Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $308
Ship comparison
Explorer of the Seas vs Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Viva
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $369
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Norwegian Viva is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,223 passengers, in service since 2023.
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want a better-rated spa and gym, better-rated entertainment or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Viva for spa & fitness (9.0 vs 7.0), entertainment (7.6 vs 6.0) and cultural (7.5 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Viva if you want a newer ship, better-rated dining or more adventure and nature: it outscores Explorer of the Seas for dining (7.0 vs 6.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2023 (vs 2000).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Explorer of the Seas | Norwegian Viva | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2000 | 2023 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 137,308 | 142,500 |
| Passengers | 3,114 | 3,223 |
| Crew | 1,185 | 1,506 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.1 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.1 | 44.2 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 20 |
| Length | 1,020 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 157 ft | 133 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 68 | 36 |
| Upcoming sailings | 106 | 110 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 3 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $308 (better) | $369 |
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, Norwegian Viva on 4, with 2 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
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Viva
The 3,223-passenger Norwegian Viva debuted in July 2023 and sails the Greek Isles and Mediterranean in spring to fall and Caribbean itineraries in winter.
Sailing now
36 cruises on sale, from $369.
Questions
Explorer of the Seas or Norwegian Viva?
Which is bigger, Explorer of the Seas or Norwegian Viva?
Norwegian Viva is bigger at 142,500 gross tons, against 137,308 gross tons for Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Norwegian Viva carries 3,223.
Which ship is newer, Explorer of the Seas or Norwegian Viva?
Norwegian Viva is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2023 against 2000 for Explorer of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Viva, with 44.2 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?
Norwegian Viva, with one crew member for every 2.1 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Explorer of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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