Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 62
- From
- $308
Ship comparison
Explorer of the Seas vs Independence of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
- Cruises
- 48
- From
- $406
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008.
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship, a more romantic trip or more culture: it outscores Independence of the Seas for family friendly (9.0 vs 6.5), romantic (6.5 vs 4.0) and cultural (7.5 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Independence of the Seas if you want a newer ship or a more active cruise: it outscores Explorer of the Seas for active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2008 (vs 2000).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Explorer of the Seas | Independence of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2000 | 2008 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2018 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 137,308 | 160,000 |
| Passengers | 3,114 | 3,634 |
| Crew | 1,185 | 1,360 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 (better) | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.1 (better) | 44.0 |
| Decks | 15 | 18 |
| Length | 1,020 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 157 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 62 | 48 |
| Upcoming sailings | 84 | 80 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–14 nights | 4–10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $308 (better) | $406 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Explorer of the Seas leads on 4 of the ten, Independence of the Seas on 3, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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
62 cruises on sale, from $308.
About Explorer of the Seas Plan my cruise on Explorer of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
Meet Independence of the Seas, packed with a long list of onboard activities typical of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class of ships. Highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, and more.
Highlights
- Relaxing spa treatments at Vitality Spa
- Four pools in adults-only Solarium
- 30 types of cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
Sailing now
48 cruises on sale, from $406.
About Independence of the Seas Plan my cruise on Independence of the Seas
Questions
Explorer of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Explorer of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 137,308 gross tons for Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Independence of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Explorer of the Seas or Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2008 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 44.0 on Independence of the Seas. 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 Independence of the Seas.
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 6.5 for Independence of the Seas.
Still deciding?
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