Royal Caribbean
Explorer of the Seas
- Cruises
- 62
- From
- $308
Ship comparison
Explorer of the Seas vs Royal Princess
Princess Cruises
Royal Princess
- Cruises
- 59
- From
- $304
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Royal Princess is a large Princess Cruises ship carrying 3,560 passengers, in service since 2013.
Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores Royal Princess for family friendly (9.0 vs 7.8) and spa & fitness (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Royal Princess if you want a newer ship, better-rated staterooms or a more romantic trip: it outscores Explorer of the Seas for staterooms (10.0 vs 8.0) and romantic (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2013 (vs 2000).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Explorer of the Seas | Royal Princess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Princess Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2000 | 2013 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 137,308 | 142,229 |
| Passengers | 3,114 | 3,560 |
| Crew | 1,185 | 1,200 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 (better) | 3.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.1 (better) | 40.0 |
| Decks | 15 | 19 |
| Length | 1,020 ft | 1,083 ft |
| Beam | 157 ft | 126 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 62 | 59 |
| Upcoming sailings | 84 | 100 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–14 nights | 3–36 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $308 | $304 (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 2 of the ten, Royal Princess on 5, 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
Princess Cruises
Royal Princess
Royal Princess remains one of the jewels of the Princess Cruises line. Features include an expanded atrium with additional entertainment and casual dining options, a top deck pool with a water and light show, an enhanced Movies Under the Stars screen and the new SeaWalk with views 128 feet straight down.
Highlights
- Balconies on all outside staterooms
- Expanded atrium with additional entertainment and casual dining options
- Uper-deck pool exclusively for adults, featuring plush private cabanas
- The SeaWalk & SeaView Bar — a first-of-its-kind enclosed walkway extending from the ships top deck and a port side cantilevered bar, each with glass floors and sweeping ocean views
Sailing now
59 cruises on sale, from $304.
Questions
Explorer of the Seas or Royal Princess?
Which is bigger, Explorer of the Seas or Royal Princess?
Royal Princess is bigger at 142,229 gross tons, against 137,308 gross tons for Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Royal Princess carries 3,560.
Which ship is newer, Explorer of the Seas or Royal Princess?
Royal Princess is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 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 40.0 on Royal 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 3.0 on Royal 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 7.8 for Royal Princess.
Still deciding?
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