Cruiseable Plan my cruise

Ship comparison

Explorer of the Seas vs Voyager of the Seas

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Explorer of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2000. Voyager of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 1999.

Choose Explorer of the Seas if you want more of a party: it outscores Voyager of the Seas for party (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose Voyager of the Seas if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $229 (vs $308).

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Explorer of the SeasVoyager of the Seas
Cruise line Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2000 (better) 1999
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2015 (better) 2013
Gross tonnage 137,308 137,276
Passengers 3,114 3,114
Crew 1,185 1,176
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.6 2.6
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 44.1 44.1
Decks 15 15
Length 1,020 ft 1,020 ft
Beam 157 ft 127 ft
Speed 27 mph 27 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 68 39
Upcoming sailings 106 97
Cruise lengths 4 to 14 nights 2 to 25 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $308 $229 (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 4 of the ten, Voyager of the Seas on 1, with 5 level.

  • Active Explorer of the Seas: 7.0 Voyager of the Seas: 7.5
  • Adventure & nature Explorer of the Seas: 4.0 Voyager of the Seas: 4.0
  • Cultural Explorer of the Seas: 7.5 Voyager of the Seas: 7.5
  • Dining Explorer of the Seas: 6.0 Voyager of the Seas: 5.6
  • Entertainment Explorer of the Seas: 7.6 Voyager of the Seas: 7.5
  • Family friendly Explorer of the Seas: 9.0 Voyager of the Seas: 8.5
  • Party Explorer of the Seas: 6.0 Voyager of the Seas: 5.0
  • Romantic Explorer of the Seas: 6.5 Voyager of the Seas: 6.5
  • Spa & fitness Explorer of the Seas: 9.0 Voyager of the Seas: 9.0
  • Staterooms Explorer of the Seas: 8.0 Voyager of the Seas: 8.0

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.

Royal Caribbean

Voyager of the Seas

Voyager of the Seas has several of Royal Caribbean's iconic features for cruise passengers to enjoy. Conquer the rock-climbing wall, or find your adventure on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course. If it's zen you seek, achieve it poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa.

Highlights

  • Spa treatments at the Vitality Spa
  • DreamWorks experience for kids to meet and greet with characters
  • Solarium, an adults-only retreat
  • Rock-climbing wall and basketball court

Sailing now

39 cruises on sale, from $229.

Questions

Explorer of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas?

Which is bigger, Explorer of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas?

Explorer of the Seas is bigger at 137,308 gross tons, against 137,276 gross tons for Voyager of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Voyager of the Seas carries 3,114.

Which ship is newer, Explorer of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas?

Explorer of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2000 against 1999 for Voyager of the Seas.

Which has more space per passenger?

They are level at 44.1 gross tons per passenger.

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 8.5 for Voyager 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, Voyager of the Seas or a ship that suits you better.

Plan my cruise

Compare different ships