Princess Cruises
Emerald Princess
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $309
Ship comparison
Emerald Princess vs Explorer of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $308
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Emerald Princess is a large Princess Cruises ship carrying 3,082 passengers, in service since 2007. Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000.
Choose Emerald Princess if you want a newer ship or better-rated dining: it outscores Explorer of the Seas for dining (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2007 (vs 2000).
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want more space per passenger, a better-rated spa and gym or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Emerald Princess for spa & fitness (9.0 vs 8.0) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 44.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 36.6).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Emerald Princess | Explorer of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2007 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 112,847 | 137,308 |
| Passengers | 3,082 | 3,114 |
| Crew | 1,143 | 1,185 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.6 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 36.6 | 44.1 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 15 |
| Length | 952 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 118 ft | 157 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 27 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 68 | 68 |
| Upcoming sailings | 122 | 106 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 20 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $309 | $308 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Emerald Princess leads on 4 of the ten, Explorer of the Seas on 4, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Princess Cruises
Emerald Princess
Carrying about 3,080 guests, Emerald Princess is one of the largest ships in the Princess Cruises fleet. It offers nearly 900 balcony staterooms from which to take in the colorful sunrise over the ocean, or capture a breathtaking sunset sail-in to a romantic city like Venice.
Highlights
- Movies Under the Stars
- The Best Pizza at Sea as voted by USA Today
- One of the largest atriums in the fleet
- The Crown Grill American Steakhouse
Sailing now
68 cruises on sale, from $309.
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
Emerald Princess or Explorer of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Emerald Princess or Explorer of the Seas?
Explorer of the Seas is bigger at 137,308 gross tons, against 112,847 gross tons for Emerald Princess. Emerald Princess carries 3,082 passengers and Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Emerald Princess or Explorer of the Seas?
Emerald Princess is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 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 36.6 on Emerald Princess. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Explorer of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 2.7 on Emerald Princess.
Which is better for families?
Explorer of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Emerald Princess.
Still deciding?
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