Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $308
Ship comparison
Explorer of the Seas vs Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Navigator of the Seas
- Cruises
- 27
- From
- $301
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Navigator of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want more culture, a more romantic trip or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Navigator of the Seas for cultural (7.5 vs 4.0), romantic (6.5 vs 4.0) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Navigator of the Seas if you want a more active cruise: it outscores Explorer of the Seas for active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Explorer of the Seas | Navigator of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2000 | 2002 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2019 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 137,308 | 138,000 |
| 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 | 44.3 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 15 |
| Length | 1,020 ft | 1,020 ft |
| Beam | 157 ft | 157 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 68 | 27 |
| Upcoming sailings | 106 | 109 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 2 to 17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $308 | $301 (better) |
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 6 of the ten, Navigator of the Seas on 1, 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
68 cruises on sale, from $308.
About Explorer of the Seas Plan my cruise on Explorer of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Navigator of the Seas
As the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class, the 3,114-passenger Navigator of the Seas has plenty to offer. Refurbished in 2019, the ship features the longest waterslide at sea, a revamped pool area, new nightlife venues and updated dining options. The best way to enjoy this ship is to take advantage of the amenities.
Highlights
- Duty-free shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Recreational facilities such as the ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall
- More than 100 treatments at Vitality Spa
- Solarium pool, an adults-only retreat
Sailing now
27 cruises on sale, from $301.
About Navigator of the Seas Plan my cruise on Navigator of the Seas
Questions
Explorer of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Explorer of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas?
Navigator of the Seas is bigger at 138,000 gross tons, against 137,308 gross tons for Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Navigator of the Seas carries 3,114.
Which ship is newer, Explorer of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas?
Navigator of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 2000 for Explorer of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Navigator of the Seas, with 44.3 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 Navigator of the Seas.
Still deciding?
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