Cruise & Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Announces Details for Explorer of the Seas Overhaul

Image: PHOTO: Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. (photo via Flickr /  Hugh Llewelyn)
Image: PHOTO: Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. (photo via Flickr / Hugh Llewelyn)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:55 AM ET, Wed September 25, 2019

Royal Caribbean released details of the upcoming $110 million amplification of Explorer of the Seas, which is scheduled to set sail with her new look in summer 2020.

Starting on May 7, 2020, the overhauled ship will offer seven- and nine-night itineraries to the best of Italy and the Greek isles, from Santorini to Mykonos and Crete.

After its European sailings, Explorer of the Seas will set course for the Caribbean for an array of five- and nine-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean voyages.

As part of the amplification, Explorer of the Seas added several new experiences, including The Perfect Storm waterslides, a reimagined poolscape, The Lime & Coconut poolside bar and more.

The new features complement the existing attractions like the FlowRider surf simulator and a Sports Court with basketball, rock climbing and mini-golf.

For the foodies on board, guests can savor flavors from around the world thanks to new venues added to the ship, such as Giovanni's Italian Kitchen, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Johnny Rockets Express and a standalone Starbucks.

Other restaurants already on the vessel include Izumi, Chops Grille American steakhouse, Boleros Latin lounge, Schooner Bar and more.

Other entertainment options added to Explorer of the Seas include glow-in-the-dark laser tag debuting in Studio B (which also doubles as an ice-skating rink), the overhauled Adventure Ocean program for younger guests and an exclusive teens hangout with a private outdoor deck and the latest in movies, gaming and music.

The overhaul is part of Royal Caribbean's investment of more than $1 billion across 10 ships in four years, dubbed the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...