a built-in science lab (Ocean Lab) that collected ocean data during voyages for research, a feature not present on other ships. This made Explorer of the Seas a floating science platform in her early career.
Postponed amplification with partial upgrades: While a full amplification was delayed, Explorer did get twin racer water slides in 2023, enhancing her top-deck fun. She was intended to receive a host of amplified features (like a revamped pool deck, new restaurants, laser tag); as of 2025, only the slides and some technical updates have been implemented. This makes her a bit of a hybrid: mostly classic Voyager-class styling with a few modern thrills now aboard.
Last major drydock/update: March 2023 – Underwent a drydock in Cádiz, Spain, focused on maintenance but added two “Perfect Storm” water slides on the aft deck. These racer slides (Cyclone and Typhoon) were part of the originally planned amplification. Other Amplification features (like updated dining venues and a refreshed pool deck) were not installed, meaning the 2015 refurbishment (which was more minor) was previously her last big update. The 2023 addition of water slides is the most significant leisure upgrade Explorer has seen in recent years.
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Chef's Table Menu
Restaurant: Chef's Table
Date Uploaded: April 11, 2025
Cost:$
An exclusive, intimate dining experience featuring a multi-course gourmet meal paired with fine wines, guided by the ship's Chef de Cuisine.