Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $308
Ship comparison
Explorer of the Seas vs Mariner of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Mariner of the Seas
- Cruises
- 56
- From
- $463
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Mariner of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2003.
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or more of a party: it outscores Mariner of the Seas for family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) and party (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $308 (vs $463).
Choose Mariner of the Seas if you want better-rated staterooms: it outscores Explorer of the Seas for staterooms (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Explorer of the Seas | Mariner of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2000 | 2003 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2018 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 137,308 | 138,279 |
| Passengers | 3,114 | 3,114 |
| Crew | 1,185 | 1,185 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.1 | 44.4 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 15 |
| Length | 1,020 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 157 ft | 157 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 10 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 68 | 56 |
| Upcoming sailings | 106 | 93 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 6 to 17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $308 (better) | $463 |
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, Mariner of the Seas on 2, with 4 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
68 cruises on sale, from $308.
About Explorer of the Seas Plan my cruise on Explorer of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Mariner of the Seas
The newly amplified Mariner of the Seas from Royal Caribbean underwent a $120 million refurbishment in 2018 — and the enhancements remain eye-catching. Many of the renovations involve new features to attract families and younger cruisers.
Highlights
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- The Bamboo Room delivers top-notch Polynesian-inspired cocktails
- The Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade serves up a wide selection of beers and pub favorites like chicken wings and nachos
- Spa treatments in the Vitality Spa
Sailing now
56 cruises on sale, from $463.
About Mariner of the Seas Plan my cruise on Mariner of the Seas
Questions
Explorer of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Explorer of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas?
Mariner of the Seas is bigger at 138,279 gross tons, against 137,308 gross tons for Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Mariner of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Explorer of the Seas or Mariner of the Seas?
Mariner of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2003 against 2000 for Explorer of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Mariner of the Seas, with 44.4 gross tons per passenger against 44.1 on Explorer of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers.
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 Mariner of the Seas.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Explorer of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas or a ship that suits you better.