Explorer of the Seas Celebrates 25 Years with Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas Celebrates 25 Years of Cruising
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Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas just hit a major milestone. The ship completed its 25th year of service this month. That’s a quarter-century of taking guests on amazing vacations around the world.
A Record-Breaking Start
The Explorer of the Seas made history from day one. Built in Finland, the massive ship weighs 142,000 tons. Royal Caribbean took delivery on September 28, 2000.
Back then, this ship was the biggest cruise ship in the world. It could carry over 3,000 guests when fully booked. The Explorer was the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class.
A Star-Studded Launch
After arriving in the United States, the ship had its official naming ceremony. This special event happened on October 21, 2000, in New York City. Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee served as the ship’s godmother during the ceremony.
The Explorer then sailed to Miami to start its first season. The ship offered week-long cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas. These destinations remain popular with cruise guests today.
Science Meets Cruising
The Explorer of the Seas had something unique onboard. The ship featured a research laboratory that worked with the University of Miami and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. This Ocean Lab Program collected important data about the ocean and weather.
The program did more than just research. It gave cruise guests a chance to see real science in action. Over 80,000 passengers toured the research labs before the program ended in 2008.
Where You Can Sail Today
The Explorer is getting ready for some updates. The ship will enter drydock this fall for maintenance and improvements. Right now, it’s finishing up a summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The ship has been sailing from Ravenna, Italy. Guests can visit amazing places like Croatia and Greece. These itineraries show off some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.
Coming to Florida This Winter
Starting in early November, the Explorer moves to Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will offer shorter cruises perfect for quick getaways. These four- and five-night trips head to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
The highlight of these cruises is Perfect Day at CocoCay. This is Royal Caribbean’s private island paradise. Guests can also visit popular ports like Nassau, Freeport, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Turk, and Puerto Plata.
A Quarter-Century of Memories
Twenty-five years is a long time in the cruise world. The Explorer of the Seas has carried millions of guests to their dream destinations. From families taking their first cruise to seasoned travelers exploring new ports, this ship has created countless memories.
The Explorer proves that some ships just get better with age. After 25 years, it’s still delivering the vacation experiences Royal Caribbean is known for. Here’s to many more years of adventure on the high seas.
