Another Royal Caribbean Ship to Receive a Massive Renovation

Next year, Royal Caribbean will be giving the Royal Amplification treatment to another one of their ships. Explorer of the Seas will be receiving a $110 million renovation ahead of her 2020 eastern Mediterranean season, with sailings from Rome starting on May 7.

Upper Deck Additions

New amenities will be added to the top decks on the ship, joining the existing FlowRider surfing simulator, a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, and a sports court complete with basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

• The Perfect Storm duo of waterslides, popular on other ships, will be adding to the fun on Explorer of the Seas. Riders can race each other through three stories of twists and turns on the slides, called Cyclone and Typhoon. 
• The main pool will receive a new island-inspired, resort-style makeover complete with daybeds, casitas, hammocks, and in-pool loungers. The ship’s Solarium will also be updated. 
• The Lime & Coconut is Royal Caribbean’s signature poolside bar, and the three-level venue will include live music, tropical cocktails, and the best views both of the fun onboard, and the scenery beyond the ship from the rooftop deck. 

Culinary Choices

The restaurant and bar offerings will be expanded on Explorer as well, joining the Asian cuisine restaurant Izumi, Chops Grille steakhouse, Boleros Latin lounge, the Schooner Bar, and more.

• Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is a fresh take on Royal’s signature Italian restaurant, Giovanni’s Table. This reimagined trattoria welcomes diners to a casual setting, serving classics with a modern flair. Charcuterie boards, hand-tossed pizzas made to order, and wines and limoncellos from well-known regions in Italy are some of what’s on offer there. 
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is the ship’s high-energy sports bar, boasting 52 TVs. A menu of bar food favorites with a twist will be available, as well as ice-cold beer, arcade games, trivia, tournaments, and pool. 
• Johnny Rockets Express will be poolside on Explorer of the Seas, offering classic favorites as well as spiked shakes. 
• A Starbucks will offer its signature menu of drinks and pastries. 

More Ways to Play

The entertainment and activities will be kicked up a notch on Explorer of the Seas. Highlights include:

• Glow-in-the-dark laser tag debuts in Studio B, the venue that doubles as an ice-skating rink both for guest use and for stunning show performances. The latest Royal Caribbean challenge, Clash for the Crystal City, will bring two clans - the Yetis and Snowshifters - head to head in a faceoff to escape extinction. 
• The new Adventure Ocean kids’ club will receive a major makeover, introducing an open layout with whimsical and immersive activities. Kids 6 to 12 can choose their own adventure, while babies and 3 to 5 year olds will enjoy specially designed spaces for each age group.
• The exclusive teens hangout will sport a whole new look and features, including the latest in movies, gaming, and music, as well as the addition of a private outdoor deck.

During her time in the eastern Mediterranean, Explorer will be joined by the reimagined Allure of the Seas which will be cruising the western Mediterranean from Barcelona. Once Explorer finishes her season in Europe, she will head to the Caribbean for 5 to 9-night eastern and southern Caribbean sailings from Miami, including visits to Royal’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Explorer of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Voyager class to be transformed as part of the line’s Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort. The program involves an investment of over $1 billion across 10 ships in four years.