P&O Cruises
Azura
- Cruises
- 179
- From
- $603
Ship comparison
Azura vs Explorer of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $308
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Azura is a large P&O Cruises ship carrying 3,100 passengers, in service since 2010. Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Azura has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Azura if you want a newer ship or more cruises to choose from: its maiden voyage was in 2010 (vs 2000) and it has 179 cruises on sale (vs 68).
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want a lower starting fare or more space per passenger: its cruises start from $308 (vs $603) and it has 44.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 37.1).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Azura | Explorer of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | P&O Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2010 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 115,055 | 137,308 |
| Passengers | 3,100 | 3,114 |
| Crew | — | 1,185 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | — | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.1 | 44.1 (better) |
| Decks | — | 15 |
| Length | 950 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 118 ft | 157 ft |
| Speed | — | 27 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 179 | 68 |
| Upcoming sailings | 356 | 106 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 27 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $603 | $308 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Azura has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
P&O Cruises
Azura
Sailing now
179 cruises on sale, from $603.
Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
Is it adventure you seek or a restful retreat from life on land? Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas is home to an array of innovations that give you whatever type of vacation you desire. Climb a rock wall that overlooks the sea, or find your adventure on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course.
Highlights
- In-line skating tracks at the onboard ice skating rink
- Visiting Royal Caribbean's private beach resort, Labadee, in Haiti
- Playing basketball on the basketball court
- Adults-only swimming at Solarium
Sailing now
68 cruises on sale, from $308.
About Explorer of the Seas Plan my cruise on Explorer of the Seas
Questions
Azura or Explorer of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Azura or Explorer of the Seas?
Explorer of the Seas is bigger at 137,308 gross tons, against 115,055 gross tons for Azura. Azura carries 3,100 passengers and Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Azura or Explorer of the Seas?
Azura is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2000 for Explorer of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Explorer of the Seas, with 44.1 gross tons per passenger against 37.1 on Azura. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Still deciding?
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