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Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas Deck Plans & Reviews

Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas

Activities & entertainment

• CruiseCritic Meet and Mingle
• Dance Classes
• Dance Parties
• Explorer Dunes
• Fitness Classes *
• Hot Tubs (6)
• RC Online *
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Running Track
• Scavenger Hunts
• SeaTrek Dive Shop *
• Sports Court
• Sports Tournament
• Video Arcade *
• Vitality At Sea Fitness Center
• Vitality At Sea Spa *
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides
• Adventure Ocean
• Optix Teen Disco
• Outdoor Youth Area
• Casino Royale *
• Deck Parties
• Demonstrations
• Game Broadcasts
• Outdoor Screen
• Poolside Movies
• Royal Promenade
• Star Lounge
• The Palace Theatre
• Wellness Lectures
• Sapphire Dining Room - American
• Izumi - Asian *
• R Bar - Atrium Bar *
• Windjammer - Casual
• Johnny Rockets - Fast Food *
• Crown & Kettle Pub - Gastropub *
• Ice Cream Parlor - Ice Cream *
• Viking Crown Lounge - Iconic Bar
• Giovanni's Table - italian *
• Dizzy's - Martini Bar *
• Schooner Bar - Nautical bar *
• Café Promenade - pastries *
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Sky Bar - Pool Bar *
• Solarium Bar - Pool Bar *
• Connoisseur Club - Spirits *
• The Tavern - Sports Bar *
• Chops Grille - Steakhouse *

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• Excellent 47
• Very Good 37
• Terrible 31
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• English ( 152 )
• Italian ( 5 )
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All about the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas was built in 2000. It was renovated in 2023. It's considered a medium size ship. Coming in at 1,020 ft long and 157 ft wide, it's roughly the length of 2.8 football fields, as wide as 3 tractor trailers, and the same height as a 14-story building.

Explorer of the Seas Overview

• Ship and Passengers
• Food and Restaurants
• Bars and Drinks
• Pools and Hot Tubs
• Ship Features and Activities

Cruise Costs

• Onboard Costs

Explorer of the Seas Size and Passengers

The Explorer of the Seas can hold 3,286 based on double occupancy (two people per room) and more when you take into account 3rd and 4th passengers. When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, the Explorer of the Seas has a space ratio of 42. Depending on the ship, this number can range from 30 to 52 (with a bigger number meaning more space per person) so this ship's space-to-person ratio is about average.

The Explorer of the Seas is one of five Voyager-class ships currently sailing with Royal Caribbean. The Voyager-class ships were the first to introduce the Royal Promenade, a large central hub that runs through the middle of the ship, offering shopping, restaurants, bars, and activities. It also saw the introduction of the Studio B Ice Skating Rink and a climbing wall onboard. The Explorer of the Seas is very similar to its sister-ships; Voyager of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, although each ship may have some differences.

Explorer of the Seas Food and Restaurants

Food is a big part of any cruise, and there will plenty on the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas. You have 9 different dining options to choose from. Of those options, 3 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 6 options have an additional fee. Some of those options are a set price and some have a la cart menu pricing. Only 33% of the dining options are included meaning you might spend more while on the ship due to the additional fees.

Explorer of the Seas Bars and Drinks

Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas has 10 different bars and lounges where you can enjoy a beer or cocktail.

Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Royal Caribbean also serves the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship. Most Royal Caribbean ships also have Coke Freestyle machines where you can make 100 different flavor combinations.

Pools and Hot Tubs on Explorer of the Seas

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day in a pool, a cruise might not be the right choice. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas has a total of 3 pools and 6 hot tubs.

Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are adults only.

Cruise Coloring and Activity Books for Kids Get your kids ready for their cruise or keep them entertained while on board with our custom made coloring and activity books. These are the Royal Caribbean editions with places like Studio B and Sorrento's featured.

Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids 3-5 - Royal Caribbean Edition

Let's Get Cruising Activity Book for Kids 6-8 - Royal Caribbean Edition

Explorer of the Seas Features and Activities

There are quite a few things to do on the Explorer of the Seas. These are the main amenities that are available. Some are included in the cost of the cruise, while others have an additional charge.

Royal Caribbean is a mainstream cruise line. Mainstream cruise lines cater to a variety of guests, hoping to provide something for everyone. These typically cost about $100 - $350 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year.

Explorer of the Seas Onboard Costs

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per sailing. The daily gratuities and tip are consistent across the fleet, but the pricing for the drink package, internet, and excursions will change. The only way to know your price is to consult the Royal Caribbean cruise planner once you're booked.

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ALL ISLED UP

Explorer of the seas.

Put thrilling adventures back on your radar onboard the wow-worthy Explorer of the Seas®.

Put thrilling adventure on your radar onboard the wow-worthy Explorer of the Seas®. Discover endless ways to max out memories with fleet favourites like the FlowRider®* surf simulator, Rock Climbing Wall and The Perfect Storm℠ – the boldest waterslide duo at sea. And sit down to jaw-dropping ice-skating spectaculars and dazzling world-class entertainment night after night. Sail on your most legendary journey with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers.

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EXPLORE MORE BETWEEN SHORES

This is not your average holiday. This is adventure in a bold new light – on the fleet-favourite Explorer of the Seas®. Soak up the sunshine and chill-out vibes at the adults-only Solarium. Indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at Giovanni’s Table. Then catch a jaw-dropping original production in the Main Theatre, or dance the night away at Club Twenty. On this ship, there’s no wrong way to do your holiday. 

ENDLESS THRILLS ON DECK

Surf sessions on the FlowRider®*? Double check. An adults-only pool deck that’s perfect for lounging the day away? Triple check. And get your adrenaline fix on twin racers Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠ – part of The Perfect Storm℠.

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

DIALLED-UP DINING

No matter what flavours you’re craving – from Tuscan-inspired eats at Giovanni’s℠ Table and Far East flavours at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, to delicious deli-style sandwiches, decadent deserts and late-night bites at Café Promenade – indulging is easy onboard Explorer of the Seas®.

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

DATE NIGHT DONE PROPERLY

Cap off each date night with an incredible show at the Main Theatre, followed by live piano and a pint of your favourite brew at the Schooner Bar. Then, brush up on your salsa skills at Boleros or join the non-stop action at Casino Royale℠. On Explorer of the Seas®, the adventure continues after-hours.

EXPLORE BARS & NIGHTLIFE

NON-STOP ISLE HOP IN THE MED OR THE CARIBBEAN

Scope out Mediterranean gems like Athens , Capri and beyond on an epic European holiday. Or soak up sun-filled days in the ABC islands – considered some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful shores .

VIEWS TO GREEK OUT OVER

Depart from  Venice (Ravenna) and wander through the winding streets of Mykonos, fuel your competitive spirit in Olympia and savour memorable Mediterranean flavours in Naples. Plus, mix up your Greek getaway with a visit to breathtaking Croatia onboard Explorer of the Seas®.

EXPLORE GREECE & GREEK ISLES CRUISES

TAKE ON THE TROPICS FROM MIAMI

If you’re sailing from  Miami , you’ll have plenty of opportunities to savour The Magic City's melting pot of cultures, Art Deco architecture and lively beaches before of or after your cruise. Once you’re onboard, get ready to explore southern Caribbean gems like flamingo-filled Bonaire , Aruba’s rugged coast , and Curaçao’s spectacular beaches .

EXPLORE CARIBBEAN CRUISES

EXPLORE MORE

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Explorer of the Seas Decks and Cabins

• Click here for ALL
• Promenade View Interior
• Spacious Oceanview
• Ultra Spacious Oceanview
• Panoramic Oceanview
• Spacious Balcony
• Panoramic Suite
• Junior Suite
• Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom
• Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom
• Owners Suite
• Royal Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2000, the Explorer of the Seas cruise ship weighs 138K tons and has 1641 staterooms for up to 3938 passengers served by 1180 crew . There are 15 passenger decks, 8 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 35 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Explorer of the Seas showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Explorer of the Seas

Last Drydock: Mar 2023

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

ROYAL SUITE

Floor Diagram Royal Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 1 Cabins Cabin: 1087 sqft (102 m 2 ) Balcony: 217 sqft (20 m 2 )

Click for    

More Info [+/-]

Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, owners suite.

Floor Diagram Owners Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 8 Cabins Cabin: 559 sqft (53 m 2 ) Balcony: 90 sqft (8 m 2 )

GRAND SUITE - 2 BEDROOM

Floor Diagram Royal Family Suite

Sleeps up to: 8 4 Cabins Cabin: 561 sqft (53 m 2 ) Balcony: 246 sqft (23 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Important Size Information

Grand suite - 1 bedroom.

Floor Diagram Grand Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 22 Cabins Cabin: 349 sqft (33 m 2 ) Balcony: 100 sqft (9 m 2 )

JUNIOR SUITE

Floor Diagram Junior Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 78 Cabins Cabin: 264 sqft (25 m 2 ) Balcony: 75 sqft (7 m 2 )

 Accessible Info [+/-]

Panoramic suite.

Floor Diagram Panoramic Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 2 Cabins Cabin: 406 sqft (38 m 2 )

More diagrams of this cabin type

SPACIOUS BALCONY

Floor Diagram Superior Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 362 Cabins Cabin: 179 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 52 sqft (5 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Deluxe Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 290 Cabins Cabin: 164 sqft (15 m 2 ) Balcony: 51 sqft (5 m 2 )

PANORAMIC OCEANVIEW

Sleeps up to: 4 22 Cabins Cabin: 191 sqft (18 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

ULTRA SPACIOUS OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Family Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 6 8 Cabins Cabin: 265 sqft (25 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SPACIOUS OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Larger Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 20 Cabins Cabin: 178 sqft (17 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 182 Cabins Cabin: 160 sqft (15 m 2 )

PROMENADE VIEW INTERIOR

Floor Diagram Atrium Promenade View

Sleeps up to: 4 138 Cabins Cabin: 160 sqft (15 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Interior similar to category 4V

Sleeps up to: 4 504 Cabins Cabin: 150 sqft (14 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Explorer of the Seas Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Explorer of the Seas Quick Stats

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Explorer of the Seas Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• Explorer of the Seas DECK DRAG
• Explorer of the Seas Cabin Check

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Explorer Of The Seas

Royal caribbean.

• Year of built 2000
• Length (LOA) 311 m / 1020 ft
• Passengers 3938
• Destination ES PAM
• ETA May 6, 11:00
• Speed 19 kn / 35 km/h
• Temperature

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Cruise ships to visit Mackinac Island 47 times in 2024, here’s when to see them

• Updated: May. 03, 2024, 11:32 a.m. |
• Published: May. 02, 2024, 2:26 p.m.

The Viking Octantis was the first ship to call on Mackinac Island for the 2024 Great Lakes cruising season on Tuesday, April 30. The 665-foot ship anchored and brought passengers to shore by tender boat. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

• Justine Lofton | [email protected]

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - The 2024 cruise ship season is underway on Mackinac Island.

The first cruise passengers of the season stepped onto the island on Tuesday for a day visit, including a carriage tour and shopping. They came to shore by tender boat after the Viking Octantis anchored on Lake Huron.

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New cruise company explora journeys is a potent luxury contender.

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The Explora I cruise ship, built in 2023 for just 922 passengers, sails past downtown Manhattan.

The arrival of enormous ships, like the 7,000 passenger/3000 crew member Icon of the Seas, is an effective way to promote the cruise industry. But cruise companies are also launching smaller vessels designed to give passengers more individual attention, like the new EXPLORA I from Explora Journeys.

The EXPLORA I, launched in 2023, is a sleek 63,000-ton ship designed for just 922 passengers, each housed in an oceanfront suite. Another important number is 1.32 to 1. This represents the crew to passenger ratio, showing the line’s commitment to passenger service.

Ship staterooms start with the Ocean Terrace suites, at 377 square feet. They feature amenities such as a king bed, a chaise lounge day bed, and big glass doors that make it true ocean front view. Bathrooms include European walk-in showers, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. The ship also has some 67 penthouses from 462 to 763 square feet, and the Ocean Residences, from 750 square feet up to 1600 square feet.

The EXPLORA I has 12 bars and lounges, and 64 cabanas on deck for guests, with multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools. The spa has a dry sauna, a steam room, Himalayan salt treatments and more, for “the gift of ocean wellness,” which also includes workouts with free weights, 30-minute yoga classes, Pilates, and rowing machines.

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Explora Journeys, said to be the only major cruise line that’s privately owned, is part of the MSC Group. The Italian owners made their private yacht a model for the type of service they planned to deliver. EXPLORA Iis the first of a planned six ships, with EXPLORA II set to arrive in August 2024.

Along with many travel agents, a key market for Explora Journeys, I was invited on an introductory cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. Destinations enroute included San Francisco, Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Michelin-star awarded Chef Claude Le Tohic, and staff at Anthology Restaurant on Explorer I.

Focusing on luxury, Explora’s rates are all-inclusive, including gratuities, alcohol and its powerful Wi-Fi service. A handful of amenities, such as Anthology Restaurant, which features a rotating cast of Michelin-star chefs , have an additional price.

For the cruises themselves, the prices we found range from a ten-night journey from Barcelona to Barcelona for $3,835 (via Gibraltar, Seville, Madera, etc.) to a 44-night extravaganza “connecting continents” from Vancouver to Barcelona via the US West Coast, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean for $18,450.

The Explora experience began at the Port of Los Angeles, a warehouse-sized building reminiscent of a bus terminal. However, Explora Journeys made check-in fast and almost fun, with friendly representatives using data tablets to check us in at small tableclothed tables, rather than at the clerk’s counter.

The commitment to meeting passenger needs shows up everywhere, such as in the availability of 24-hour room service. The restaurants were uniformly excellent, and the fast elevators quickly whisked you from deck to deck. Yet after a couple of days, I really enjoyed taking breakfast in my cabin, eggs, waffles, pancakes, and vats of coffee.

EXPLORA I was full of such experiences. I watched a chanteuse descending the staircase into the grand Lounge Bar singing jazz standards. Later, I smoked a Winston Churchill Petit in the fragrant cigar lounge at midnight.

The grand Lobby Bar on Explora Journeys new cruise ship Explora I.

Explora Journeys is based in Geneva, so when I laid a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the blackjack table I was politely told to use my room card or change money at the cashier’s booth—euros only.

The friendly casino kept drawing me back. Of course, I ended up losing all my cash, but made $200 last the entire six -day cruise. The dealers seemed much more concerned if I was having a good time than those in Las Vegas.

The service was excellent, with barmen opening “closed” bars to pour drinks. Even when the crew didn’t fully understand a request, they gave it their all. In one lounge, I asked for a martini with blue cheese olives, aka ‘Maytag olives.” The server apparently rustled about the ship and returned with a small plate containing 4 ounces of blue cheese. I did not have the heart to tell him and instead, ate the evidence.

The ship has a well-equipped gym, but I also ran the marked jogging track on Deck 12 in my gray sweats in the wind, feeling like I was in CHARIOTS OF FIRE. I practiced hitting a pickleball over the net on the sports court and shot some 3-pointers.

Later, I sat in one of the EXPLORA I’s warm whirlpools directly overlooking the sea. The ship is said to have more water on board than any other.

The ship was so relaxing, in fact, that many passengers chose to stay on board during port days, taking advantage of massages and other services. Understood, as with cruising, the journey is really the destination.

A view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Marin Headlands in Sausalito, California, ... [+] United States on January 27, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But they missed out on Explora Journeys well-organized excursions. In San Francisco, I took a coach tour into Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge. The intrepid bus driver drove us safely over a zig-zagging road full of bicyclists to Muir Woods.

The guide told us about the history of the redwoods, how 95% of the old giants were cut down, and how they were saved at national parks like Muir Woods. Once we got there, he left us alone with our thoughts, to walk the easy trail and admire the trees.

The intrepid bus driver found a parking spot at the Marin Headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay for selfies of the Golden Gate Bridge. Memorably, we had sailed under the bridge on EXPLORA I’s journey into the city.

I particularly enjoyed the day we spent in Astoria, Oregon, a port city on the Columbia River where it flows into the Pacific. Founded in 1811, Astoria is a destination I might never have encountered if it were not for the cruise. Astoria got its name from wealthy New York entrepreneur John Jacob Astor, who monopolized the booming fur trade.

Our excursion brought us majestic views of the river dividing Oregon and Washington. We investigated the less-than-luxurious dwellings at the Lewis and Clark Fort where that expedition lived. At the Maritime Museum, we learned about the treacherous currents of the Columbia and the salmon cannery industry that once dominated the town.

Lunch at the Mediterranean Yacht Club with its fish, humus and other Mediterranean food was a treat. I enjoyed a great ribeye in Marble, the amazing steak restaurant on board. The fresh pizza on board was also great. Late at night, I thanked the servers who stayed open just for me, pouring a shot of Macallan before bed.

An Ocean Terrace Suite on the cruise ship Explora I. The entry-level suite is 374 square feet and ... [+] includes a terrace with a chaise lounge and a bathroom with heated floors.

The EXPLORA I makes a strong effort to keep the passengers entertained, with Broadway hits in the Journey Lounge, and individual performers in others. (I loved “Better Shape Up” from GREASE performed with just a guitar accompaniment). There are three Steinway pianos in different lounges. Explora also has alternate entertainment like silent discos, a tough trivia game, a cooking experience and “luminaries” on board to talk about various topics.

Cruise expert Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor at Cruise Critic , says, “Explora Journeys is an entry into the luxury cruise world. Backed by the private shipping company MSC, the line has the money and ambition to fine tune its product to attract those guests who might normally choose a high-end resort or hotel, as opposed to a cruise.”

Before launching Explora Journeys, the founders interviewed 20,000 luxury travelers and 250 travel advisors. Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, said the idea was to “build a ship that’s like a private yacht. An intimate ship, with many, many spaces.”

What resulted, said Austin, is something “that doesn’t feel like a cruise ship, it feels like a luxury boutique hotel.” In terms of onboard shopping, “We have Piaget, Cartier, Panerai and the only Rolex watch store at sea.”

According to Austin, just 4% of luxury travelers cruise. But “after 8 months of operating, we are seeing cruisers on second and third cruise.” He added, “There is no more stunning view than when you sail into a port, as opposed to catching a taxi from the airport. Ultimately, having 6 ships will allow us to discover the world together. We call it the Ocean State of Mind.”

The new cruise ship EXPLORA in the Mediterranean.

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A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

A Royal Caribbean International Alaska voyage became a cruise to nowhere over the weekend, with the line canceling the sailing after guests had already boarded.

The cruise line’s Radiance of the Seas ship experienced propulsion issues, forcing it to shorten and eventually scrap the weeklong itinerary, according to notices shared with guests. The sailing was originally set to depart from Vancouver on Friday.

Charlene Chong, who was on board with her husband, their 3-year and 11-month-old children, and her parents, said passengers were notified Saturday afternoon that the cruise was canceled. The 34-year-old teacher and her husband previously took a cruise for their honeymoon, but this marked their first trip with Royal Caribbean.

“My parents had wanted to go to Alaska for a really long time,” said Chong, who lives in Vancouver.

The cruise line warned guests several days before boarding that the ship had a “technical issue with its propulsion system,” according to an email sent to passengers that Chong shared with USA TODAY. The line later pushed the departure back by two days to allow more time for repairs.

Royal Caribbean said boarding would proceed as planned but that the terminal would close Friday evening due to U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules. Passengers would not be able to leave until the ship arrived at Icy Strait Point.

“We were going stir crazy a little bit,” said Chong.

Royal Caribbean gave guests onboard credit worth two days of their fare, a future cruise credit of the same amount, complimentary drinks and other compensation, another email said.

According to Chong, the ship sailed toward a nearby cargo port, but the captain announced Saturday afternoon that the sailing could not proceed and that guests would need to disembark by Sunday at 4 p.m. Chong said she and her family were “lucky” they were local, but she saw other guests scrambling to change their flights and find accommodations.

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

“We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events,” the cruise line said in a letter shared with guests. “We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruptions to your vacation.”

Royal Caribbean gave them their money back as onboard credit with any remaining amount refunded, increased their future cruise credit to 100% of their fare and kept its open-bar policy for the remaining time on board. The line also offered to reimburse trip change fees up to $250 for guests traveling domestically and $400 for international travel and additional reimbursements for hotel and transportation costs, among other compensation.

“Due to a technical issue, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 26 sailing," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in an emailed statement. "Guests will receive a full refund and 100% future cruise credit, and have been notified directly.” The spokesperson did not comment on the specifics of Chong's experience.

The ship will resume service for its May 3 sailing.

After they got home, Chong and her family booked a trip to Mexico instead – though her parents decided not to join as they were “a bit exhausted by the whole ordeal.” For now, she’s not inclined to use the future cruise credit. “I would like to go to Alaska,” she said. “I'm not sure if I want to go with them.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach him at [email protected].

Travel | Regent Seven Seas Grandeur builds on luxury of…

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Travel | hustle and effort help magic earn game 7 shot in cleveland, things to do, subscriber only, travel | regent seven seas grandeur builds on luxury of 2 sister cruise ships.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line. It debuted in late 2023 with several sailing dates in the Caribbean out of PortMiami, seen here during a cruise from Jan. 24-26, 2024. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

A Fabergé egg titled "Journey in Jewels" sits in the atrium on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

This bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture welcomes diners into the Pacific Rim restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The Compass Rose restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur was designed by Miami-based Studio DADO. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

Chef John Stephano leads a class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur on Jan. 25, 2024. The ship is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The ship’s features include the first Fabergé egg with a permanent home at sea. The blue-pearl-and-diamond sculpture titled “Journey in Jewels” is a small but commanding centerpiece rotating within its display case in the atrium for travelers to enjoy as soon as they step on board.

The egg is revealed as seven branches break away like waves that represent the Seven Seas. The ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé.

It’s part of a 1,600-piece art collection that includes classic black-and-white photos from global destinations adorning the hallways between cabins to the steakhouse’s original Picassos. Travelers could spend a good afternoon wandering hallways and public spaces, akin to visiting a museum. A new app for the line also offers a digital art tour, like a personal guide.

“With each new ship, our team works tirelessly to identify and source the most impressive array of art pieces, building a collection that would be enviable by most modern-day museums, to ensure our guests’ time onboard is as enriching and thought-provoking as their time on land,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises President Andrea DeMarco.

All three ships in the Explorer class are about 55,500 gross tons, with Grandeur sporting a 744-guest capacity among its all-suite offerings. The line has three older ships and just had two larger vessels ordered by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, but they are not due until 2026 and 2029.

Until then, the three sister ships continue the line’s most refined take on their global, all-inclusive itineraries, with both Splendor and Grandeur set to return to Miami for the 2024-25 winter Caribbean season.

The line has given all three Explorer-class ships a succession of superlative monikers. Seven Seas Grandeur was dubbed with “A Heritage of Perfection,” following Seven Seas Explorer’s “the most luxurious cruise ship ever” and Seven Seas Splendor’s “the ship that perfects luxury.”

With 548 crew, Grandeur boasts a 1:1.36 crew-to-passenger ratio similar to its two sisters, so needs among travelers are attended to promptly.

The ship’s interior spaces are crafted by Miami-based Studio DADO, which has put its mark on sister lines Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

That includes new takes on main dining venue Compass Rose, which DADO founding partner Yohandel Ruiz called “a feast for the eyes.”

It’s filled with fantastical tree-like arches right out of Alice in Wonderland with a cascading waterfall sculpture. At night, thousands of individually placed crystal-faceted leaves encrusted on pillars and branches illuminate the space.

The ship has five signature restaurants on board, including steakhouse Prime 7, Italian option Sette Mari at La Veranda, French offering Chartreuse and the latest version of Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, this time bringing a delicate bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture as the centerpiece at the entrance. It’s a welcome and fitting addition to the dragon and prayer wheel sculptures on its two sister ships.

The ship has 15 suite categories, all with their own balconies. The pinnacle of sailing options is the 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite at $11,000 a night. It features a $200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat with a personal sauna and steam room and 270-degree views from the ship’s bow from a 1,292-square-foot wraparound veranda. Those passengers get their own butler and personal car and driver in every port.

Some seven-night Miami-based sailings go for as low as $3,700 per person based on double occupancy.

For everyone on board is the spa with an infinity pool that looks out over the stern, fitness center, jogging track, casino, several lounges, card room, library and main pool. Top-deck fun includes pickleball, shuffleboard, mini golf and ping-pong.

A big draw to Regent is the mostly inclusive offerings, including free and unlimited shore excursions, round-trip flights, unlimited internet, prepaid gratuities, ground transfers and other amenities.

One of the best offerings on board, though, isn’t free. Back again is the Culinary Arts Kitchen, a staple borrowed from sister line Oceania Cruises, but a massively popular offering that lets 18 students create memorable dishes under the guidance of a chef team.

During a preview cruise for media in January out of PortMiami, the class was led by the amiable Chef John Stephano talking students through a pair of sample dishes – pasta al limone, which is lemon pasta, and French crêpes with an allspice berry ice cream, offered during what are normally two-hour-long classes twice per day on sailings.

“I promise you’re going to make delicious and delightful food,” he said but joked that “anybody that struggles with their culinary skills today, we’ll be sending you down to the galley to help us out.”

Stephano deftly demonstrates and drops bits of history and detail during the demonstration with students gathered around, who then go one of the 18 individual stations equipped with induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks and a collection of tools, tongs, pots and pans, while he and assistant chefs make the rounds to ensure everyone is figuring out the steps.

The course options vary per cruise pulling from nearly 50 curated thematic class titles such as “1493: The Foodies’ New World,” “Familia Cubana” and “Flip-Flop Floribbean.” Classes are an extra $89, which is about the only extra-cost feature on a Regent sailing. They are often themed to the location where the ships sail.

The culinary team also has a hand in creating some of the unique excursions, which then pair up with some of the classes.

Grandeur just finished out its first run about the Caribbean during mostly sold-out itineraries from PortMiami and is now amid a set of Mediterranean voyages for summer 2024. It will then make its way to New York for fall color itineraries of Canada and New England in September and October and then return to Miami to begin the winter Caribbean sailing season into 2025.

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

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